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The Black Hand: The Bloody Rise And Redemption Of "Boxer" Enriquez, A Mexican Mob Killer (2008)

by Chris Blatchford(Favorite Author)

3.95 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

006125729X (ISBN13: 9780061257292)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

William Morrow

review 1: Welp, this book convinced me not to join a criminal organization. The intended purpose of the book was to tell the story Rene "Boxer" Enriquez and his time in the Mexican Mafia. Blatchford wanted an in depth look into the organization, and he got it. What stands out the most is Rene's persistent worry about mafiosi politics that left any and many members of the organization dead for any reason whatsoever, petty as it might seem. He constantly had to watch his back due to these politics, and even questioned his decision to join early on. Very much an interesting insider's look. The author's own bias shines through his writing. But Rene's story is told nonetheless, and paints a sad portrait, where you either end up shanked to death, die in prison due to deteriorating health,... more or you end up a meth junkie. Enriquez's own constant fears of being done in by one of his own kinda creates an interesting thread throughout the book as Blatchford narrates his story.
review 2: I describe "The Black Hand" in one word, Brutal.Boxer Enriquez recounts his seventeen years of being a "Carnal" (a senior leader) in the most powerful criminal organization functioning in the California prison system, the Mexican Mafia.The book isn't just about the cold working of a criminal empire. Boxer tells his story with unexpected sensitivity and a Chicano brand of optimism. The man is highly charismatic. Yet, there is a dark side shown that is absolutely sobering. It's the part of him that is a frighteningly intelligent and ruthless. He shows us a man who can find dark humor in a jailhouse murder. At the end it's a story about redemption. Boxer doesn't makes excuses for his life. He does, though, point out shortcoming in society and family that lead countless youths into a damning life of crime. Rene "Boxer" Enriquez's life is a testament for the extreme evil a person can turn away from. less

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