The Godfather

by Mario Puzo
The Godfather cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Crime
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4661
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780099429289
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1969-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Godfather is a gripping tale that delves into the heart of the American Mafia in the 1940s. It explores the complex dynamics of the Corleone family, led by the enigmatic Don Corleone, whose influence spans every corner of society. This modern masterpiece is a compelling blend of crime, family drama, and moral dilemmas, still shocking readers decades after its initial publication. /n/nThe novel is not just a story of blackmail, murder, and power struggles; it's an intimate portrayal of a family torn between their criminal empire and their personal values. The Godfather remains a true classic, offering a profound look at the human condition within the context of organized crime.

Reviews
Nose in a Book · 2022-10-16
engaging 4.50

The book is a gripping exploration of the Corleone family and the Mafia underworld. Puzo masterfully balances character development with the intricacies of the crime world.

This review highlights how quickly the reader is drawn into the story, with Puzo skillfully providing just enough background to keep the narrative engaging. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are intricate and compelling. The reviewer appreciates the balance between action and character development, making it a standout in the crime genre. They also mention how the book's depth and complexity make it a must-read for fans of gangster novels.

Quick quotes

    I was quickly hooked.

    Puzo carefully metes out the necessary information – who characters are, their backgrounds and relationships – between ...

    It’s a gripping exploration of the Corleone family and the Mafia underworld.

The Torogi Chronicles · 2018-02-28
brilliant 4.75

Puzo's portrayal of human behavior and philosophies is astonishing, with well-defined and deep characters. The book is a powerful exploration of the Mafia world.

The reviewer is impressed by Puzo's astute portrayal of human behavior and the depth of his characters. They highlight how the book delves into the philosophies and ideals of the characters, making it a rich and layered read. The reviewer appreciates the complexity of the story and the way Puzo brings the Mafia world to life. They also mention how the characters, despite their hardened exteriors, reveal their vulnerabilities and depths, making the story both powerful and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Puzo's astute portrayal of human behavior, philosophies and ideals was astonishing.

    His characters are well-defined and possessed depth.

    The book is a powerful exploration of the Mafia world.

The New York Times · 1997-05-18
mixed 3.00

The book is at its weakest when it includes dramatic scenes that don't advance the plot or characters. Despite this, Puzo's vivid descriptions and character development are noteworthy.

The reviewer points out that while the book has its flaws, particularly in scenes that feel tacked on and don't contribute to the overall narrative, Puzo's strengths lie in his vivid descriptions and deep character development. They appreciate the rich detailing of the Mafia underworld and the complex relationships within the Corleone family. However, they feel that some scenes could have been omitted to tighten the plot and make the story more cohesive.

Quick quotes

    "The Godfather" is weakest when Puzo reaches out to drag in dramatic scenes that advance neither his plot nor his characters.

    Obviously, he has collected vivid ...

    Puzo's strengths lie in his vivid descriptions and deep character development.

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