Positives The book is widely praised for its extensive and powerful analysis of the global cocaine industry, offering a staggering volume of information compiled from years of research. Reviewers highlight its ability to detail the entire supply chain, from cultivation to international distribution and money laundering, revealing the complex interlocking networks of mafias and cartels. A particularly chilling aspect is the demonstration of how vast sums of drug money underpin global financial markets and other legitimate businesses, sustaining economies during crises. The author's courage in exposing such dangerous truths is frequently commended, and the book is seen as a critically relevant read that profoundly changes readers' perspectives on the world. Its detailed and often terrifying descriptions of the trade's violence and the sheer scale of the numbers involved are noted for giving the horror a tangible dimension.
Negatives However, several reviewers found the book to be structurally disjointed, with a fragmented narrative that often jumps between times and places, making it difficult to follow the various names and events. Some criticized the author's journalistic style, suggesting a lack of original investigation and a tendency to merely rehash existing reports. The book's tone is also a point of contention; while some appreciate its raw honesty, others found the author's personal musings, particularly a "strange ode" to cocaine's effects, to be opinionated and out of place. Many readers experienced tedium due to repetitive descriptions and lengthy lists of facts and names, leading some to abandon the book before finishing. Compared to his previous work, Gomorrah, some felt this book lacked the same personal connection and compelling narrative drive, resulting in a less impactful experience.
Conclusion Despite its structural flaws, ZeroZeroZero is widely considered an important and compelling investigation into the international cocaine market. It offers invaluable insights into how this illicit trade shapes global economics and politics, serving as a powerful call for greater awareness. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in organized crime, geopolitics, and the intricate connections between underground economies and everyday life. It will appeal to those who appreciate in-depth, investigative journalism that exposes uncomfortable truths, are prepared for graphic descriptions of violence, and are willing to engage with a dense, challenging text. Ultimately, it is a book for anyone seeking to understand the hidden mechanisms that influence our world, even if the journey through its pages can be demanding.
