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  • True Red

  • The Life of an Ex-Mongrel Mob Gang Leader
  • By: Tuhoe 'Bruno' Isaac
  • Narrated by: Tuhoe Isaac
  • Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (54 ratings)

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True Red cover art

True Red

By: Tuhoe 'Bruno' Isaac
Narrated by: Tuhoe Isaac
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Publisher's Summary

Wearing the colour red, living by the 'law of lawlessness' and having the patch with the emblem of the mighty bulldog on your back was what ex-Mongrel Mob leader Tuhoe 'Bruno' Isaac called being True Red. "Because all levels of society hated us we created a new society of hatred symbolised by the bulldog. Its ferocious habits were engraved on our hearts", Tuhoe says, "If you weren't a mobster you weren't worth knowing." He lived this way for 17 years.

However, constantly living for the bash, beer, prison and the possibility of dying in a pool of blood eventually saw Tuhoe search for another way of doing life. Leaving the Mob was hard. Not only did he face the rejection of his own and the fierce judgemental prejudices of mainstream society, but with the awakening of his conscience came the realisation of a past filled with inflicting pain on others besides himself, and of a life devoid of any sense of love or hope. This led him down a path of confession, forgiveness and reconciliation.

True Red is the essential biography of one man's fascinating journey from the realm of darkness into the world of light.

©2009 Tuhoe Isaac (P)2019 Tuhoe Isaac

What listeners say about True Red

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Mana Māori

Story of so many Māori. I could relate as a Mana wāhine, abuse by those considered whānau. And how it has shaped myself and many of those around me. Demons within, is an ongoing battle and to have met you matua selling your books in Tāhuna gives me great pride and hearing your hikoi. Thank you for sharing. Has give me hope for our tangata. Bless xxx

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Every Kiwi should read this

An intimate insight into the heart of gangs, and the heart of God. This book has opened my eyes with compassion to a side of life I don’t know - it’s stripped any fear, taken the blinkers off, and encouraged me to see relationship and humanity in those I know nothing about, instead of separation.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Honest and brutal upbringing

Tuhoe narrating his own life story gives more authenticity to the story. Tuhoe is truly inspirational about turning one's life around, and the lives if others. Ka mau te weher brother

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Tearful redemption story

Pretty graphic at times hard to listen to the reality of sexual violence. However a redemption story that brings hope for all that change is possible

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

every thing about this is brilliant

brilliant story great story telling amazing story and amazing life this guy has lived 10 out of ten

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Shocking & confronting - a sad but honest memoir

I found this book very hard to read. Tuhoe shares stories about abuse he experienced as a child growing up, and abuse he inflicted on others as a mobster - these stories are heartbreaking & horrifying.

This book highlights the impact of substance abuse, sexual abuse, violence & oppression. While it’s sad, it exposes ugly truths that shouldn’t be ignored.

I’m glad he’s found god - and I truly hope this book helps anyone who needs to know there is ‘a way out’. The content in this book is not for everyone.

I wish Tuhoe the best as he transforms his life & helps others, and I look forward to the day when all children are safe and protected from abusers, & sexual predators.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow 🤩

I cannot praise this book highly enough.
Tuhoe, in sharing his story is beyond brave & thank you for everything you do to inspire others to find & better themselves.
Just WOW 😍

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

ok

ok a bit slow but interesting the mongrel mob did some bad stuff and rough

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Touching - this is a real soul stealer

Written and read by a Maori man with new whakahī (pride) this story was terrifyingly raw!

I won’t lie, this isn’t a professional audio book with a monotone to listen to, BUT you’re listening to someone’s real story, raw emotions and the reality of Mongrel Mob life.

I highly recommend this book if you want to hear some confrontational truths about the Mongrel life.

We spend so much time listening to the stories written and read about mob life in the US and Canada that we forget this can happen close to home.

-Australia.

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5 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Mob member turns to the bible should be the title

Good story with nothing held back from what mob life is like and with a person needing a group around them either a crazy bunch of blokes or a church both are the same just opposite. I guess some people need a group when not comfortable alone.


Well read by the author im happy he did not sell out to a robot sounding voice like most other books.

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2 people found this helpful

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