Synopses & Reviews
Robbert Sabbags Snowblind, the true story of an American smuggler whose intricate, ingenious scams made him a legendary figure in the cocaine world of the late sixties and early seventies, is a modern classic. In this witty, intelligent, fiercely stylish, drug-induced exemplary tale” (Los Angeles Times), Sabbag masterfully traces Zachary Swans Roman-candle career, from his first forays into smuggling marijuana to his jaunts to Colombia to buy pure cocaine, and his ever more elaborate plans to outwit the police and customs officials. Updated by the author and featuring a newly designed cover, this captivating portrait of a dashing antihero and enthralling look at a turbulent age is sure to reach a new generation of readers.
Review
One of the first books about the cocaine trade and it is still among the best.” Norman Mailer
A flat-out ballbuster. It moves like a threshing machine with a fuel tank full of ether. . . . Sabbag is a whip-song writer.” Hunter S. Thompson
One of the best books about drugs ever written.” Robert Stone
One of the most dazzling and spectacular pieces of reporting I have ever read.” Nora Ephron
An extremely rare cut of dry wit, poetry, rock-hard fact and relentless insight.” Rolling Stone
A triumphant piece of reporting.” The New Yorker
A witty, intelligent, fiercely stylish, drug-induced exemplary tale.” Los Angeles Times
The ultimate slide down the precipice of hip.” Susan Brownmiller
A classic.” The National Review
After reading Robert Sabbags Snowblind, one is overcome with a sense of having finally understood America. It is that rare kind of book that compels a reader to call up all of his friends and read passages to them over the telephone. It is destined to become an American classic.” Claude Brown, Jr.
A beautifully written book.” Rita Mae Brown
The most authentic story of the big-time cocaine trade that has hit print, and Sabbag tells it with novelistic razzle-dazzle, setting down knife-sharp scenes as the action moves: Mexico, New Yorks big hotels, Harlem streets, Bogotas high and low-life . . . scenes and characters that make your skin crawl. A compelling read.” Publishers Weekly
Its excellent . . . characters leaping to life right out of Hemingway and Damon Runyon, and everywhere, supercharging, that fine electric dust of Cordilleran snow. I hate to think of what Sabbag must have gone through to write it.” Richard Rhodes
An immensely entertaining book.” Newsweek
Alternately scary and funny, wherein an incident or an insight is compressed and polished to an impressive sheen.” Baltimore Sun
This is a glorious and glittering piece of craftsmanshiplike good surgical steel . . . an exciting, living storybeautifully told, addictively readable, and as urgent as a siren coming to a sinister stop in front of where we all live.” Davis Grubb
Fascinating.” Houston Chronicle
Rip-roaring . . . a marvelous, cheerful adventure of modern times.”Washington Star
Its a challenge to put the book down.” Florida Times-Union
The style is charged with energy.” Boston Phoenix
Robert Sabbag is one beautiful writer.” Nashville Banner
An impeccably researched, carefully written book that reads at times like an adventure story.” Worcester Telegram
A meticulous study . . . fascinating.” Library Journal
Hip and often very funny . . . provocative . . . and utterly convincing.” Miami Herald