The Godfather

by Mario Puzo
The Godfather cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4661
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780749309466
  • Publisher: Arrow
  • Published: 1991-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Vito Corleone, the merciless yet honorable Don of New York, is a man of intelligence and astuteness. His life, along with that of his son and heir, forms the backbone of this gripping narrative. The Godfather offers an unprecedented inside look into the Mafia, portraying its complexities and intricacies with unparalleled depth. Mario Puzo's masterpiece not only captivates with its storyline but also laid the groundwork for the renowned film trilogy directed by Francis Ford Coppola. /n/n The novel delves into the intricate web of family, business, and power that defines the Corleone family's empire. Vito's unwavering commitment to honor and friendship sets the stage for a series of events that will test the very foundations of his world. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a realm where loyalty is paramount, and betrayal can be fatal. The Godfather stands as a timeless exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of organized crime.

Reviews
ESLJ · 2023-10-09
brilliant 4.50

The prose is impressive and provides a brilliant cultural education of the 60s. The book is unfiltered and honest.

The reviewer praises Puzo's prose, highlighting its brilliance and the cultural education it provides about the 60s. They appreciate the unfiltered and honest portrayal of the characters and their lives. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of human behavior and the complexities of the mafia world. The reviewer finds the characters well-defined and the narrative engaging, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Puzo's impressive prose never fails to provide a brilliant cultural education of the 60s.

    The book is unfiltered and honest.

    The characters are well-defined and possessed depth.

Goodreads · 2023-01-01
brilliant 4.75

The book is a classic that remains highly popular among readers. It is often included in lists of the best man fiction.

The reviewer notes that 'The Godfather' is a classic that remains highly popular among readers. It is often included in lists of the best man fiction, highlighting its enduring appeal. The book's compelling narrative and memorable characters have made it a timeless piece of literature. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the story and the way it explores themes of power, family, and loyalty. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The Godfather by Mario Puzo

    Best Manfiction

    872nd out of 2,214 books

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.

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