Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3441 in Books
• Published on: 1991-02-21
• Binding: Paperback
• 446 pages

Synopsis
The Godfather is the Mafia leader Vito Corleone, a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power. Set in Long Island, Hollywood and Sicily, this is a story of a feudal society within society which does not hesitate to consolidate its power.

From the Publisher
`As for fiction, there can only be one choice - The Godfather' The Times

About the Author
Mario Puzo was born in Hell's Kitchen on Manhattan's West Side and following military service in World War II, attended New York's New School for Social Research and Columbia University. His best-known novel, The Godfather, was preceded by two critically acclaimed novels published in the early sixties, The Fortunate Pilgrim and The Dark Arena; in 1978 he published Fools Die, in 1984 The Sicilian, and in 1992 The Fourth K. Mario Puzo also wrote ten screenplays, including Superman and Superman II. For both of his screen adaptations of The Godfather he won Academy Awards. He died in 1999 at his home in Long Island.

Customer Reviews

Exceptionally Good
I loved this novel, which complements and enhances the film. One of my all-time-favourites.

One of the finest crime novels I've ever read
This book is amazing. It's a very readable, very graphic, hugely entertaining look at criminal life. The writing is very intelligent and Puzo's eye for detail gives it an extra dimension that raises it far above what might be expected. This is a very seriously good read.

Quite easily the best book I have ever read!
I have just finished reading this book, and as I have stated in the title, it is to my opinion the best book ever written. I am also a huge fan of the films but this book well and truly trounces them hands down. Even if you are not a fan of the movies you will be gripped the second you start reading the first page.

Mario Puzo has done a phenomenal job by creating these mafiosa characters with extra layers and dimensions which makes them all the more fearsome. He has openly shown that these gangsters are much more than tommy gun wielding maniacs, but that they are also warm hearted men who will protect their families at any cost. He does all of this while not glorifying any of their actions, just staing them in vivid detail for the reader to make their own mind up about the character.

The media shows these men in real life to be emotionless and ruthless who lack intelligence and use brute force all the time to get what they want. However, Mario Puzo shows that this is not true and shows the character's practical side that they use in everyday life to survive. He shows that these "Dons" are men who chose to live outside of normal society and not be forced to do things by the politicians who "pull the strings".

Mario Puzo creates an absolutely breathtaking image of 1940's New York, and I am not justtalking about the landscape, but also the political and social climate of the times. His two main characters, Vito "The Godfather" Corleone and his son Michael, are shown to be two great men in their own right. Vito as an enormously intelligent man who is a great friend to most and a ruthless and fearsome enemy to some. Michael on the other hand is a cold and almost merciless character who radiates power. These two characters make this book what it is, a true classic.

I would recommend this book to all becuase trust me you will not regret ever picking up this book, it is a true masterpiece.