The Godfather Review
What does a book expert think: Get a comprehensive overview of the reception and review of The Godfather.
Article written by Ugo Juliet
Former Lecturer. Author of multiple books. Degree from University Of Nigeria, Nsukka.
‘The Godfather,‘ penned by the acclaimed author Mario Puzo, stands as an iconic pillar of modern literature and cinematic history. Released in 1969, this novel catapulted Puzo to international acclaim and laid the foundation for one of the most revered film franchises ever created. The book became so successful that it sold more than nine million copies in two years and even retained its spot on The New York Times Best Seller list for 67 straight weeks.
Key Facts about The Godfather
- Title: The Godfather
- Book Inspiration: Organized crime bosses
- Publication Date: 1969
- Literary Period: Contemporary period
- Genre: Novel, Crime Fiction
- Setting: New York and California, USA
- Point-of-view: Third-person narrative
- Climax: When Michael Corleone murders the rival mafia leaders
- Protagonist: Micheal Corleom
- Antagonist: The rival New York crime families and members of law enforcement
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
I watched the movie, ‘The Godfather‘, first before I read the book. Though I have heard of the book, I couldn’t wait to see it in live pictures when I got the chance. Yet being an avid reader, I knew I’d pick more details and intricacies from the book. And I wasn’t disappointed.
The story opens in the vibrant heart of New York City, where the Corleone family presides over a sprawling empire of power, wealth, and crime. Through the eyes of Don Vito Corleone, a figure both revered and feared, we are ushered into a world of intricate alliances, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of family honor. The story goes beyond crime, diving into human nature, loyalty, and destiny. This tale lays the foundation for a gripping saga of power and retribution.
In the Italian-American Mafia, Puzo crafts a story of power, loyalty, and moral dilemmas. Led by Don Vito Corleone, the Corleone family represents the complexities of organized crime. Tradition clashes with ambition, and choices echo through generations. ‘The Godfather’ is more than a story; it’s a journey through the human experience in all its shades.
The novel is divided into three parts. The first part is when ‘The Godfather‘ introduces the Corleone family and their business dealings. Vito Corleone is a powerful mafia boss who is respected by his friends and feared by his enemies. He has three sons: Santino (Sonny), Fredo, and Michael; and a daughter named Connie. Sonny is the eldest son and heir to the family business. Fredo is the middle son and is often overlooked. Michael is the youngest son and is initially reluctant to join the family business.
The second part is when Michael Corleone rose to power as the new head of the Corleone family. After Vito is shot by an assassin, Michael takes over the business and begins to expand the family’s empire. However, he also faces new challenges from rival mafia families and the government.
The last part follows Michael Corleone’s attempts to legitimize the Corleone family business and leave his criminal past behind. However, he is drawn back into the world of crime when his daughter is kidnapped by a rival mafia family.
Readers might question what genre of literature this book belongs to. Well, ‘The Godfather’ is a crime fiction novel with a touch of drama and thriller. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, and it is also a valuable text for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of organized crime.
Books related to The Godfather
‘The Godfather’ is a complex and well-written novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of organized crime. It is also a powerful story about family, loyalty, and power. The novel has been adapted into a trilogy of successful films, which have further cemented its status as one of the most iconic crime stories ever told.
If you enjoyed reading ‘The Godfather,’ here are some books related to ‘The Godfather’ that you should read. ‘The Fall of South Bridge’ by Jimmy Badavino, ‘The Family Corleone’ by Ed Falco, ‘The Sicilian‘ by Mario Puzo, ‘Hot Springs’ by Stephen Hunter, ‘WiseGuy’ by NicholasPileggii, ‘The Last Don’ by Mario Puzo, ‘Gangsterland’ by Tod Goldberg, ‘The Godfather’s Revenge’ by Mark Winegardner, ‘The Wolf’ by Lorenzo Carcaterra, and ‘Omerta’ by Mario Puzo.
These books offer a range of perspectives on the Mafia and organized crime, from fictionalized narratives to historical accounts and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of mafia families. They collectively provide a rich collection for readers interested in delving deeper into the world of organized crime.
The Lasting Impact of The Godfather
The story of ‘The Godfather‘ has left an indelible mark on literature, cinema, and popular culture. Mario Puzo’s masterful storytelling and vivid characters, brought to life on screen by Francis Ford Coppola, elevated the gangster genre to an art form. The Corleone family’s intricate dynamics and moral complexities continue to captivate readers, sparking discussions on power, loyalty, and the human condition. Its iconic quotes and imagery are woven into the fabric of our cultural lexicon. Decades after its release, ‘The Godfather’ remains a touchstone for storytelling excellence, reminding us of the enduring power of a well-crafted narrative. Its legacy is one of profound influence, shaping the way we view crime fiction and leaving an unforgettable impression on generations of readers and viewers worldwide.
Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel ‘The Godfather‘ is one of the most iconic and influential works of American literature. The story of the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia clan, ‘The Godfather‘ is a complex and nuanced exploration of power, corruption, and the American Dream. The novel has had a lasting impact on American literature, both in terms of its subject matter and its style.
One of the most significant impacts of ‘The Godfather‘ has been its normalization of the Mafia in American culture. Before the novel, the Mafia was largely seen as a shadowy and dangerous criminal organization. However, Puzo’s portrayal of the Corleones as a complex and multifaceted family helped to humanize the Mafia and make it more relatable to readers. This normalization of the Mafia has had a profound impact on American literature, as it has opened up new possibilities for storytelling and character development.
Another significant impact of ‘The Godfather‘ has been its influence on the genre of crime fiction. Before the novel, crime fiction was often seen as a pulpy and sensationalized genre. However, Puzo’s realistic and gritty portrayal of the Mafia helped to elevate crime fiction to a new level of respectability. ‘The Godfather‘ is now considered to be one of the greatest crime novels ever written, and it has inspired countless other works of crime fiction in the decades since its publication.
In addition to its impact on subject matter, ‘The Godfather‘ has also had a significant impact on the style of American literature. Puzo’s writing is characterized by its spare and direct prose, its complex characters, and its unflinching portrayal of violence. This style has been emulated by many other writers, both in the crime fiction genre and beyond. The Godfather is a landmark work of American literature that continues to inspire and influence writers and readers alike.
The novel’s influence can be seen in the work of many other writers, including Stephen King, Elmore Leonard, and Donna Tartt. ‘The Godfather‘ has been adapted into a successful trilogy of films, which have helped to further cement the novel’s status as a classic work of American literature. ‘The Godfather‘ is a required reading for many students of American literature, and it is often used as a teaching tool in universities and colleges.
‘The Godfather‘ is a landmark work of American literature that has had a profound impact on the genre of crime fiction and American literature in general. The novel’s complex characters, realistic portrayal of violence, and spare and direct prose continue to inspire readers worldwide.
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About Ugo Juliet
Former Lecturer. Author of multiple books. Degree from University Of Nigeria, Nsukka.