The Ghosts of Eden Park (Karen Abbott)


 Similar to the books by Candice Millard, and Shackleton's Stowaway, this one tells the true story of George Remus "the bootleg king." After explaining his upbringing it describes his success as a bootlegger during prohibition in the United States. Other historical figures in the book include Imogene Remus (his lovely but mercurial wife), Mabel Willebrandt (assistant U.S. attorney general), and J. Edgar Hoover (former FBI director, although he is not the director for all of the book).


The beginning is intriguing. The middle a bit boring, then the end is intriguing again. Actually, the ending is straight up ridiculous. Here I refer to the legal activity after the murder. If you enjoy intense legal battles, this book is for you. If you enjoy reading about women in history this book is for you. If you want to learn about a charismatic and possible crazy (is he? or not?) bootlegger, this book is for you.


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