Max Allan Collins - Road to Purgatory (2004)
Max Allan Collins' Road to Purgatory is a sequel in novel form to the
acclaimed Tom Hanks film "Road to Perdition," in turn based on a graphic novel
by Collins.
The story begins with Michael O'Sullivan Jr. (the boy from the first tale, now
in his early 20s) serving in combat in World War II. With his fearlessness and
capacity for violence -- his father was a mob hit man -- Michael is a formidable
soldier. After being maimed in combat, he is discharged from the hospital and
sent home to Chicago. Finding himself at loose ends, he is recruited by Eliot
Ness to go undercover to help the G-man bring down the Capone mob.
Michael proves himself to be just as good a soldier in the Outfit as he was in
the Army. He soon crosses the line, though, becoming more like his father than
he ever thought he would be, a point driven home in a flashback featuring
Michael Sr.
Nobody writes about war era crime in Chicago as well as Collins. With its
fascinating period narrative and affecting intergenerational story, Road to
Purgatory is a delight for fans of the original story and newcomers as well.
Posted by David J. Montgomery in Book Reviews | Permalink
