Reviews

This book is a classic case of “don’t judge a book by its movie” I hated the movie the Godfather and it’s long drawn out scenes and attempts at creating dramatic tension. The book cuts right to the heart of the matter and gives insight into the profound chess game going on in the heads of the Dons of New York. I thoroughly enjoyed reading of the moves and counter moves the mafia had to perform to stay ahead and keep their family safe. What was even more impressive was the strange sense of sympathy I began to feel with their cause almost as if the book itself was trying to court me for the family business like the Don did his supplicants. Excellent read and a gripping thriller.

venushaze's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I consider this one of the rare cases where the movie outshines the book. The novel which The Godfather film is based on is weighed down by unnecessary plot lines involving characters I could hardly bring myself to care about while reading (I'm looking at you, Johnny Fontaine and Lucy Mancini). I don't think Mario Puzo was a bad writer, but this book could have benefited from the focus and precision of the film. Still, the novel serves as a great deep-dive into the characters' psyche if the film leaves you wanting more, especially from the Corleones and Kay.

sidharthvardhan's review against another edition

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5.0

“There are things that have to be done and you do them and you never talk about them. You don't try to justify them. They can't be justified. You just do them. Then you forget it.”

"Behind every successful fortune;There is Crime.”

"The lawyer with the briefcase can steal more money than the man with the gun.”

“We are all honorable men here, we do not have to give each other assurances as if we were lawyers.”

"Time erodes gratitude more quickly than it does beauty!”

The novel 'The Godfather' leaves a long lasting impact on one's imagination. One may start using its characters as personality types - Vito Corleone, Micheal Corleone, Sonny Corleone, Freddy and Tom Hagen; they all came with their unique character. The book is godfather to all criminal books that shall ever be written.

The Godfather was the book that brought to public imagination the philosophy, codes of conduct, methods and operating styles of Italian Mafia. It is probably still the environment that politicians, businessmen or anybody who regularly deals with lawyers still face.
I personally find the beauty of its story and characterization only next to those of great Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharta.

In all ways it is a master piece. There are few loose ends which you may be called redundant in comparison to parts that was loved more.

I really can go and on - specially about its characters and I might still end up underselling it. So just go on and read it.

joherigu's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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