Well, 'The Godfather' is a must - mention in gangster fiction. It has been so influential that it has shaped the way we view gangster stories in many ways. The characters are complex and the plot is full of twists. 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy is another excellent book. It weaves together the stories of different characters in the Los Angeles underworld, including gangsters, cops, and journalists. And 'White Jazz' also by Ellroy, continues the exploration of the seedy side of L.A. with its gangster elements.
Some other popular gangster urban fiction books are 'Street Pharm' by Allison van Diepen. It tells the story of a teen drug dealer trying to make it big in the dangerous world of the city streets. 'Lockdown' by Walter Dean Myers is set in a juvenile detention center which is full of young gangsters and delinquents. And 'Thug' by K'wan is a story that shows the life and struggles of a young thug in the urban jungle.
Another great one is 'Goodfellas' by Nicholas Pileggi. It gives a vivid and true - to - life account of the gangster lifestyle. It shows how these guys operate, their relationships, and the consequences of their actions. It's really engaging.
One great fiction gangster book is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It delves deep into the Corleone crime family, showing the complex relationships, power struggles, and moral dilemmas within the gangster world. Another is 'Scarface' which follows the rise and fall of a ruthless gangster. 'Goodfellas' is also a notable one, as it's based on a true story and gives a vivid account of life in the mafia, from the perspective of those involved in the criminal activities.
'American Gangster' by Mark Jacobson is also highly regarded. It tells the story of Frank Lucas, a real - life drug lord. The book not only focuses on his criminal activities but also on the social and cultural environment that allowed his rise to power and his subsequent fall.
A really good gangster urban fiction book is 'The Wire' by David Simon. It's not just a book about crime but also about the social and economic factors that drive people to a life of crime in the city. Then there's 'Sons of Anarchy' which focuses on a motorcycle gang and their illegal activities while also exploring themes of family and loyalty. 'Training Day' is also worth reading. It tells the story of a corrupt cop in the urban jungle and the moral dilemmas that come with it.
One characteristic is the exploration of the criminal underworld. These books often show the inner workings of gangs, drug cartels or organized crime. Another is the use of a gritty urban setting, like the back alleys and slums of big cities. For example, in 'The Godfather', the streets of New York are an important part of the story. Also, themes of power, loyalty and betrayal are common. Characters in these books are constantly jockeying for power and sometimes have to choose between loyalty to their gang and their own self - interest.
The characters in British gangster fiction books are typically complex. They may have a sense of loyalty to their 'crew' but also be driven by personal greed and ambition. Take the main character in 'Layer Cake' for instance, he is constantly weighing his loyalty to his associates against his own self - interest. And the dialogue is often filled with British slang, which adds to the authenticity of the underworld setting.
London gangster fiction books often feature a seedy and gritty underworld. They typically have complex characters who are involved in illegal activities like drug dealing, robbery, and extortion. For example, in 'The Long Firm', the characters are deeply immersed in the criminal world of 1960s London.
Another characteristic is the use of local London dialects and slang, which adds authenticity. In many of these books, you'll read phrases and words that are unique to London. Also, loyalty and betrayal are common themes. Gang members may turn on each other for power or money, as seen in several of these fictional works.
One popular 2018 fiction book is 'Educated' by Tara Westover. It's a memoir that reads like a novel, telling the story of her journey from a strict and isolated upbringing in a Mormon survivalist family to getting an education and finding herself. Another is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. It reimagines the story of the witch Circe from Greek mythology in a beautifully written and engaging way.