The Snakehead
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 6,994 ratings, 649 reviews)Read More
The Snakehead
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The Snakehead
The sweeping history of the American dream, Manhattan’s Chinatown underbelly, and the grandma mastermind behind one of the largest human smuggling rings.
The sweeping history of the American dream, Manhattan's Chinatown underbelly and the grandma mastermind behind one of the largest human smuggling rings.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionThe 1980s saw a significant influx of Chinese immigrants from Fujian province to America, many of whom found themselves living outside the boundaries of the law. Their existence largely depended on the shadow economy that flourished under the strict control of ruthless gangs, especially in the narrow, bustling streets of New York's Chinatown.
At the epicentre of this Chinese underworld was an unlikely figure—a middle-aged grandmother known as Sister Ping. Her journey towards achieving the American dream started from an unassuming noodle shop on Hester Street. This tiny establishment served as the front for a highly profitable and clandestine operation that earned Sister Ping an estimated $40 million through human smuggling.
As a "snakehead," the term used for individuals who smuggle people, Sister Ping constructed a sprawling and often brutal global empire. She adeptly utilised familial connections and relied on one of Chinatown's most notorious gangs to safeguard her influence and income. Her intricate smuggling network extended through a myriad of countries, beginning in Fujian Province and reaching Hong Kong, Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Sister Ping's elaborate operation remained concealed until 1993 when the disastrous grounding of the ship Golden Venture off a beach in Queens exposed her empire. The vessel was carrying 300 undocumented immigrants, and this incident unravelled one of the most significant human smuggling cases in American history. The journey to dismantle her network involved New York's renowned "Jade Squad" and the FBI, taking nearly a decade to finally apprehend the unusual mastermind behind it all.
The Snakehead by Patrick Radden Keefe is a riveting account that delves deep into the life of Sister Ping, offering a compelling narrative that intertwines the personal, economic, and legal aspects of this dark and complex saga. Keefe’s meticulous research and gripping storytelling bring to life the shadowy world ruled by Sister Ping and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to dismantle her criminal empire. This book not only unveils the extraordinary tale of one woman’s rise to power but also provides a broader commentary on immigration, crime, and the American dream.
Richly detailed and thoughtfully written, The Snakehead is an extraordinary exploration of crime and community, highlighting the resilience and complexity of the human spirit.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Snakehead by Patrick Radden Keefe has received powerful reviews, praised for its vivid storytelling and in-depth research. Critics highlight its suspenseful narrative and unexpected twists, comparing it to novels by John le Carré. The book is recognised for its meticulous reporting and insight into human trafficking, particularly from China to the US, while also addressing broader themes of immigration and the American Dream.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529099881
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 16 February 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Picador
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 29.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 318g
Pages: 448
About the Author
Patrick Radden Keefe is an award-winning staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty - winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, as well as two previous critically-acclaimed books, The Snakehead, and Chatter. He is the writer and host of the eight-part podcast Wind of Change on the origins of the Scorpions' power ballad, which The Guardian named the #1 podcast of 2020.
Also by Patrick Radden Keefe
View allMore from Crime & Thriller
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Pick Ups
We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.