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Smalltime 2021
Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob is a 2021 memoir written by Russell Shorto. The work explores his family's connection to organized crime. The narrative focuses on Shorto's grandfather, Russ, whose father was an Italian immigrant to America. Russ held a position as second in command within the mob based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Shorto mentioned that his mother's cousin, who functioned as a numbers runner for his grandfather, encouraged him to compose this book. During prohibition, Russ transported alcohol and developed a "small city empire" centered in Johnstown. He sent funds to the Mafia in New York City and portions also went to the mob in Pittsburgh. The memoir traces Russ’s activities following World War II years, when he managed gambling operations within the city. Smalltime ends with Shorto reflecting on his bond with his father, Tony.
Upon publication, the book garnered largely favorable reviews. Several critics observed that Shorto created a work primarily about family relationships, which coincidentally addressed mob-related themes.
Details
- Publisher
- W. W. Norton & Company
- ISBN
- 9780393245585
- Pages
- 272
