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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The movie is better.
Update time!
It’s taken me nearly two weeks to get through The Godfather, which is the longest relationship I’ve had with a book for some time.
Anywho, I was ready to leave this book a solid four star review, but the Lucy subplot was so completely baffling and misplaced that it jarred the whole tone of the novel. I was ready to look past the horrific treatment of women in this novel for the sake of a good story, but that nonsense was just a waste of air time.
I’m determined to finish this book tonight. At 1,600 pages, there is just TOO much Godfather. Enough for me, thanks.
Update time!
It’s taken me nearly two weeks to get through The Godfather, which is the longest relationship I’ve had with a book for some time.
Anywho, I was ready to leave this book a solid four star review, but the Lucy subplot was so completely baffling and misplaced that it jarred the whole tone of the novel. I was ready to look past the horrific treatment of women in this novel for the sake of a good story, but that nonsense was just a waste of air time.
I’m determined to finish this book tonight. At 1,600 pages, there is just TOO much Godfather. Enough for me, thanks.
Here's the thing, this is a classic book, no denying its place in history. Some of the chapters are a little long and drawn out and often times we're asked to care about characters way too much (Johnny Fontane). It's a thick, heavy duty read, longer and more involved than its 450 pages would indicate. But, if you've ever wanted to get a taste of the mob, this is as good a place to start as any. I think the book and movie correspond nicely.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ever heard the saying the book is better than the movie? In this case, the opposite is true. Don’t get me wrong The Godfather is a good book but it is nothing compared with the book. It’s also clearly written by a man, the way it depicts its female characters. But it’s still gripping, Shakespearean, and still an American novel, and a classic one at that.
This is a perfect example of the film being just as good, if not better, than the original text. Don’t get me wrong, the book is good. Strong characterization, interesting plot, and a great ending. But the writing is only ok.
However, I think what keeps me from fully loving the book is the treatment of women. Lots of yucky statements like “she was worried which made her look old and unattractive.” As if a woman always needs to be attractive even when she’s worried about her husband’s life. Women are very much objects in the book. And I don’t think it’s purposeful to demonstrate the gender politics of the Sicilian mafia in the 60s and 70s. I think it’s very much Puzo’s own misogyny influencing his writing. I think Coppola does a better job in his depiction of women than Puzo here.
Despite the shortcomings of Puzo’s writing, the book is still great. If you like the movie, the book is worth a read.
However, I think what keeps me from fully loving the book is the treatment of women. Lots of yucky statements like “she was worried which made her look old and unattractive.” As if a woman always needs to be attractive even when she’s worried about her husband’s life. Women are very much objects in the book. And I don’t think it’s purposeful to demonstrate the gender politics of the Sicilian mafia in the 60s and 70s. I think it’s very much Puzo’s own misogyny influencing his writing. I think Coppola does a better job in his depiction of women than Puzo here.
Despite the shortcomings of Puzo’s writing, the book is still great. If you like the movie, the book is worth a read.