Donnie Brasco question

[Davideaux]

At the end of the movie when Lefty has been betrayed and has been summoned to appear before Sonny Black, he tells his wife: "if Donnie calls... , tell him... if it was gonna be anyone, I'm glad it was him."

Does he really mean that? It seems that Donnie's betrayal should have made him more bitter and resentful. I'm trying to fathom how he can be glad that Donnie has handed him his death sentence. I understand that Lefty had fatherly feelings towards Donnie, but the sentiment he expressed his difficult to understand.

Also, if anyone has read the book the movie is based on, is this true that Lefty forgave Donnie? It seems like the sort of thing added by the filmmakers.

[Murrocko]

I took that bit as him saying he was glad that he wasn't actually stuck this mess they called a mob and that he could be free of it.

Never read the book.

[TomGun13]

I don't remember if he forgave Donnie, but I believe that he was picked up by the cops before he actually got there. If my memory is correct (read the book like 7 years ago).