The Family

by Mario Puzo
The Family cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 10676
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780099464747
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2003-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Family,' Mario Puzo transports readers to fifteenth-century Rome, where the Borgia family reigns with a mix of extravagance and ruthless ambition. At the heart of the story is Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, whose insatiable appetites for power, luxury, and women are matched only by his fierce love for his family. The novel explores the complex dynamics between Rodrigo and his children—Jofre, Juan, Lucrezia, and Cesare—each with their own unique traits and struggles. Puzo's unerring insight and compassion bring to life the human grandeur and earthy realities of this infamous family, making 'The Family' a masterpiece that crowns his remarkable career. Puzo's signature style shines as he delves into the intricacies of the Borgia family's rise and fall, revealing the secrets of the Vatican with the same unflinching honesty he once applied to the mafia. The story is a symphony of human emotions, from pride and romance to jealousy, betrayal, and murderous rage. Through Puzo's vivid storytelling, readers are immersed in a world where power and family are inextricably linked, and the lines between love and ambition are often blurred.

Reviews
The Flaneur · 2026-02-02
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its well-developed characters and engaging storyline. It reads like a compelling war novel.

This reviewer really enjoyed 'The Family' and thinks it's an excellent book. They highlight the well-developed characters and the engaging storyline, which they compare to a well-written war novel. The tempo and intrigue keep the reader hooked, making it a standout piece of historical fiction. They appreciate Puzo's ability to bring the characters to life and create a narrative that is both informative and entertaining. They highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction and those interested in the Borgia family.

Quick quotes

    It is an excellent book, one that plays out like a well written war novel.

    The main characters are well developed and intriguing, and the storyline has a tempo that keeps the reader engaged.

    The book is a standout piece of historical fiction.

Goodreads · 2026-02-02
enjoyable 4.00

The book is enjoyable and well-written, with strong character development. It stands out among Puzo's less well-known works.

This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed The Family, highlighting its strong character development and engaging narrative. They found it to be a standout among Puzo's lesser-known works. The writing is clear and articulate, making it a pleasure to read. The characters are well-developed, adding depth and interest to the story. Overall, it's a highly enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    The Family is not one of Mario Puzo more well known novels. However, wow, I really enjoyed reading it.

    The writing was so good, clear and articulate.

    Mario Puzo wrote those books with emphasis on Character Development.

Night Mode Reading · 2024-02-11
engaging 4.50

The novel is a dark and vivid historical fiction piece that brings known historical events to life. Puzo's writing is masterful and engaging.

This reviewer was captivated by The Family, describing it as a dark and vivid piece of historical fiction. They appreciated how Puzo brought historical events to life with his masterful writing. The story is engaging and well-crafted, making it a compelling read. The historical context is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    A dark historical fiction piece, very interesting, with all the known bits present, and brought to vivid life by Puzo's masterful writing.

    The story is engaging and well-crafted, making it a compelling read.

    The historical context is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative.

Redital · 2016-11-04
informative 2.50

The book may not be exciting for those looking for a thrilling epic tale. It's more of a historical account than a gripping story.

This reviewer found 'The Family' to be a bit of a letdown if you're looking for an exciting new epic tale or a book on organized crime. They suggest it's more of a historical account than a gripping story, which might not appeal to everyone. They think it's a book that provides a lot of information about the Borgia family but lacks the excitement and tension that readers might expect. They recommend it to those specifically interested in the Borgia family's history but advise others to manage their expectations.

Quick quotes

    Ultimately it may not be a book to run to if you fancy an exciting new epic tale, or a book on organised crime for that matter.

    It's more of a historical account than a gripping story.

    It provides a lot of information about the Borgia family but lacks the excitement and tension that readers might expect.

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