The novel ‘The
Godfather’ by Mario Puzo shot into fame immediately after it got published in
1969. It was a disruptive novel that profoundly revealed the underbelly of the
American mafia world, and also set stage for many mafia novels and movies in
Hollywood. The novel was soon made into a motion picture with an equal aplomb
and finesse.
The story is
about Vito Corleone and his youngest son Michael. Well, most of the novel is
based on Vito, his actions, and sweeps from Italy. Though the story remains in
America for most of the time, but, at the same time, it keeps a sense of
attachment with Italy.
Mid way you
will get to know that a silent, teenage boy has been pushed off to America from
Sicily in the aftermath of his father’s murder. The boy eventually becomes
‘Vito’ Corleone – the Mafia, the Godfather of New York. Don says – a man can
have only one destiny in his life. Thus, he defines seekers’ roles and acts as an
element of protection for them.
The plot has
many arteries, some interesting, and rest average. The novel is focused on the
Corleones, father and sons, with their withered stories half from Italy and
half from America. The fight is as usual for power and authority among the
Corleones and the other American crime families.
As the novel
progresses, the Corleones, both Vito and Michael, outwit the other crime
families to rule over the New York underworld. One thing to note is that both
Vito and Michael are stout and diminutive in personality but they still both overpower
others.
The story is
more about legacy, war for survival, family commitment, and blood lineage. The
Sicilian background rounds up for the minuscule pitfalls. The story is riveting
without a much concerned plot, with awfully a lot of characters. By the end,
Michael Corleone, following the death of Don, leads the family in all mafia
affairs. Michael’s character is fascinatingly intriguing. In addition to all,
Hollywood star, Johny Fontane, and other lackeys from Italy are just another
average stuff.
Despite all,
the beauty of the book lies in the family allegiance, and that has been
chiseled fantastically by the author Mario Puzo. After reading this great novel
you may conclude that dons are not just a bunch of stupid criminals. They have
more to lose than gain. Their world moves on some stern laws and protocols,
their life is way different from the commoners. The Godfather by Mario Puzo is
a blazing tale of the mafia underworld back dropped against the American
struggle post the Great Depression.
I've watched the films and I loved them. The story is amazing, but is the writing good? I've heard that at times it's difficult to get through because it's very descriptive.
ReplyDeleteAeriko @ http://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.com
The book is brilliantly written. I must say a step ahead then the actual movie.
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