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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Only time I can say the book and movie are equally good.
Beware language and violence! If was a movie (it IS, by the way), would be rated X.
This is the story of the Mafia family – the Corleones. Don Vito Corleone is the most powerful mafia boss in New York City. Tragedy strikes, and the Don’s sons – Sonny and Michael – need to take over the Family operation. The Corleones are desperate to hold on to their power in New York but it proves to be challenging. The Corleone sons try to bring the other mafia Dons together to keep the peace, but find that this isn’t as easy as their father made it look.
This was a pretty good book. It is a bit surprising that I have never read it before – considering its popularity. There are a lot of characters, and a lot of side stories that make it a slow read. Don’t mistake that for a slow story – it just takes time and patiences – not a story you can really skip or skim over.
I am sure I will read the next several books in the series, but I am not sure I will do that this year. I was not drawn, by the end of the book, to see what came next. So we will see.
It’s a good thing that I read the book first and then watched the movie. The movie is legendary no doubt, but the book is even better. One of the few books which can give you real goose-bumps. Power, struggle betrayal. Through this book, Puzo created such a strong presence of Don Corleone and make him a legend. A magnum opus indeed. Perhaps one day I could write like he did.
Loved the book as well as the movies. One of my favorites.
I love how it shows that the family men were good family men who only wanted respect.
Classic.
Great read.
Learned some things, I think, about the true Mafia.
holds up well. too much telling rather than showing, but good storytelling.
One of my greatest reads! Could not put it down!
This is a masterpiece.
Much better than the movie.
Loved the additional insight into Mario Puzo and the process of the novel and the detail you do not get in the movies.
Such a amazing book
Though I never could get into the movie it was too drawn out… I gave the book of chance and loved every minute of it. Will probably read it again sometime.
One of the great pieces of popular fiction of the 20th century.
Great book
Classic
A REAL PROTRAYER OF THE COSA NOSTRA
I saw the movie many times. The book is so much better and much different then movie. Character development is deep. Loved it!