The Godfather: The classic bestseller that inspired the legendary film

Mario Puzo

Nov 2012 · Random House

About this eBook

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The classic novel that inspired 'the greatest crime film of all time'

Tyrant, blackmailer, racketeer, murderer - his influence reaches every level of American society. Meet Don Corleone, a friendly man, a just man, a reasonable man. The deadliest lord of the Cosa Nostra. The Godfather.

But no man can stay on top forever, not when he has enemies on both sides of the law. As the ageing Vito Corleone nears the end of a long life of crime, his sons must step up to manage the family business. Sonny Corleone is an old hand, while World War II veteran Michael Corleone is unused to the world of crime and reluctant to plunge into the business.

Both the police and ruthless rival crime lords scent blood in the water. If the Corleone family is to survive, it needs a ruthless new don. But the price of success in a violent life may be too high to bear...
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A modern masterpiece, The Godfather is a searing portrayal of the 1940s criminal underworld. Still shocking long after its initial publication, this compelling tale of blackmail, murder and family values is a true classic.

Ratings and reviews

I was never much of a reader. This book changed that fact. The way Puzo tells the story of Don Corleone and his family is awe inspiring. You read the story with an unprecedented sense of respect for the protagonists, yet fear the dark forboding nature of the chilling words spoken by the Don and his family. An absolute must read!

I read the book after watching the movies (which i love) so my review is aimed at people who are thinking of doing the same. The book covers the storyline of the first movie and also the young Vito Corleone parts from the second movie. There are also a few spin off stories within the book where for a few chapters it will follow life of such characters like Johnny Fontane & Lucy Mancini. Even though there were no surprises for me being familiar with the main storyline i still found the book difficult to put down. There are some parts of the story which will explain a few unanswered questions you may have from watching the movies first. I would say it is the best book i have read to date and i consider it to be a masterpiece. I do like the works of Mario Puzo and have read some of his other Mafia based novels.

Based on the critically acclaimed movie, Mario Puzo's game-changing novel is a masterpiece in its own right and helps clarify subtle nuances that are showcased on the big screen, as well as more focus and detail on side characters. The novel expertly places Vito Corelone within the epicentre of the formation of the modern American Mafia, as well as examining the prince of the Corleone Family, Michael, and his revival and solidification of the Corleone Family as a powerhouse.

About the author

Mario Puzo was born in New York. He is the author of the bestselling novel The Godfather and many other acclaimed novels. Puzo also wrote many screenplays, including those for the three Godfather movies, for which he won two academy awards. He died at his home in Long Island, New York, at the age of seventy-eight.