Mario Puzo, The Godfather

Having seen the film first, I wasn't too sure what to expect from the book. The book is well written, easy to read and to get into, but lacks verve against the film. The biggest problem I had when i started the book, was still expecting what i thought of the film, it's violence and anger stuck fast in my mind. The book doesn't deliver the story like this, it builds layers of lifestyle, characters and relationships, with the notion of violence as a last resort. It's far less dramatic in it's telling. The plot is complex and colorful, but not the easiest to empathize with as it's told from many views. You get a whole story world perspective, but with that type of plot you have to wait for the whole picture, and this makes it slightly awkward to enjoy, especially when some characters seem to be given a few pages of 'background' when they have so little to offer the plot. It just slows the reader up all the more. Overall it's a good book, possibly better on a second read, and definitely better without the film.

Imagine turning the pages of a book in a train like a maniac and missing your destination station; not once but 4 times!

Imagine feeling a great sense of pleasure and satisfaction even when you are pushed around by people!

These are some of the side effects that I faced while reading Godfather and trust me...I LOVED ALL OF THEM. Now lets talk about the book..

Imagine traveling to the world of Don Corleone, Michael, Luca, Clemenza with such a vivid description that you feel as if you are a part of the underworld, no matter from which part of the world you belong to!

Imagine a powerful man, a father, a friend, a legend surrounded by many whom he can look up to but still unsure of his successor!

Imagine the power shifting to some other hands and the birth of an unexpected but able successor under difficult circumstances!

Imagine someone talking about family, friendship, trust and simultaneously describing people killed with inhuman brutality with such details as if he eye witnessed them all!

Imagine someone trying to emphasize that a lot of crucial work can be easily done if correct words are used with ample logic!

Imagine keeping your friends close and enemies closer!

Imagine justifying the sentence "Revenge is a dish which tastes best when served cold"!

There is no more fun than starting the book Godfather without knowing what to expect. I've already spoiled it to some extent and hence will not write anything else about the book.

Just go and start turning the pages.

Imagine me making you an offer that you cant refuse!

The Godfather is a gripping read from the first page. The reader immediately is submerged into the criminal underworld. The story engages the reader on an emotional level with the dilemmas presented throughout the the story regarding the family and ethics. This in turn gives the gangsters a heart. It is also a clever read, as the development of the characters create different perspectives, emotions and problems.

Puzo with his characters discusses so many concepts, for example religion, love, truth, honesty family, culture.

Puzo creates a reality for his characters and this brings a deep intensity to this read. When you finish reading you will miss them.

The book that defines the word 'family', you won't stop reading this book until you've finished, and then you'll read it again. This is truly the greatest crime novel in existence, and I strongly recommend this book to all. The realism in this book will have you believing the crime dynasty of the Corleones.

The Godfather - what a great book. I recently took it on holiday with me, and could not read it quickly enough.

It is so well written, you are almost certain that this is how the Mafia grew, obtained their money and businesses, but also respect and fear of colleagues and other business men.

Starting in the 1940's after the war, it shows how the Godfather has become so respected in his world - there is nothing he cannot do, and his friends and so-called friends ask him for his help, knowing that they will be indebted to him for the rest of their lives.

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish - so good I have now ordered the DVD, just to see the infamous horse in the bed scene.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Mario Puzo, The Godfather is by far the greatest crime book ever. It portrays such a strong outlook on the mafia underworld. Loyalty, friendship, greed, passion, and corruption are all strong aspects of this book that create the very meaning and truth of the book. The godfather Don Vito Colorene helps out his respected friends in times of great need, while the soon to be heirs of the olive oil company (the company Don Vito Colorene owns) follow on their father to help and assist him along the way as he becomes the greatest mafia king.