The untold story from inside his family. Dramatic, unyielding, and provocative, Uncle Al Capone by Deirdre Marie Capone, Al Capone's grandniece, is a fascinating memoir and engaging biography. This moving, highly readable portrait of the Capone family and its mob trade examines what it has meant to survive the storied legacy of the family's forbearers. As Capone traces the arc of regret and what fuels the Capone myth, she finds redemption and a way to coexist with her legacy. In seventeen chapters with titles like "The Making of the Mafioso," "Trading the Chicago Outfit for the Chicago Cubs," and "The Saint Valentine's Day Truth," Capone outlines organized crime in Chicago and offers vignettes of American history during the early and mid-twentieth century. Using years of research and exhaustive interviews with her aunts, uncles, and cousins, she weaves an engaging anecdotal narrative of what it meant to be a Capone, what it meant to lose her father to suicide, and what it meant to have a mother who lived in constant fear. She offers compelling evidence that Al Capone was specifically targeted for prosecution by law enforcement agencies assisted by the media, which made gross exaggerations of her uncle's exploits and fueled a phenomenon of half-truths and utter falsehoods. From the family's roots in Angri, Italy to the author's ongoing investigations today, this debut offers a comprehensive and moving portrait of an iconic American family and one woman's efforts to make peace with the past.
Uncle Al Capone - The Untold Story From Inside His Family
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Gangster Al Capone once commented that “This American system of ours…gives each and every one of us a great opportunity if we only seize it with both hands and make the most of it.” Despite the fact that it’s coming from a known gangster, it says a great deal about the mind of the man. He sees himself as an average, successful American businessman, even if his comment understates the whole picture. It’s this human quality that Deirdre Marie Capone evokes in Uncle Al Capone, a fascinating book that’s one part biography, one part memoir, and one part remembrance of Public Enemy Number One. As the grand-niece of Al, Capone recounts how she hid her family name for years. When a school research project leads her to come clean to her kids, she begins recalling the rich family history she once knew. It’s a tale that starts after the family emigrates from Angri, Italy to Brooklyn, New York. Capone shows that Al and her grandfather, Ralph, weren’t always members of a crime syndicate. In fact, their childhood is fairly normal, with Al finishing high school, and Ralph working odd jobs to help support the family. Everything changes when their father dies and Prohibition becomes law. Forced to earn a living for his family, Al, and eventually Ralph, head to Chicago and down the path to criminal celebrity. Throughout the book, Capone tries to reconcile what she knows about her family with recorded history. Early in the book she writes, “I will not pretend to be able to paint a rosy picture of my uncle Al. I cannot make him out to be a perfect man, or even a good man. But what I want people to know is that he was a complex man. He was human and he had a heart.” Capone succeeds, balancing both the public history of Al, from the Valentine’s Day Massacre to his incarceration at Alcatraz, with personal photos, family recipes, and her own memories. The author recalls how loving certain members of the Capone family were, particularly her great-aunt Maffie who helps the author to see good in the men. It’s not always an easy task as the author recounts losing friends, jobs, and other opportunities, once people learned she was a descendant of the notorious Al Capone. Overall, Uncle Al Capone is a memoir that is as complex and human as the man that it’s about. It brings a fresh perspective to the other Al Capone biographies, and finally gives the larger-than-life gangster the one thing that may have eluded him in life: to be seen as simply a human being. Katerie Prior
Review
Uncle Al Capone is as complex and human as the man and finally gives the larger-than-life gangster the one thing that may have eluded him in life: to be seen as simply a human being. --ForeWord Clarion Review Four Stars (out of Five) by Katerie Prior
"A lot of people think Al Capone was a psychopath. A lot of people think Robert De
Niro captured the true nature of America's most notorious gangster. A lot of people are fools. Deirdre Marie Capone is not one of them.
Do yourself a favor: read it. When you're done, you can judge Al Capone for yourself."
Jonathan Eig, author of: Get Capone
"Congratulations! I loved the book. The other writers who have written about your
uncle know very little about him compared to you and your family members, but their
stuff is based on court papers, old police records and news clippings."
--Nick Pileggi, author of Wiseguys adapted into the movie Goodfellas, and the book/screenplay Casino.
"A lot of people think Al Capone was a psychopath. A lot of people think Robert De
Niro captured the true nature of America's most notorious gangster. A lot of people are fools. Deirdre Marie Capone is not one of them.
Do yourself a favor: read it. When you're done, you can judge Al Capone for yourself."
Jonathan Eig, author of: Get Capone
"Congratulations! I loved the book. The other writers who have written about your
uncle know very little about him compared to you and your family members, but their
stuff is based on court papers, old police records and news clippings."
--Nick Pileggi, author of Wiseguys adapted into the movie Goodfellas, and the book/screenplay Casino.
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More About the Author
Deirdre Marie Capone is the grandniece Al Capone and the last living member of that family born with the last name "Capone." Growing up in Chicago as a member of the Capone family was uniquely difficult. And as soon as she could, she fled Chicago - and her name - and found her own success away from the shadow cast by the legacy of her famous uncle. Now, in her first book, she shares for the first time the intimate details of life within the Capone family.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By Tim Schenzel
Format:Paperback
The "Capone" name is legendary throughout the entire world. Power, money, murder, there are countless books telling the life history of "Al Capone" and the "Outfit". Deirdre Capone has managed to tell the inside story of the Capone family. The story of life at 7244 Prairie Avenue. From the eyes of a little girl, she takes us inside the home of the larger than life Al Capone. As "Uncle Al's" great niece, Deirdre tells of a life of love and laughter, sadness and tragedy. She lost her father at a young age to suicide due to the burden of carrying the Capone name. And she herself suffered from that same burden. I applaud her for having the courage to write this story and share it with the world. "Uncle Al Capone" is a refreshing change of pace and is a must for any Capone fans library. When you read it, you realize that her family, excluding the outside business, isn't too terribly different than yours or mine. They loved each other unconditionally, they protected each other, and endured. If you dwell on how the Capones succeeded, your missing the point of this book. It's about family, it's about the love they shared for each other. This book is a journey, take it!!!
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
People write books for different reasons. Some write to entertain, some to memorialize and event or era, some to convince and some to self-promote. Ms. Capone writes because she has a burning need to share the flavor of her life with her uncle (who we know has the notorious Al Capone) and his family. At first it appears to be a hodgepodge of interpretations of historical events, personal experiences of the family, a cookbook. and a personal biography. It gradually molds into a cohesive theme and provides the reader with a totally different picture of the Capone family than what we might have imagined based on the Sopranos and the Corleones.
There are personal revelations that were undoubtedly very difficult and sometimes painful to express and Ms. Capone should be commended on the honesty and openness with which she tells her story.
Anyone interested in the era, Chicago history, the Wisconsin Northwoods, and gaining incite into a unique and truly American family should welcome this very different read (and also be rewarded with some scrumptious recipies). As her kids told her, her story is a "cool" one.
There are personal revelations that were undoubtedly very difficult and sometimes painful to express and Ms. Capone should be commended on the honesty and openness with which she tells her story.
Anyone interested in the era, Chicago history, the Wisconsin Northwoods, and gaining incite into a unique and truly American family should welcome this very different read (and also be rewarded with some scrumptious recipies). As her kids told her, her story is a "cool" one.
18 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By Toni
Format:Paperback
I have been waiting for a long time to read this book and it has been well worth the wait. I expected to see a lot of sugar coating as this book is written by his great-niece, I was wrong. Deirdre has done a wonderful job of writing the book from inside the family. So far I have laughed, cried, and been angry along with the story and I am only on Chapter 12. I love that along with the story she has inserted pictures along with the family recipes, can't wait to try some dandelion soup. Koodos to a well written book.
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
My husband bought this book for me, ExecSecretary2003@yahoo.com and I could not put it down. Deirdre gives you a very personal insight into the MAN and she should know! It is of such a personal nature that you can really relate to Mr. Capone. So many books/articles have been written about the man and, really, how would those people really KNOW if they were not there? I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to know the real facts about what actually went on during those years, of a personal nature. This is the BEST book that I have ever read about Al Capone and I commend Deirdre for putting those accounts into print. I rate this book a TEN! Trust me, you will not be able to put it down. My only wish is that she will write another book about Mr. Capone. I am sure that a lot of what has been written about him is fictionalized and dramatized, but these are the facts. Thank you so much, Deirdre, for putting pen to paper.
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By froste2
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I found Uncle Al Copone to be one of the most interesting books of the year. It was very well written and I loved the personal feelings of the author. As I was growing up, Al Capone was one of the most feared names in America. It was interesting to find out that like most of us, he had many good points as well as bad. I would recommend it to everyone.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Jonathan
Format:Paperback
A lot of people think Al Capone was a psychopath. A lot of people think Robert De Niro captured the true nature of America's most notorious gangster. A lot of people seem hell bent on clinging to a bunch of mythology that plain and simple makes no sense.
A lot of people are fools.
Deirdre Marie Capone is not one of them. With this lovely, personal, heartfelt story, she takes a stand. She's not nominating Capone for sainthood. She's not asking you to pardon him his crimes. She's simply and honestly telling the story she knows best--the story of her family. Do yourself a favor: read it. You'll be glad you did. And when you're done, you can judge Al Capone for yourself.--Jonathan Eig, author of Get Capone: The Secret Plot That Captured America's Most Wanted Gangster.
A lot of people are fools.
Deirdre Marie Capone is not one of them. With this lovely, personal, heartfelt story, she takes a stand. She's not nominating Capone for sainthood. She's not asking you to pardon him his crimes. She's simply and honestly telling the story she knows best--the story of her family. Do yourself a favor: read it. You'll be glad you did. And when you're done, you can judge Al Capone for yourself.--Jonathan Eig, author of Get Capone: The Secret Plot That Captured America's Most Wanted Gangster.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By karlabry
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Like many others, I'd been waiting for Deirdre Marie Capone's book to be published and it was well worth the wait.
If you want a book that focuses solely on the public side of the Capones, look elsewhere. This unique book tells the story of multi-dimensional Capone family members as seen through the eyes of a child, and then a young woman. Nothing about the criminal side of the family is whitewashed. What is added are the images of an Italian immigrant family, happy in their home and devoted to each other. That's not to say there was no discord or that life was easy if your last name was Capone. In fact, it was a horrific burden to Deirdre's father, in particular.
The tone of the book is warmly inviting, as if the author is having a one-on-one talk about things that have happened in her sometimes surreal life. The small details such as Al Capone teaching Deirdre how to play the mandolin, her aunt's way of speaking through her teeth, the big names that talked about casual things...it all adds up to a very personal, honest, and fascinating portrait of a family who infamously became part of American history.
Highly recommended!
If you want a book that focuses solely on the public side of the Capones, look elsewhere. This unique book tells the story of multi-dimensional Capone family members as seen through the eyes of a child, and then a young woman. Nothing about the criminal side of the family is whitewashed. What is added are the images of an Italian immigrant family, happy in their home and devoted to each other. That's not to say there was no discord or that life was easy if your last name was Capone. In fact, it was a horrific burden to Deirdre's father, in particular.
The tone of the book is warmly inviting, as if the author is having a one-on-one talk about things that have happened in her sometimes surreal life. The small details such as Al Capone teaching Deirdre how to play the mandolin, her aunt's way of speaking through her teeth, the big names that talked about casual things...it all adds up to a very personal, honest, and fascinating portrait of a family who infamously became part of American history.
Highly recommended!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inside story
Written by a family insider, this is a fast moving account of Big Al and his family. There are inside accounts of the St Valentine's Day famous crime and the inside story of his... Read more
Published 17 days ago by Brian Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars
A LITTLE CHICAGO HISTORY
INTERESTING BECAUSE OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE MAIN CHARACTER FROM A FAMILY VIEWPOINT INSTEAD OF THE USUAL MOBSTER MOVIE PRESENTATION
Published 2 months ago by ANNE ANDERSEN
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really good read!
Really personal story, told from another point of view; inside his family. Really good and interesting read, highly recommended for anyone who wants to know a little more on Capone
Published 3 months ago by Steve Barrett
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT READ!
Fantastic book. I had a hard time putting it down! I can't wait to try some of the recipes from the book!
Published 4 months ago by Kalleen Kilfeather
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good story from a family perspective
Uncle Al was a good easy read and for the most part was interesting. As it was written by a family member I expected a little whitewash and a few wild claims and there was some... Read more
Published 4 months ago by r.drew
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not so much
I did not enjoy this book as it has a biased approach and a style of writing I did not enjoy. Not the kind of "mobster" book I would regularly enjoy. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jon Giebultowski
1.0 out of 5 stars
Uncle al Capone
Deidre I see not only did you have interaction with al Capone he also left you the family business with this bootleg ass book you wrote
Published 6 months ago by Gabriel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome portrayal of an interesting family!
This is an absolute must read if you want real never before shared insight into the life of Al Capone and his family.
Very well done
Very well done
Published 6 months ago by Rick Freeman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uncle Al Capone - The untold story from inside his family
great read! it was difficult to put down
In addition to the Capone history, I also enjoyed reading about the American struggles and dynamics of that era. Read more
In addition to the Capone history, I also enjoyed reading about the American struggles and dynamics of that era. Read more
Published 7 months ago by beachgrl
4.0 out of 5 stars
ok
very interesting but far less "inside" information than anticipated.
Definitely puts a different cast on the Capone myth and gives some personal insight into a character that... Read more
Definitely puts a different cast on the Capone myth and gives some personal insight into a character that... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Stephen Ruback
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