Sharyl reviewed Ballad of the Whiskey Robber by Julian Rubinstein
Review of 'Ballad of the Whiskey Robber' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Attila Ambrus has an unlikely job history that would not happen in many places or time periods. He robbed banks, post offices, and a couple travel agencies. He pulled twenty-nine (29) heists. In the same area. How could this happen? The cops in any organized community would have caught him right away, for many reasons--he was living right there in the same community and suddenly had lots of money, despite the fact that his salary was a pittance. He drew no salary for playing hockey--when they let him (he was really bad). He was once employed as the Zamboni driver, but proved to be dangerous at that, so they fired him (after his inattention caused quite a bit of damage).
Attila's criminal history takes place at a time when big changes were happening in Hungary, and many people became disillusioned with their government's attempts to replace communism with capitalism. Corruption …
Attila Ambrus has an unlikely job history that would not happen in many places or time periods. He robbed banks, post offices, and a couple travel agencies. He pulled twenty-nine (29) heists. In the same area. How could this happen? The cops in any organized community would have caught him right away, for many reasons--he was living right there in the same community and suddenly had lots of money, despite the fact that his salary was a pittance. He drew no salary for playing hockey--when they let him (he was really bad). He was once employed as the Zamboni driver, but proved to be dangerous at that, so they fired him (after his inattention caused quite a bit of damage).
Attila's criminal history takes place at a time when big changes were happening in Hungary, and many people became disillusioned with their government's attempts to replace communism with capitalism. Corruption was so rampant that the so called Whiskey Robber became a folk hero, embarrassing the establishment, who were, after all, lining their own pockets. The whiskey moniker came from the fact that he often drank before a heist. A couple times, he did this at a bar that was just across the street from his mark. Incredible.
Charming and good looking, Attila Ambrus has an unusual type of intelligence and amazing chutzpah. Most people would rule out riding along on the bottom of a train as too suicidal. Not Attila. The athleticism is impressive, but his mindset is simply out of this world. He achieved a couple stunts I hope they don't do for real in Hollywood.
I found this immensely interesting--the quick lesson in Hungarian history is not something I would have found anywhere else. And yes, there are some very funny parts. Attila Ambrus was released from prison after twelve years, in 2012. I hope he's found a happier life.
