Scarface: The Beginning (v. 1) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "What the hell was he doing?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Tony Montana, Miguel Rodriguez, Enrico Estevez (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Scarface, aka Tony Montana, has held an iconic status in the American psyche ever since Al Pacino portrayed him in Oliver Stone's classic movie in 1983. The Cuban exile who became a bloody mobster has remained an enduring, controversial character, and Scarface: Book 1 provides a new glimpse into this tragic life. The first of two novels on Montana, Book 1 explores the gangster's life in Cuba, revealing the events that shaped the man who would later become Scarface. The book chronicles Montana's life in Castro's nightmarish regime explaining why — and how — he managed to escape the island and make his way in Florida. L. A. Banks's taut narration is incisive and heartfelt, and takes readers deep into the mind of one of America's most classic characters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse; 1st DH Press Ed edition (May 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595820175
• ISBN-13: 978-1595820174
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #522,526 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars One of the worst books ever, August 3, 2009

By	D. Morrison - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The film Scarface comes across as a serious drama with the exception of the over the top ending. I was hoping when I bought this book, it would be the same and the violence would be like the chainsaw scene or the hit in the club. Unfortunately Banks decided to try to make it all like the last five minutes of the film and fails to have even the slightest bit of congruity with the film. It starts with a deal going bad in a hotel room just like in the movie. However rather than have a rational explanation for how Tony and Manny escape, they just kill four guys doing stuff like ducking while their opponents idiotically shoot each other.
The action doesn't get any different, Tony and Manny even manage to wipe out the entire male population of a town by themselves. There is a brief love story where Tony manages to seduce a hooker into falling in love with him by buying her two drinks (the sex scene which follows is even worse). Banks decided that rather than follow the movie, where Tony has the scar since he was a kid, for him to get it in prison. But perhaps the worst part of the book is at the end of it he's a made man in the Cuban mob with several hundred thousand dollars, but the connections and money are none existent in the movie.
If you liked the movie, then you'll hate the book. If you didn't like the movie, you'll hate the book. My advice is to stay away from it, the reviews giving it five stars must be friends of the author

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who would have known!, July 17, 2007

By	T. Hamilton (Jax, Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

L.A. Banks, could be the only author to even attempt this book and succeed. I couldn't put it down and have passed it on to my close friends and family. L. A. is famous for her Vampire Huntress Legend books. Read them if you haven't. I have always thought she was a brillant writer, but this just proves it. This should truly be made into a movie, right along with the VHL series. Why not, hollyweird waste money on making flops every year. Why not give the people what they want from this brilliant talented lady with the golden pen. Stay in the light, peace! Oh you can pre-order the next installment she is writing about Tony Montana. GET IT!!!!!

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars " Bueno ", July 5, 2006

By	Glennie Rivers "I'm Mist..." (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What more can be said about this character a lot more. I was truly amazed at how Leslie made him from scratch and gave him a Cuban soul more than what the movie did. I truly can not wait for the next installment. Whew from the beginning to end action, action la actiones?? LOL and a delivery that kept you on the egde of your seat.(((Viva Cuba)))Keep this series going Mrs. Banks Glen a.k.a. PhatGesus....