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A review by dasha_musa
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I wanted to watch the movie before going in for the book review --- and so...
The movie was great; the book was even better (don't come for me).
Mafia crime thrillers aren't really my cup of tea, but I decided to read this because it is a classic -- and now I see why it is a classic! The movie is great if you'd like a TL;DR version (with the author's involvement in production it follows the book extremely closely but keeps it snappy with the most important points), but I enjoyed the book because I really got to know the characters. I mean, so much so that I really understood what they were thinking and why. At times it was a little slow, jumping from character to character, but the tension and action made up for it. The book also really nailed the whole atmosphere; it's like I was living it. I also enjoyed the opportunity to learn a bit more about the history and culture of Italy and the Mafia. I appreciate the themes of law and order, justice, power, loyalty, and The Family's take on them. And honestly? What a slam-dunk ending -- the power moves to end all power moves.
The movie was great; the book was even better (don't come for me).
Mafia crime thrillers aren't really my cup of tea, but I decided to read this because it is a classic -- and now I see why it is a classic! The movie is great if you'd like a TL;DR version (with the author's involvement in production it follows the book extremely closely but keeps it snappy with the most important points), but I enjoyed the book because I really got to know the characters. I mean, so much so that I really understood what they were thinking and why. At times it was a little slow, jumping from character to character, but the tension and action made up for it. The book also really nailed the whole atmosphere; it's like I was living it. I also enjoyed the opportunity to learn a bit more about the history and culture of Italy and the Mafia. I appreciate the themes of law and order, justice, power, loyalty, and The Family's take on them. And honestly? What a slam-dunk ending -- the power moves to end all power moves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Racial slurs, Murder, Death of parent, and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse