50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION—WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY FRANCIS FORD COPPOLAMario Puzo’s classic saga of an American crime family that became a global phenomenon—nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.With its brilliant and brutal portrayal of the Corleone family, The Godfather burned its way into our national consciousness. This unforgettable saga of crime … national consciousness. This unforgettable saga of crime and corruption, passion and loyalty continues to stand the test of time, as the definitive novel of the Mafia underworld.
A #1 New York Times bestseller in 1969, Mario Puzo’s epic was turned into the incomparable film of the same name, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It is the original classic that has been often imitated, but never matched. A tale of family and society, law and order, obedience and rebellion, it reveals the dark passions of human nature played out against a backdrop of the American dream.
With a Note from Anthony Puzo and an Afterword by Robert J. Thompson
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My favorite book. I’ve read it at least twenty times.
My copy of The Godfather is old. It belonged to my father, and then my brother, and then I found it somehow somewhere in my house. It was already falling apart, some of the pages had holes in them and the spine was practically coming away in my hands. I read it for the first time when I was 16 and didn’t truly appreciate it. I remember thinking it was such a boring book, too full of details for my liking. Where was the action the film was known for?
I read it now, about 7 years later, and am completely blown away by what an amazing book it actually is.
This novel does include a lot of intricate details about family and character and business, yes. It can be a bit boring to get through, yes. I did, admittedly, find myself going a little bit hazy eyed while reading it sometimes, kind of reading but not really absorbing the words. But overall, Jesus this book is good.
The story follows the Corleone family: Vito, his wife, and their four children Sonny, Fredo, Michael and Connie. The novel begins by making you believe it’s the story of Vito Corleone – after all, everybody calls him Don, and everybody refers to him as their Godfather.
And that’s where you’re all wrong.
The book isn’t about Vito at all, while it does start with him in the beginning. Vito is instrumental to this story because without him, most of the things in the plot wouldn’t have happened. In fact, this story is an almost perfect example of a character driven novel. No, the story is about Michael, his youngest son, his most loved son, who goes from being one of the nicest and best men in the world to turning into a Don, just like his father.
There is so much plot in this story that it’s almost impossible for me to get it down in this review. There’s drama, sex, fame and fortune, people getting shot and people getting murdered, people falling in love and people lusting over the wrong person. There’s so much going on in this story because Puzo makes it a point to show you that all the characters have such vivid, colourful lives. What I loved about this novel is that every character is so engaging in their own way, in their own lives. They lead very different lives that somehow all intertwine because of one Vito Corleone, and you have to respect how effectively Puzo helps you remember everybody. He does this with the grace of G R R Martin, who must have gotten inspiration from Puzo’s writing. If he didn’t then he’s definitely just the next Puzo.
But why should you read this book? Because it’s not what it seems. Some people might dismiss this book as just a random Mafia story, and Mafia stories are boring. That’s not true. There’s intrigue and suspense and twists at almost every turn. And while I’ve told many people that writing a good story doesn’t have to mean it’s full of surprises and goings-on, Puzo manages to write all the mess of characters’ lives together in a very intricately woven Sicilian scarf. When you pull away from the whole picture at the end of the novel and look at it for what it really is, you realize just what a great book it is.
Final rating: 4/5. I could have done without all the sex scenes, I admit, but eh…that’s life, I guess?
The Godfather is a classic. I read it years ago, but wanted another read. The characters are so clearly described, they just jump out at you in Technicolor!! The emotions and intellect that drive them are fascinating to read.
While on one level the reader realizes that many of the actions taken in this novel are not only illegal but horrifying….on another level one can see why one could desire ultimate revenge.
Great read!
first epic novel, which I could truly say was better than the movie and the movie is a classic
Considering that Mario Puzo himself was known for not being very happy with the final out come of the book “The Godfather” he managed to turn out a work of art. The book is an in depth look at the Corleone family and it’s “Cosa Nostra”. The book grabs you from the very beginning and picks up pace as it goes. Filled with moments that are happy and joyful Puzo pulls the rug out from under our feet to remind us that these are not good people.
An excellent and clear eye for detail, the story is always engaging and filled with lots of “Oh my” moments. The characters are written well, like many of the Italians I remember from my youth on the East side of Manhattan in NYC.
“The Godfather” is the basis for mob stories and movies that came after it was published and will continue to do so.
The story of the fictional “original mob family”. This is an easy read, with very defined characters. It actually deserves a second read, because the first time round, you may not see all the machinations of the mob family as they move through years of survival, politics and shootings. If you’ve watched the movie, you have the general idea of the story, but the book makes the characters much richer and explains more of why they do what they’re doing. Why should the sons stay loyal to their father, a murdering mob boss? You understand their emotions and reasons in the book.
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book, but it was awesome. The plot, timing and character development were all outstanding. I breezed through the book in three days, and wanted to read more.
Whenever you read the book after you’ve seen the movie, it’s always amazing how much more there is to the story. And in this case, also how much more there is to learn about the women in the family.
Reread this after many years. Still is a fresh read written with great artistic ability. Once started couldn’t put it down until finished. Highly recommended, especially for those who want to see how a novel should be writte.
Read it in 1972, then again in 1992, now for the third time. And it still holds up. Enjoyed it even more. Then watched the movie again and read the screenplay. Never get tired of it. A true epic by a great storyteller.
Probably the best book I’ve ever read. Almost every character is famous or infamous. This reminds me that I haven’t read it in a couple of years. Have to take my battered reading copy off the shelf and get comfortable with an old friend.
A true classic with unforgettable characters and a compelling story. Whether or not you have seen the movies that were based on this novel, do yourself a favor and read the original story–the source. Great read.
Keeps you reading.
This book made me see +/-10 characters within 5 pages and Godfather wasn’t on the scene, yet I was interested to see Godfather the most on those pages. This book proves, character building is an art.
I just saw this book on one of my friend’s ‘favorites’ shelf. Then I wondered why on earth I don’t have it on my shelf when I constantly listen to The Godfather Waltz by Nino Rota. That melody in Oboe just blows my mind. It reminds me of old buildings with roughly-made red bricks and no plaster-finishing on the facing; the smell of monsoon and moss on the constricts of the bricks. Sometimes, I think, I can even smell Cha and Singara. It reminds me of the old days; it reminds me of my childhood. It sure does bring nostalgia–just as all the music critiques said about The Godfather Waltz.
608 pages
5 stars
I had to read this again for old times’ sake. I don’t know how many times I’ve read the book and watched the movies. Too many to recall!
I can’t say anymore about this book and the movies it spawned. The fine writing and plotting; this book is fascinating and a reader’s delight. For anyone interested in mobsters or crime fiction, this book is a must. Although it is pure fiction, it is a thrill ride and fun to read – again.
The movie The Godfather is a fine production, too. It followed the book closely with few false steps. The great, and legendary actors. And Al Pacino looks so young!!
The Godfather was one of my all-time favorite books. I am eclectic in my escapes. I love Mystery, crime series, hot steamy romance, espionage, adventure…whatever blows my skirt up at the time.
It’s a brilliant book, a timeless classic, which is a little overshadowed by the film and I see why people judge it based on the movie. Yes, the film is a masterpiece where everything works from its soundtrack and cinematography to the incredible cast, but the book is great in its own right. The plot is fantastic, the dialogues are sharp and intelligent, and the characters are larger than life.
Great book. Kept you wanting to read more.
Absorbing, yet easy-to-read classic that was perfect for getting lost into for a meaty read. So much more detail and back story than the films!
I don’t know of anyone who has not at least heard of THE GODFATHER. Most of them today though, only know the movies. If you are a fan , you must MUST read the book. Multigenerational tale of an American family right from the immigration of young Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son to power. It has everything a novel could have and should have. Rich descriptions of an era gone by. Love, hate , betrayal, and vengeance. I cannot say enough about this book, other than read it. If I could give it 100 stars I would in a second.