The Godfather by Mario Puzo Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Godfather
Book Review: A Classic!
Summary: 5 Stars
On one level I almost don't want to like this book because it has become a part of and spawned so much in mainstream American pop culture, mainly due to the movie, which was great, and all the mafia story spinoffs/rip offs it inspired in films/television, which were a mixed bag. In spite of that I have to consider this book a classic. A great story is a great story regardless of who does or doesn't like it. Puzo seems to have done a lot of real world research putting this together from what I understand and really gets in the characters heads and world. Its one of those books that you really get immersed in and have trouble putting it down.Book Review: A Must-Read for fans of the movie, but not as good
Summary: 4 Stars
The book version of the Godfather is a must-read for fans of the movie trilogy. The book (which of course preceded the movie by several years) includes a few minor characters not making the cut for the book, and it expands on the back story of several minor characters, such as Rocco Lampone, Luca Brasi, Al Nieri, Johnny Fontane, and Lucy Mancini).
The book is not, however, as enjoyable or well-done as the movie. Part of the reason certain minor characters were left out of the movie, and other characters roles lessened, is because their plights don't seem to relate much to the dominant storylines, those being the Corleone Family's struggle to remain the most powerful of New York, and Michael's rise to Don. The storylines of Johnny and Lucy especially are there to show the far-reaching influence of rhe Corleones, but still seem to sidetrack the main story.
Parts of the book also seem repetetive, such as the in-depth discussion of Johnny's taste in women. Also, there are certain sequences (such the deaths of Sonny and Appolonia) whose suddenness can only be properly depicted through a visual medium.
Overall a good read, especially for fans of the movie, but don't expect to come away feeling you just read an amazing book.
Book Review: A great film: a brilliant book
Summary: 5 Stars
I am so glad that I took the time to read the book, despite seeing the film many times. The depth of characters in the book was far greater. Sonny's mistress Lucy had a more purposeful ongoing role in the book, as in the film her character was just a fling of passion. This was also the case with Michael's first wife, in the book she is pregnant at the time of her death, which is not clearly conveyed in the film. The depression which Freddo suffered following his father's shooting also provided excellent insight into the guilt that besieged him following his poor guarding of his father. There is so much more to the book I haven't even mentioned. Give yourself a treat and read the book!
Nicholas R.W. Henning - Australian Author
Author of: Boomerang Baseball and The American Dream: From Perth to Sacramento
Book Review: A modern day classic
Summary: 5 Stars
After seeing "The Godfather" film many, many times I decided it was time to read the novel, so I found a good buy on a used copy on Amazon. The book goes into much more detail in describing the characters and the "back story" behind them and their personalities and actions. It's not a short book, but it is so compelling it is an easy read and I finished it in just a few days of intermittent reading.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read.
Book Review: A real page turner.
Summary: 5 Stars
I stumbled upon this book by chance when I was at the local Salvation Army shopping for handkerchiefs. I think it would be great to see a film adaptation of it. In fact, I just spent my entire life savings on screenwriting classes so that I can be the one to turn this awesome book into a film. I just pray nobody beats me to it. I'm hoping that Denzel Washington plays the role of Don Vito Corleone. I think he'd be perfect for it and I'm writing the part with him in mind.