The Honored Society

German journalist Petra Reski investigates the inner workings of the 'Ndrangheta, the powerful organized crime syndicate from Calabria, Italy. Through extensive research and interviews, she documents how this criminal organization has expanded beyond Italian borders to become a global economic force. The book combines reportage and personal narrative as Reski traces connections between legitimate businesses, political figures, and organized crime across Europe. Her investigation reveals networks of money laundering, extortion, and corruption that extend from small Italian villages to major financial centers. The author's experience as a longtime reporter in Italy allows her to examine both historical context and contemporary developments in organized crime. She details the 'Ndrangheta's cultural codes, family structures, and business methods while maintaining focus on its modern evolution and international reach. The Honored Society stands as an examination of how traditional criminal enterprises adapt and thrive within globalized economic systems. Through this lens, the book raises questions about the intersection of legitimate and illegitimate power in modern society.

Readers describe this as an investigative look into modern Italian organized crime that focuses on real cases and interviews rather than sensationalized stories. Readers appreciated: - The focus on how the mafia operates today versus historical accounts - Personal stories from victims' families - Details about money laundering and business connections - The author's bravery in investigating dangerous subjects Common criticisms: - Confusing narrative structure that jumps between locations and timelines - Too many characters introduced without clear context - Translation from German feels choppy in parts - Some readers wanted more concrete conclusions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (24 ratings) "A sobering look at how organized crime has adapted to modern business" - Goodreads reviewer "Important reporting but difficult to follow all the threads" - Amazon reviewer "Shows the real human cost behind the headlines" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔹 Petra Reski has faced multiple lawsuits and threats for her investigative work exposing mafia operations, particularly after the publication of this book in 2009 🔹 The book reveals how deeply the 'Ndrangheta (Calabrian mafia) has infiltrated Germany's economy, particularly in the restaurant industry and real estate market 🔹 The author's journalistic work shows that the Italian mafia generates more revenue than Deutsche Bank and McDonald's combined, largely through legitimate-appearing businesses 🔹 Reski's detailed accounts led to several passages being censored in the German edition of the book after legal challenges from individuals mentioned in the text 🔹 The book demonstrates how the 'Ndrangheta has surpassed the Sicilian Cosa Nostra as Italy's most powerful criminal organization, with an estimated annual turnover of €53 billion