The story of two cousins brought up in mafia-like trade unions with violence and death which they then perpetuate into their short adulthoods. Interesting as a character study and for its Philadelphia setting. ( )

Brotherly Love has one of the most gripping, disturbing, and violent beginnings I’ve read. The violence and menace never abate throughout the story. It’s not a bang-bang mindless violence, but a grinding, wrenching threat that bursts into blackness and dissipates, until it happens again. Pete Dexter is so skillful that he keeps the tension alive the entire time.

Peter and Michael Flood are cousins in Philadelphia thrown together as children by the death of Peter’s father. In fact both of their fathers have been killed because of their criminal connections. They’re a union, and organized crime, family. Michael never evolves from a greedy youngster, taking what he wants. Peter is a bright spot in the story, although he’s engulfed by the ugliness that he never really tries hard enough to escape.

Nick DiMaggio, a former boxer who owns a boxing gym over an auto repair shop, is another bright spot that Peter gravitates toward. Nick has built the life that he wants and tries to steer clear of Michael and his type. “These fuckin’ guys,” “Everywhere they go, it’s like they broke in.” But he knows he can’t avoid them forever and is going to be compelled to choose sides at some point. “Maybe three times in your life something new happens and you know the right thing to do. The rest of the time…” Michael, Peter, Nick and the other characters are expertly created and believable.

Dexter’s adeptly told story of inherited violence is leavened by a subplot of redemption and glimpses of humanity. ( )

Not his best ( )