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(More customer reviews)The most striking aspect of Tripodi's book is the love he has for his brother and the family's love for a member who was nontraditional. The book discusses the unconditional love that existed in a strong Italian family. Tripodi gives insight into the mind and behavior of a professional gambler and individuals who straddle the line between lawful and unlawful behaviors. Beside discussing the love and admiration he has for his brother, Tripodi discusses other family members and the uniqueness of each. Tripodi's book reminds a reader somewhat of another professional gambler, Arnold Rothstein, who reportedly was killed while holding a royal flush. Torchy did not die during a poker game, but his life as a professional gambler played a likely role in his death. Requiem for Torchy is good reading and well worth the price.
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When Joe "Torchy" Torchia, the last of Sacramento's legendary great gamblers, died in a hail of bullets in 1970, an era died with him. In his day, "The Torch" was many things to many people.To the denizens of the back rooms and back alleys of Sacramento, he was a shrewd bet maker and bookie. To the tax collectors, he was a scofflaw who perpetually evaded their grasp. To the casino owners of Lake Tahoe, he was a high roller to be put up in high style. To patrons of his Buggy Whip Restaurant, he was an affable host who knew good food and good times. To his female admirers, he was a smooth-talking sharp dresser with looks to die for. To his children and step-children, he was an affectionate and indulgent father. To many observers, he was an embodiment of the American dream-a son of Italian immigrants who ended up in a manor house, complete with acreage and horse stables. To scores of Sacremento's social throw-aways, he was a generous benefactor whose anonymous gifts always came at unexpected times and places.To the police, he was-and is-a cold case file. But to Tony Tripodi, Joe Torchia was only one thing: his big brother. Here, in a unique blend of childhood adoration tempered with adult perspective, the author tells the story of Torchy's life and death. It is the story of a man who defied simplistic characterization-a man the likes of which Sacramento will not see again.
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