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gheneks 's review for:
The Godfather
by Mario Puzo
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.