Reviews of Five Newark Boys, by D.B. Silvis.
Reviewed by: Apex Book Reviews
Having grown up in the same poor Italian neighborhood in New Jersey, Frankie, Phil, and Carlo formed an inexorable bond that sustained them through the toughest of times. Given the mafia’s considerable stronghold in their native stomping grounds, it seemed only natural that, as they got older, the three friends would migrate into “The Family”; however, as it turns out, only Frankie and Phil end up as members, while Carlo intent on pursuing a life outside the criminal element joins the police force instead.
Old bonds die hard, though, and when Carlo starts encountering difficulties in his everyday life, he calls on his childhood friends (and their “extended family”) for assistance and as everyone knows, favors given by “The Family” are always expected to be repaid in full…even if in blood…
With compelling action and suspense, Five Newark Boys is an intriguing crime fiction drama. Less a scandalous tale about the sordid mob underworld and more a telling narrative of the ties that bind, author Donahue Silvis’s gripping offering puts a refreshing new spin on the world of mafia lore. With genuine, authentic characters rather than over-the-top, sensationalized caricatures Donahue weaves a highly believable tale with plot lines taken straight from the pages of everyday life. Perhaps the most salient aspect of Five Newark Boys is its ability to persuade the reader to abandon all judgmental predispositions and simply view the game’s major and minor players the same as they would anyone who goes into a situation with the best of intentions only to quickly find themselves in way over their heads.
An enjoyable, entertaining read, Five Newark Boys is a solid offering from a standout literary talent. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by: Midwest Book Review
A riveting read from first page to last, Five Newark Boys is a deftly written novel by Donahue B. Silvis. The story follows three young men growing up in Newark, New Jersey. Frankie and Phil work for the mob, while their close friend Carlo becomes a cop who hopes to put the life of mob favors and temptations behind him. But the attractions as embodied by his two friends are too strong.
The result is an obligation to return “favors” for their bosses, including the local caporegime. All such debts must eventually be paid and the mob never forgets or forgives a debt! Five Newark Boys is a terrific read and an enthusiastically recommended addition for community library fiction collections.
Reviewed by: Tom Penberthy (retired law enforcement)
My selection of Five newark Boys by author Donahue Silvis was based primarily on my own career in law enforcement. I was eager to learn how Mr. Silvis would portray Carlo Cardonia young man who desires a career in law enforcement; but also wishes to remain loyal to his lifelong pals. These “buddies” tend to gravitate toward criminal activities.
This obviously places Carlo on a “tightrope” loyalty to his friends versus loyalty to his career. Furthermore, Carlo, married to a loving wife, is torn by his loyalty and desire to both please and appease her. The deeply forged bonds of friendship are explored in detail. The loyalty among the childhood buddies spans decades. Favors granted. Not forgotten. Favors returned. Mr. Silvis explores the life, loyalties, and ramifications of living on “the tightrope.” A cop. His loving family. And his “less than lawful,” lifelong pals. The reality of a law enforcement career and how it affects one’s family and friends is explored in great detail.
The portrayals are genuine. The problems encountered by Carlo Cardoni are indeed unique to those in law enforcement. Honesty and loyalty to family, to career, to lifelong friends, and most importantly to the public whom you are sworn to protect. It is not an easy life. I’ve lived it. Mr. Silvis has portrayed it well. I highly recommend Five Newark Boys, by author Donahue Silvis.
Reviewed by: Twylla Johnson
Worth reading
`Five Newark Boys is a crime drama that is more about enduring
friendships than criminal activity.
Five Newark Boys by Donahue B. Silvis is a fictional story of five
boys who grew up together as best friends in Newark, New Jersey. When
the boys were about 9 years old, a group of older boys accidentally
killed little Mike. The bullies shoved him to the ground while holding
the other four boys back. They helplessly stood by and watched their
friend die. Their powerlessness over Mike’s death had a profound
effect on the choices they all would make later in their lives. They
vowed never to let anyone hurt any one of them again without
retribution. Phil and Frankie chose a life of crime in the Mafia.
Vinnie fell in with low-level thugs and was eventually killed in a hit
by the Mafia. Carlo took a completely different road and joined the
military. Later, he became a Los Angeles police officer.
Carlo’s career as an L.A. police officer added a lot of interest to
the story. It was curious that he chose law enforcement rather than a
life of crime. I wish Carlo, the main protagonist, had been more fully
developed so we could understand why he made different choices than
his buddies, even though they grew up in the same poor Italian
neighborhood and spent so much of their lives together. The story was
compelling, but I kept wanting to know more about all of the boys. The
book is a crime drama that focuses more on enduring friendships than
on criminal activity. I found myself not judging the men for their
choices but just enjoying their relationships over the years. They
were truly like brothers.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who
enjoys a good crime drama. I am giving Five Newark Boys a rating of
3.5 stars.