A review by thebooktrail88
A Friend Is a Gift You Give Yourself by William Boyle

4.0

Visit the locations in the novel

If there’s not a genre of fiction called Brooklyn Noir then there should be as this is the title read. There’s not many books you can spend time with lovable rogues and funny gangsters if you can ever call a mobster lovable.

This is pure comedy gold as well as a brilliantly addictive insight into the various New York ’hoods’ – see I’m picking up the lingo already. The characters jump from the page kicking and screaming and even shooting. Each one is unique, their own stories and problems making up a rich tapestry of both mobster and regular traits.

I really enjoyed spending time with these characters as that’s exactly what they are – characters who could be in a movie given they’re so vivid and vibrant.
The setting comes alive – the sights, sounds, smells and neighbourhood eccentricities for which New York is so well known fight each other in a swirl of excitement.

Take time out and spend time in Brooklyn and the Bronx. A mobster of a plot, unforgettable characters and a whirlwind visit to some of the most vibrant New York neighbourhoods