For the Sins of My Father: A Mafia Killer, His Son, and the Legacy of a Mob Life : Book Review

"For the Sins of My Father" by Albert Demeo is an incredibly gripping memoir that delves deep into the life of a mobster's son. As the son of the notorious Gambino family member Roy DeMeo, the author provides a detailed and intriguing account of his experiences growing up in a world ruled by organized crime.

Demeo's writing is brutally honest as he narrates the profound impact his father's criminal activities had on his own life. From a young age, he was exposed to violence, illegal activities, and the constant dread of being caught or facing a tragic end. This memoir offers a unique and chilling perspective on the dark and treacherous realities of the criminal underworld.

Beyond his personal journey, the book also sheds light on the inner workings of the Gambino family itself. Demeo provides invaluable insight into the hierarchy, the unwavering loyalty expected, and the immense risks involved in being part of such a notorious crime syndicate. His vivid storytelling truly captivates readers and provides a rare glimpse into a world that few have directly experienced.

Available on Audible

Get as a free audio book
A haunting memoir of redemption and forgiveness.

Throughout the memoir, Demeo deeply reflects on the decisions he made to distance himself from the criminal lifestyle and the lasting impact it had on his family relationships. The internal struggle he portrays, torn between loyalty and self-preservation, adds a profound emotional depth to his narrative.

Overall, "For the Sins of My Father" is an enthralling and thought-provoking memoir that offers an intimate look at the consequences of growing up in a family deeply immersed in organized crime. Albert Demeo's writing is not only candid but also incredibly powerful, making this book an absolute must-read for anyone interested in true crime stories and the psychological effects of a criminal upbringing.

What are readers saying?

"For the Sins of My Father" is an autobiography written by Albert Demeo, who happens to be the son of the infamous mobster Roy DeMeo. This book takes readers on a deep dive into the author's life, providing a firsthand account of growing up in a world immersed in crime. Opinions on this book are varied among readers.

Some readers have praised Demeo's raw and honest storytelling, finding his personal narrative captivating and enlightening. They appreciated the intricate descriptions of the Mafia lifestyle and the inner workings of organized crime, regarding the book as a compelling and eye-opening read. By shedding light on a criminal underworld often glamorized by popular culture, the author's work offers a unique and valuable perspective.

On the other hand, some reviewers felt that the book lacked depth and failed to adequately explore the emotional impact of Demeo's upbringing. They found certain aspects of his story to be superficially covered or hastily concluded. Additionally, some readers struggled to connect with the author and his experiences due to the excessively blunt writing style, which they found lacking finesse.

Criticism was also directed towards the pacing of the book. Certain sections were said to drag on, while other events were rushed through without sufficient exploration. This uneven pacing made it challenging for some readers to fully engage in the narrative and connect with the characters.

Despite the mixed reviews, there seems to be a general consensus that "For the Sins of My Father" provides a valuable and cautionary tale about the consequences and complexities of growing up in the Mafia world. It offers readers intriguing insights into the life of a criminal's son, presenting a unique perspective. This book may particularly appeal to readers interested in true crime, the Mafia, or personal memoirs, though it could also leave some readers feeling that certain aspects were lacking.

ForTheSinsOfMyFather TrueCrimeStory FamilyLegacy