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The Pope of Greenwich Village
Charlie, nicknamed "The Pope," manager of a New York City restaurant and barely able to stay ahead of his gambling debts, and his pals Paulie and Barney pull a heist that makes them targets of both the Mafia and the police
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 5, 2014
I love this book. It reminded me of The Friends of Eddie Coyle, another favorite. Lots of low-life but lovable characters, involved in crime but not that good at it. No criminal masterminds, no genius cops, just a sea of gin, disappointment, betrayal and corruption. The tribal NYC scene is always a shock to someone like me, who grew up where people weren't quite so pigeonholed as Irish, Jewish, Polish, Italian, etc., so blatantly right out of the gate. The plot here is pretty basic, and as compelling as it is, it's the characters, including the minor ones, that give the book life. They're not afraid to tell a story, often the story of their lives, at the drop of a hat, and in the most entertaining way possible. Did I mention Elmore Leonard? If you like Elmore Leonard, you'll like this.
June 28, 2010
Hilarious. Great, very politically incorrect dialogue; loser characters that are not quite likable but somehow very compelling; and a depiction of NYC mob life that must have influenced "The Sopranos." Anyone who liked "The Sopranos" or "Pulp Fiction" should give this a try. Can't wait to Netflix the movie.
May 11, 2022
I had seen the movie years ago but remembered little so I decided to pick this up before watching the movie again (I also think they may be making a tv show?). It's a fun little crime caper set in Ye Ole Neighborhood. The comparisons to George V. Higgins are partially earned here; Vincent Patrick creates great dialogue and believable characters. Some of the scenes were fun with two NYC dudes just yakkin' to each other.
Some of the dialogue could lean a little heavy to the bigoted side. I'm well-aware that there were a lot of Out Loud Racists in that era but I don't know that I needed to see the n-word every five pages to confirm this. There's a difference between being honest about the times and wallowing in them. Nevertheless, it's an entertaining tale about guys just trying to make it in down-and-out New York City.
Some of the dialogue could lean a little heavy to the bigoted side. I'm well-aware that there were a lot of Out Loud Racists in that era but I don't know that I needed to see the n-word every five pages to confirm this. There's a difference between being honest about the times and wallowing in them. Nevertheless, it's an entertaining tale about guys just trying to make it in down-and-out New York City.
October 22, 2015
An old favorite of mine. I must have read it first more than 25 years ago. Very funny, especially all the little stories that the various characters tell, and full of dodgy New York street life. The movie was quite good, and it was very well cast (with a great array of character actors). However, I still like the book better. I thought it had a great structure in addition to all its fine details. It's also head and shoulders above his second book, "Family Business".
December 23, 2013
The plot is lively and unpredictable. The dialogue is entertaining, often funny and ironic. Several of the major characters are multidimensional and thrust by circumstance into crime and other risky courses of action. There are several supplementary stories told within the dialogue that are fascinating. The book almost reads itself, if that's possible.
June 19, 2011
A very good read which hit all the elements I like in a crime novel. Great characters who, while not at all admirable, were very realistic. I found myself really caring what would happen to them. Loved the straight-ahead no frills plot and the gritty New York City in the seventies setting.
May 16, 2009
If you like stories of 'wise guys', you'll like this one. A forerunner of The Sopranos genre. The first novel of this author in 1979.
October 31, 2012
Crime novels aren't really my cup of tea (I checked this out because it was mentioned in the Greenwich Village Kids 1960s Facebook group) but this was an enjoyable read.
August 3, 2016
New York 1970s small time crime life. Anecdotes, accents, and attitude.
December 19, 2022
The beauty of brilliant dialogue is on full display in this gritty thriller. Gets better with each read. If you liked the movie, you'll love the book!
July 8, 2020
Good book, I got into it in the end. Can't wait to see the movie. The ending sets itself for a sequel, not sure if there is one.
May 29, 2020
4 out of 5 stars.
"The Pope of Greenwich Village" was a great book. The characters were well developed and the narrative was cleverly described often through dialogue of typical day in the life "real-looking" people. The lifestyle of the various character types and their respective hustles, both legal and illegal, inside and outside of the mob, was well shown. My favorite part of the book was when Charlie returned to his apartment he shared with Diane to retrieve his stashed $50,000 from the job. I loved Diane's "Dear John" letter to Charlie, in which she kindly informed him why she was leaving him, that she found his money and kindly decided to split it with him 90/10--$45,000 for her and $5,000 for Charlie. That was wonderful!!!! Charlie deserved every bit of that--AND SO DID DIANE!!! Diane, YOU GO GIRL, RIGHTFULLY TAKE WHAT YOU THINK IS YOUR DESERVED SHARE!!!!!! May all the Dianes of this world continue to take full advantage of opportunities like this.
There were only a couple of minor shortcomings, to me, in the book. The first was that I thought it left us hanging just a little about the final fate of Barney. Yes, we know that Barney escapes the trap set up for him by the mob siccing the cops on him for his role in the safe cracking job. However, at least a brief epilogue could have told us whether or not Barney ever reunited with his wife and son. Was Barney's final living situation better than his previous one? Did he decide to set out on his own and not reunite with his family? In the long run, was Barney constantly on the run and hiding or did he resign himself, after a certain period, that he really got away with it? I just thought it should have answered these questions more.
The second was the issue with the tape that Charley took off the corpse of Bunky Ritter and used as a bargaining tool in his meeting of bluff and double-bluff against Bed Bug Eddie. There was too much of an issue made of the tape, and what incriminating evidence may be on it, on both sides, the cops and the mafia, for Bed Bug Eddie to disregard it so easily. Throughout the book, it showed that both sides, the cops and the mafia, were concerned about what may be on the tape. Therefore, even though he is the made Don of the local mafia, Bed Bud Eddie should have realized that the tape could have caused him more harm, with his superiors and in losing face of his position, than he did. If Bed Bug Eddie cared more and respected the potential harm to his standing THAT COULD HAVE BEEN on the tape in his confrontation with Charley, it would have made for a better payoff of the great buildup about it throughout the book. Other than that, this was a nearly excellent book.
"The Pope of Greenwich Village" was a great book. The characters were well developed and the narrative was cleverly described often through dialogue of typical day in the life "real-looking" people. The lifestyle of the various character types and their respective hustles, both legal and illegal, inside and outside of the mob, was well shown. My favorite part of the book was when Charlie returned to his apartment he shared with Diane to retrieve his stashed $50,000 from the job. I loved Diane's "Dear John" letter to Charlie, in which she kindly informed him why she was leaving him, that she found his money and kindly decided to split it with him 90/10--$45,000 for her and $5,000 for Charlie. That was wonderful!!!! Charlie deserved every bit of that--AND SO DID DIANE!!! Diane, YOU GO GIRL, RIGHTFULLY TAKE WHAT YOU THINK IS YOUR DESERVED SHARE!!!!!! May all the Dianes of this world continue to take full advantage of opportunities like this.
There were only a couple of minor shortcomings, to me, in the book. The first was that I thought it left us hanging just a little about the final fate of Barney. Yes, we know that Barney escapes the trap set up for him by the mob siccing the cops on him for his role in the safe cracking job. However, at least a brief epilogue could have told us whether or not Barney ever reunited with his wife and son. Was Barney's final living situation better than his previous one? Did he decide to set out on his own and not reunite with his family? In the long run, was Barney constantly on the run and hiding or did he resign himself, after a certain period, that he really got away with it? I just thought it should have answered these questions more.
The second was the issue with the tape that Charley took off the corpse of Bunky Ritter and used as a bargaining tool in his meeting of bluff and double-bluff against Bed Bug Eddie. There was too much of an issue made of the tape, and what incriminating evidence may be on it, on both sides, the cops and the mafia, for Bed Bug Eddie to disregard it so easily. Throughout the book, it showed that both sides, the cops and the mafia, were concerned about what may be on the tape. Therefore, even though he is the made Don of the local mafia, Bed Bud Eddie should have realized that the tape could have caused him more harm, with his superiors and in losing face of his position, than he did. If Bed Bug Eddie cared more and respected the potential harm to his standing THAT COULD HAVE BEEN on the tape in his confrontation with Charley, it would have made for a better payoff of the great buildup about it throughout the book. Other than that, this was a nearly excellent book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
ABOUT MY COPY
After collecting books for over 40 years, I have been on a mission to read all the books we own and set most of mine free. I usually start a review with info about the particular copy that has been in my collection. Going off the the used book store stamp on inside cover, I suspect I bought this book at that store's other location after college when I was still living with my parents. If so, this book has moved with me 4 times and been in my possession for over 3 decades before I finally read it. I will be setting it free. Hopefully someone else will get to enjoy it.
MY REVIEW
This book covers well traveled territory of working class New York City residents and the Mafia in the 70s and 80s. It is a fascinating step back in time to a New York City that doesn't really exist anymore. Everything seems authentic. The author knew what he was writing about.
A gripping read from beginning to end. My only nit, and this is as a 21st century reader with lots of entertainment options, is that it could be a tiny bit tighter. About 3% less maybe. If I was reading this in the 1980s though, it would have been plenty taunt enough.
I'm looking forward to reading Vincent Patrick's other stuff. Though there is surprisingly little of it. Which I respect, because more is not always better.
After collecting books for over 40 years, I have been on a mission to read all the books we own and set most of mine free. I usually start a review with info about the particular copy that has been in my collection. Going off the the used book store stamp on inside cover, I suspect I bought this book at that store's other location after college when I was still living with my parents. If so, this book has moved with me 4 times and been in my possession for over 3 decades before I finally read it. I will be setting it free. Hopefully someone else will get to enjoy it.
MY REVIEW
This book covers well traveled territory of working class New York City residents and the Mafia in the 70s and 80s. It is a fascinating step back in time to a New York City that doesn't really exist anymore. Everything seems authentic. The author knew what he was writing about.
A gripping read from beginning to end. My only nit, and this is as a 21st century reader with lots of entertainment options, is that it could be a tiny bit tighter. About 3% less maybe. If I was reading this in the 1980s though, it would have been plenty taunt enough.
I'm looking forward to reading Vincent Patrick's other stuff. Though there is surprisingly little of it. Which I respect, because more is not always better.
September 5, 2025
ABOUT MY COPY
After collecting books for over 40 years, I have been on a mission to read all the books we own and set most of mine free. I usually start a review with info about the particular copy that has been in my collection. Going off the the used book store stamp on inside cover, I suspect I bought this book at that store's other location after college when I was still living with my parents. If so, this book has moved with me 4 times and been in my possession for over 3 decades before I finally read it. I will be setting it free. Hopefully someone else will get to enjoy it.
MY REVIEW
This book covers well traveled territory of working class New York City residents and the Mafia in the 70s and 80s. It is a fascinating step back in time to a New York City that doesn't really exist anymore. Everything seems authentic. The author knew what he was writing about.
A gripping read from beginning to end. My only nit, and this is as a 21st century reader with lots of entertainment options, is that it could be a tiny bit tighter. About 3% less maybe. If I was reading this in the 1980s though, it would have been plenty taunt enough.
I'm looking forward to reading Vincent Patrick's other stuff. Though there is surprisingly little of it. Which I respect, because more is not always better.
After collecting books for over 40 years, I have been on a mission to read all the books we own and set most of mine free. I usually start a review with info about the particular copy that has been in my collection. Going off the the used book store stamp on inside cover, I suspect I bought this book at that store's other location after college when I was still living with my parents. If so, this book has moved with me 4 times and been in my possession for over 3 decades before I finally read it. I will be setting it free. Hopefully someone else will get to enjoy it.
MY REVIEW
This book covers well traveled territory of working class New York City residents and the Mafia in the 70s and 80s. It is a fascinating step back in time to a New York City that doesn't really exist anymore. Everything seems authentic. The author knew what he was writing about.
A gripping read from beginning to end. My only nit, and this is as a 21st century reader with lots of entertainment options, is that it could be a tiny bit tighter. About 3% less maybe. If I was reading this in the 1980s though, it would have been plenty taunt enough.
I'm looking forward to reading Vincent Patrick's other stuff. Though there is surprisingly little of it. Which I respect, because more is not always better.
February 3, 2018
This is a case where the movie was better than the book. The movie focused on the two main characters - Charlie and Paulie - whereas they were almost footnotes in the book. Maybe I was spoiled by Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts, but they just didn’t feel “alive” in the book.
One thing I did like was the way the book ended. In the movie, Charlie bets across the board on multiple horses and wins back a bunch of his share of the heist. In the book, he bets it all on Paulie’s horse and loses everything. With the Bedbug poisoned, he knows he’s a dead man walking. He realizes there is no hope. The movie ends on a happier note, and it felt jarring and tacked on.
One thing I did like was the way the book ended. In the movie, Charlie bets across the board on multiple horses and wins back a bunch of his share of the heist. In the book, he bets it all on Paulie’s horse and loses everything. With the Bedbug poisoned, he knows he’s a dead man walking. He realizes there is no hope. The movie ends on a happier note, and it felt jarring and tacked on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
Entertaining yarn about a couple shifty NYC guys in the '70s who look to break into a safe and steal a few grand. The safe ends up holding much more, and it's a mobster's money.
Before long, the mobster, Bedbug Eddie, knows who stole it. And so Charlie and Paulie hustle to stay one step ahead of the ruthless mob boss.
Lots of dialogue does not hold up here in 2023, particularly lines about Blacks and gay people.
But it's a fun, fast moving story.
Before long, the mobster, Bedbug Eddie, knows who stole it. And so Charlie and Paulie hustle to stay one step ahead of the ruthless mob boss.
Lots of dialogue does not hold up here in 2023, particularly lines about Blacks and gay people.
But it's a fun, fast moving story.
July 30, 2020
Read in 1980. Three small time hoods rob the Mafia and deal with the fallout. Later a film with Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts. Darkly comic.
August 15, 2022
Not a profound plot. Three guys burglarize a safe to get themselves out of debt. So, of course, they are hunted by both the mob and the cops. The book was written and set in the 1970's.
September 8, 2022
A great funny story the movie was good the book is much better.
February 6, 2024
A slept on New York City masterpiece of a novel, with dialogue that sings in profane arias and profound hilarity. I love this book, and rest in peace to the great Vincent Patrick.
May 30, 2024
Re-read this after quite a while. It really captures the NYC flavor and the wise guy mentality. It still rings true today (except for the prices!)
February 22, 2017
I took a punt on this after reading that this (& the film adaptation) was a big influence on Chuck Hogan's Prince of Thieves (The Town).
Really enjoyed it and especially love the 80s style hardback cover.
Really enjoyed it and especially love the 80s style hardback cover.
March 2, 2009
Wanted to like this more than I did. Interesting reading a book set in the neighborhood where I work, more or less. The changes, obviously, are dramatic. I'd really like to see the movie version of this now, what with all the Mickey Rourke hoopla we've been enjoying in this, the early part of 2009.
October 18, 2013
I just saw part of the movie and it reminded me that I read this long ago. The book was a little better.
November 27, 2009
New York cool....
May 18, 2010
a very good book that was made into a very good movie.
Read
September 7, 2017This is a great book, an old one that I had. Never read, really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews