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sarahpittalwala's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
acer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jennfgarcia's review against another edition
5.0
My Blog
I believe this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Puzo takes us on the journey of a mother who came to American from Italy with a husband she barely knew. The journey is her caring for and raising her children in NY. The stereotypes and prejudices were strong back then even between the Italians themselves. The struggles she endured in trying to keep her family together after her husband dies and her second husband goes crazy.
She is a strong, powerful woman that endured so much grief and struggle but finally made it to Long Island to a house of her own. But at what cost?
You must read to find out, and read this nostalgic journey.
What really struck me were the memories of growing up in an Italian family. All of the crazy, fond, and strong memories came flooding back. Some happy memories of the lingo or expressions, and some sad thinking about the family I have lost that were just like this matriarch.
It truly was an amazing read, and one so worth your time. Puzo is so descriptive that you feel as if you are watching it played out on a movie screen.
I hope to be able to write half as good as Puzo one day.
I believe this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Puzo takes us on the journey of a mother who came to American from Italy with a husband she barely knew. The journey is her caring for and raising her children in NY. The stereotypes and prejudices were strong back then even between the Italians themselves. The struggles she endured in trying to keep her family together after her husband dies and her second husband goes crazy.
She is a strong, powerful woman that endured so much grief and struggle but finally made it to Long Island to a house of her own. But at what cost?
You must read to find out, and read this nostalgic journey.
What really struck me were the memories of growing up in an Italian family. All of the crazy, fond, and strong memories came flooding back. Some happy memories of the lingo or expressions, and some sad thinking about the family I have lost that were just like this matriarch.
It truly was an amazing read, and one so worth your time. Puzo is so descriptive that you feel as if you are watching it played out on a movie screen.
I hope to be able to write half as good as Puzo one day.
aldoojeda's review against another edition
4.0
Esperaba algo muy diferente (caí en la trampa de que tradujeron el título The fortunate pilgrim como La Mamma, para valerse de la obra más famosa del autor), pero resulta que es un retrato costumbrista de los inmigrantes italianos en Nueva York a principios del siglo XX. Al principio comienza un poco lento, pero Mario Puzo logra narrar de manera cautivadora las desventuras de la familia protagónica, para al final estar completamente interesado en su destino.
sean67's review against another edition
2.0
This had an introduction by Puzo where he said it was his favourite book, well it's my second Puzo and it is not my favourite so far. I have only read The Godfather as a comparison, but I much preferred that.
Pretty forgettable for me.
Pretty forgettable for me.
sdemone's review against another edition
5.0
This book painted a vivid and realistic picture of family struggle. Though the cultural and historical context is an Italian family, 1920s New York, the virtue and moral motivation of the characters in the story can be applied to any family, and serve as the "ink" that defines the outlines of each unique portrait painted within the pages of this book.
The self-imposed limitations the mother, Lucia Santa, places on herself keep her family together. Though any person would love to be free of the burdens of raising a family, of cooking day in and out, of paying rent, of disciplining children - these things are embraced by Lucia Santa, and the greater good of the family placed ahead of all else, this family thrives despite their struggle and the tragedy that naturally results from loving another.
The self-imposed limitations the mother, Lucia Santa, places on herself keep her family together. Though any person would love to be free of the burdens of raising a family, of cooking day in and out, of paying rent, of disciplining children - these things are embraced by Lucia Santa, and the greater good of the family placed ahead of all else, this family thrives despite their struggle and the tragedy that naturally results from loving another.
eiramsor11's review against another edition
3.0
This was a great book centered around Lucia Santa, a mother of six children, widowed twice. Their family life, complex relationships, unique characters and hardships were entertaining, realistic, and telling of what being an Italian immigrant and Italian American during the Depression was like. It was enjoyable and easy to read.
jwicking's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
perasta0112's review against another edition
4.0
When almost everyone pays lots of attention to The Godfather, I firmly believe this book is a real diamond and much better. As one of Mario Puzo's very first novels, The Fortunate Pilgrim was written with all of his passion and highly evaluated by critics. The book was about the poverty of American-Italian blue-collar workers' families that created a gloomy mood.
However, what truly impressed me in this book was the deep love between family members, especially the love of Lucia for her children. And in my opinion, that love was the reason why their family could overcome poverty. With our brains and hands, everything is possible, isn't it?
In addition, I was shocked at the death of Vincent, the most tragic character in the story and also my favorite character. This event has taught me a lesson: "I can not know how much time I have, and my beloved have. Thus, we need to spend time loving, sharing, and reciprocating as much as possible. Don't wait until too late."
However, what truly impressed me in this book was the deep love between family members, especially the love of Lucia for her children. And in my opinion, that love was the reason why their family could overcome poverty. With our brains and hands, everything is possible, isn't it?
In addition, I was shocked at the death of Vincent, the most tragic character in the story and also my favorite character. This event has taught me a lesson: "I can not know how much time I have, and my beloved have. Thus, we need to spend time loving, sharing, and reciprocating as much as possible. Don't wait until too late."