Going out on a bang - "Money To Burn" by Ricardo Piglia

This week's book is "Money To Burn" by Ricardo Pigila. Personally, I think this book is definitely the most action-packed, engaging read so far. Even though it was a bit on the longer side with around 200 pages, the constant adventures the characters are put through makes it very intriguing to read. Moreover, I do enjoy watching or reading thriller or action-adventure packed stories. This book was about a group of men robbing banks throughout Buenos Aires as if they were invincible but eventually after many police reports, their crime caught up to them.

What makes this book different, yet similar to the books we have read so far is the the trope of family and how important that is to the characters in this novel. Although their blood ties with family members may not hold as much over the men's lives, the novel portrays the group of robbers as a closely-knit family. Through the numerous crimes they had done, it built a sense of trust, camaraderie and loyalty between each member. Even though their crimes were heinous, after every heist, it seemed their bond became closer and closer and when the 4 men were holding out in the flat at the latter half of the novel, it was as if they were more than just a criminal enterprise, it felt like they found their belonging and purpose in their lives.

One character that really interested me was Franco "Kid" Brignone. From his background of being the eldest son of a very wealthy family, a very successful entrepreneur in the construction business, to resorting to a life of crime. He was the favorite son of a very respectable businessman, and enjoyed unlimited indulgence as he was inheriting most of his father's wealth, however, one night, his friends attempted to rob musical equipment from a man in a bar which turned into a homicide. Even though he was not involved in the crime, he was still imprisoned for being an accomplice. His father then died of a heart attack due to the shock and whilst he had the inheritance of his father and pleas from his family, he turned into a life of crime. It was probably due to his experiences in jail that led him to a life of crime, but, I still wonder how much of a different life he could have had if he went to succeed his father.


Discussion Question: Do you believe Brignone had any control in his decisions, or was he ultimately a product of circumstances beyond his control?


Comments

  1. Jon Beasley-MurrayMarch 19, 2024 at 4:19 PM

    "This book was about a group of men robbing banks throughout Buenos Aires"

    Except it's not, is it? They rob one armoured car, just outside of Buenos Aires, and then flee to Uruguay.

    "it seemed their bond became closer and closer and when the 4 men were holding out in the flat"

    Except that there are three men, not four, in the flat, right? The fact that the fourth is not there suggests that not all the bonds became closer and closer...

    What does this book say about *betrayal*, as much as about trust?

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