THE GRAND STREET COLLECTOR

by Joseph Arleo ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 30, 1970

Mr. Arleo's novel is based upon the assassination of Carlo Tresca, Italian anti-Fascist editor and indefatigable strike leader in America between wars. The story uses the tortured perspective of the putative assassin, Natale Sbagliato, and his bewildered son, Pietro. On the night of the murder, Pietro is a six-year-old boy, motherless but amply cushioned by the love of his aunt, Emilia, and his father, collector of lottery bets in Manhattan's Little Italy. Natale, once a member of ""The Organization"" that controlled New York's underworld, burns with the dream of doing something heroic for his native Italy and ""Il Duce."" His chance comes from old friend and racketeer, Rocco, who has fled a murder charge in America and organizes U.S. activities for Mussolini. It's not quite the opportunity Natale looked for, but when his son's life is threatened, Natale carries out the assassination and escapes to Italy with the guarantee that his son shall follow. Pietro does follow, but not until he is twenty years old with the first knowledge of his father's true story. The long and unlikely delay of his enlightenment is the only disjunction in this fast-moving narrative of one night's terror and its twisting, tragic aftermath.

Pub Date: April 30, 1970

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walker

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1970

Categories: FICTION