Book Review

The Godfather
By Mario Puzo
 Author Background
 Mario Puzo was an American author and screenwriter born in
1920, best known for his novel "The Godfather," which became a
worldwide sensation and one of the most iconic works of modern
literature.
 Mario Puzo's writing style often combined gritty realism with
elements of romance and tragedy, capturing the complexities of
human nature.
 He served in the US Army Forces in Germany in World War II
 Mario Puzo passed away on July 2, 1999 due to heart failure, but
his legacy as a master storyteller and his contribution to the crime
fiction genre continue to be celebrated.
 Overview of the book
 The book was published in 1969 which became one of the most successful fiction books ever with
21 million copies been sold.

 It is followed by two more parts known as the Sicilian and the Last Don.

 The book name “The Godfather” is a word used for someone who in Christianity sponsor a child
in baptism but in the book it is used for an influential person of some organization.

 The book was adapted to the making of a film with the same name directed by Francis Ford
Coppola in 1972.
 Characters
 Vito Corleone
 He is portrayed as a head of the Corleone family, an Italian
American crime organization.

 Born in a small town Sicily, Italy and moved to America when he

was threatened to live there after the demise of his father who was
killed by an other mafia leader.
  Micheal Corleone
 Youngest son of Vito Corleone, clean-cut and idealistic young man
who wants to distance himself from his family's criminal activities.
He is educated, intelligent, and determined to build a legitimate
career.

 But this character goes under transformation as the story progresses

and the character becomes a mix layered of different personality,
aiming for different things such as power, loyalty and peace for his
family.
  Santino “Sonny” Corleone
 The eldest son of Vito Corleone, a hot headed character who has the
tendency to use violence to resolve a dispute.

 But has a gentle heart and cares about his family. He is very much into
his father business and most likely to take over it after his father.
 Storyline
 The novel details the story of fictitious Sicilian Mafia family based in New York City and headed
by Don Vito Corleone, who became synonymous with the Italian Mafia.
 The novel focuses on the time directly following World War II, from 1945 to 1955. It opens at the
wedding reception of Carlo Rizzi and Connie Corleone (Daughter of Vito Corleone).
 The novel shows how an orphaned Sicilian immigrant rises to the top of organized crime in
America and how his son, who at first avoid his father’s world, comes to embrace his father’s way
of life.
 Father and son overcome ethnic preconception and economic disadvantages by learning to profit
from the good and evil aspects of human nature.
 Themes
The novel covers wide range of themes of the real world aspects which includes:
 Desire for power
 Loyalty
 Corruption
 Family and traditional values
 Redemption

And all of these themes are covered in the novel in such way that they are interconnected to one
another.
 Lessons to Learn
 Loyalty and Honor: The novel emphasizes the importance of loyalty and honor within the
context of a criminal underworld. Loyalty to family, friends, and associates is highly valued and
often expected. However, blind loyalty can also lead to negative consequences.
 Consequences of Actions: Characters' decisions have far-reaching consequences, affecting not
only themselves but also their families and associates. The novel serves as a reminder that every
action has consequences, and one must be prepared to face them.
 Importance of Family: Family is at the core of "The Godfather." The novel showcases the
significance of familial bonds, and how they can both support and burden individuals. There are
many quotes but one that I found great is ,” Never take sides with anyone against the family
again… Ever. ”
 The Price of Success: "The Godfather" showcases the sacrifices and compromises necessary
for success. Characters pay a price, often sacrificing personal relationships, morality, and even
their own happiness. It prompts reflection on the true cost of achieving one's goals.
Thank You