The Godfather

As someone who watched the movie before reading the book, it's hard to isolate my opinion of the movie from the book. Yet I'll do the best that I can. I find Mario Puzo' book an enjoyable read. It follows the Corleone family and its associates. It is a book about the Mafia and its dealings in gambling, show business, and other vices. I enjoyed how the book took its characters and expanded on their involvement with the Mafia. As much as I enjoyed the book, I couldn't give it a 5/5. If I didn't see the movie, there would've been times I would have felt lost in reading. Mario Puzo, though a great writer, sometimes dives into subplots without getting into the "meat" of the story. It's nice for substance but can get confusing for someone not familiar with the plot. I'd give this a 4/5. I enjoyed it better than most books. It wasn't a bore, but it wasn't a masterpiece that most reviews will have you believe. The movie did this book a great justice.

I first read Mario Puzo's THE GODFATHER three decades ago, and the impact it had on me was overwhelming. Here was a rare novel that hooked the reader from the very first page, a novel to be savored and absorbed by the author's grim yet masterful prose. Through the pages of this book the reader is introduced to the shadowy world of organized crime--more importantly, to the fiercely interdependent workings of the mafia. Deeply embedded in its Italian heritage, it was a culture of unspeakable violence, but it also fostered family, honor, community, loyalty, friendship. Vengeance. If you are downtrodden, or unfairly victimized, all you need do is approach one of the "families" and request a "favor." Proclaim your devotion and friendship, the favor will be granted. And then--even though it may never happen--you must be willing to return the favor.Or suffer the consequences.Puzo's novel brings to life the Corleone family, headed by its aging patriarch, Don Vito Corleone. In post-World War II New York, Corleone faces a changing world, but he is still plagued by the relentless "turf wars" with the other major families. Intense pressure is brought to introduce narcotics to the list of "services" provided by his family--pressure that Corleone emphatically resists, to the bleak detriment of first himself, and to those he loves. The subsequent development of the story--of the Corleone's strategy, of the emergence of one of the Godfather's sons to perpetuate the family's power and considerable clout--is spellbinding.Few novels of the last thirty years have had any lasting effects on our cultural lexicon. THE GODFATHER is one of them. Highly recommended.--D. Mikels

Not many works of fiction can claim to have significantly changed the face of American culture; Mario Puzo's classic novel The Godfather is surely one of those. Look at the evidence: This book (and the wonderful cinematic counterpart) reintroduced the gangster as an American icon. It helped to spawn entire new genres in fiction and films. (Some critics suggest there should be an entirely new designation for this genre and have dubbed it "The Eastern".) Of course, it introduced that classic catchphrase "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse." Finally, it introduced one of the great heroic criminals into literature in the person of Don Vito Corleone (a character reportedly based on Puzo's own mother). Yes, it is true that the movie and not the novel must take much of this credit, but this work is hardly the two-star pulp trash that a few misguided critics have made it to be. It's solid all the way through, particularly the fabulous portrayals of the ruthless gentleman Don Vito and his family, epecially the sons: hotheaded Sonny (whose penchant for needless violence proves fatal), cowardly Freddie (who is spooked by the Don's near-assasination and runs away to Las Vegas), and, most memorably, cool, reserved Michael (who, in the end, proves a tactical genius truly worthy to be called his father's son.) Also, don't forget the fabulous cast of supporting characters: singers Johnny Fontaine and Nino Valenti (read: Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin), and the many minor players such as Luca Brasi and Amerigo Bonserai, who literally owe their very existence to the Don's generosity. And the women!!! Such marvels of strength, tenacity and character presented in blindly obidient Connie, questioning Kay, and the Don's own wife, who knows much more than she reveals. Her tutoring of Kay into the Sicilian way of life ends the book on a high note. Puzo makes these character studies work because he gives each person his own little spotlight; by chapter's end, you know why each one has chosen to become a family member or confidant. The chapters showing the Don's rise to power, subsequent fall, and rebirth are the highpoints of the book, as the newer, more ruthless families seek to destroy the Corleone's sacred honor by forcing them into trafficking drugs. Yes, in the end, it is Michael who prevails, but the action is so good that the climax is not spoiled by knowing the outcome in advance. The reader will want to visit this novel time and again for it's unique perspectives on honor, justice, and The American Dream.

Mario Puzo has forever gained my respect for writing this gorgeous novel and the movie that was the result. Two of the most beautiful pieces of art in this world. One a life of words and the other an epic. Both breathtaking. I saw the movie before reading the book, but I belive they complimented each other. In the book you get a little background on some of the things that you didn't know about it the movie, hey that happens all the time, but here the movie is almost word for word of what this book is, almost a direct translation. I know I am reading a truly good novel when i feel an emptiness in my heart upon turning the last page. This is such a wonderful book. Please if you haven't read or have at least seen the movie. Get the hell outta here and do something about it, yeah you, you're doing yourself such a diservice by just sitting here. God supposedly (I am an atheist) made beauty, so get the freak out there and go experience it. Buy the book, it will make a worthy addition to your book shelf, trust me, just take a chance. Capisce?

an excellent book i recommend it to anyone. my dad calls it his 'guide to family life'(without the killing , of course). the best i've read in ages!!