Back to Brooklyn

While we frequently see books being made into movies, a rare occurrence is a movie being made into a book, or better yet, a favorite movie being continued into a book. Back to Brooklyn is that rarity and to make matters better, it is exceedingly well done.

As Lisa and Vinny drive off at the end of the movie My Cousin Vinny, it is just the beginning of Gambini's legal career. His long time supporter, Judge Molloy suggests a way for Vinny to get a little experience and make some money doing assigned council work. It is a challenge for Vinny because there is very little time to read the case file (often less than a minute) and with his dyslexia, reading fast is difficult. The first client he has is followed by Vinny's brother Joe, and that gives him a chance to break into the local scene and meet the Assistant District Attorney. Meanwhile the girlfriend of a murdered felon is referred to Vinny for advice, and when she is arrested, he becomes her trial attorney.

Although his career may be looking up, life with Lisa is never easy, and they continue fighting often without Vinny knowing why he is even fighting. But as always, she is proud of Vinny and helps him with his cases, making them a most unusual team.

I confess I loved the book but it was a slow read for me. Every time Vinny or Lisa spoke I had to visualize them (as Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei) and hear the familiar voices that I have always associated with these characters. That was by no means a negative aspect to reading the book. It simply meant I didn't race through at my usual speed, but instead actually savored the book. I am pleased to report it was worth savoring and I look forward to reading future books in this series.

The story picks up with Lisa and Vinnie trying to leave Alabama, but even that has some problems. When they finally make it back to New York Vinnie is set on working and making money. He also ends up in court a few times trying to get his brother Joe out of trouble. His other two problems are Lisa, and the case he picks up which the D.A. thinks will be a slam dunk because he is new. With the odds against him once again along with family members because they feel he is not doing right by Lisa. You have the makings for a very good book. The description of the characters are a little different than the movie especially Vinnie, but that is okay. Overall the story works and I am good with everything except the ending. Lisa has been with Vinnie for ten years and I wonder how many women would stay around. Overall a good book.