A gritty yet moving mafia novel about the decline of an entire generation
The author analyses with knowledge the reasons for the formation of the first criminal groups, the territorial distribution of power and the influence of the underworld on the political climate in the country. Jozef Karika doesn't hide behind a pseudonym, he gives a glimpse behind the scenes not only of lower-ranking gangsters, but also of the white-collar mafia, the workings of regional politics and the media.
The novel In the Shadow of the Mafia describes with shocking frankness the ruthless practices of the mafia, from the money laundering, pornography and white meat trade to the corruption that eats away at state and local government structures. But the novel also speaks to the friendship of today's thirty-somethings. Three friends mature under the influence of social events. Life offers them various ways to earn social prestige. Will their friendship withstand the pitfalls, or will such an unexpected emotion as love tear them apart in a world of finance and crime?
"The story reveals the behind-the-scenes of how our company operates, there is a motif of personality disruption, themes of evil, deaths, of violence and madness, mentor-mentee relationship - initiation into the power philosophy of the underworld, investigative elements... The novel also contains sensitive and moving passages, well, I believe, to the extent reasonable and justified. It is a generational testimony about what people in Slovakia live with, what they encounter every day and what surrounds them. I will consider it my greatest achievement as an author if I survive another three months in good health after publishing this book. Unlike my earlier books, this one is really on the edge." Jozef Karika