The inside story of Mr Sin and his families
Growing up the son of Australia's kingpin of vice, Alan Saffron had little chance of a normal life. In the landmark nightspots of Kings Cross, his father pioneered the lucrative underworld business of girls, grog and gambling - and had Alan count the money after school. But the real trouble was at home.
Abe Saffron ruled his family with the same ruthless authority with which he ruled the Cross. A tireless womaniser, he split his week between his wife and son and a series of mistresses, even starting a second family with one of them. His control over those around him continued until his death in late 2006 and beyond, through his surprising will.
In Gentle Satan, Alan charts his father's rise to power and four-decade reign, made possible by corruption at the highest echelons of police and politics. He also offers the truth behind the infamous tragedies of Juanita Nielsen's murder and the Luna Park fire.
But at its heart, this is an unforgettable story of a son struggling to win approval from a cruel father, one who at various times had him committed to the notorious Chelmsford psychiatric hospital and denied him access to his own children. With unabashed candour, Alan reveals the remarkable personal lives of those who lived with Mr Sim.
