Don Vito Corleone With His Olive Oil Voice And Good Charms ... (The Godfather - Mario Puzo)

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Product:	The Godfather - Mario Puzo
Date:	28/02/02 (3225 review reads)
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Advantages: Brilliant Description Of The Mafia Network, , Excellent Characterization, , Powerful Language Adds To Realism

Disadvantages: Johnny Fontane Analysis Unnecessary

Traditionally it was the Hollywood movie that would attract me to a novel. I would first reconcile with the film and then if I sought further enlightenment, might go on to read the novel. But with The Godfather this was different and it became apparent that the representation that is a film is just how one person interpreted the book. In this sense the novel looses its authenticity, this however is a great complement to The Godfather Trilogy. This is a film that has revolutionised what I look for in the films I watch. Mario Puzo's the Godfather however takes the film to a higher level. Being the original text, you the reader are free to explore the wonderful world of gangsters and deceit that Mario Puzo has created and invoked.


Based on a part of American history and culture The Godfather already was guaranteed to make a powerful impact. The plot sees the rise to power of Don Vito Corleone when he first embarked in America as a young Italian. Although the trilogy is not chronologically released, the essence of this is still respected. The Corleone family become the largest and most well respected mafia family in America, but with power comes jealousy and envy. We see the death of Don Vito Corleone and the arisen of his oldest son Michael. Air to the thrown of the hard working Godfather, Michael and the rest of the Corleone family rule the underworld of the United Sates but not without the eyes of others constantly watching them.


Titled The Godfather, one may be inevitably alarmed to find out that the novel is not structured around Don Vito Corleone but rather the legacy that he left in the form on his son Michael. Don Vito Corleone loved and respected his son but Michael was never involved in the family business. He was not a main character in the formation of his father's empire but was at the helm at his death to continue as Don Vito's prodigy.


Michael in fact is contrary to the tradition Sicilian; and or Corl
eone gangster. He is ready to get married controversially to a WASP schoolteacher and is also interested in pursuing a career in the profession of law.


The brilliance of Mario Puzo is the fashion in which he brings us into the minds of a mafia member. We don't console or emphasize with them but Mario Puzo helps us come to the realisation of the complex mind of a gangster. To do this Mario Puzo uses the character of Michael. The analysis and close investigation of his mind and conscious gives the reader a realistic impression of a man torn between the legal society, the American Dream and the fulfilment of his duties to his family. The spark that arouses Michael's change in character is the attempt on his father's life from a rival mafia organisation. Immediately, Michael is absorbed into the web of lies and intimidation. Bound with the mantra,


"Never take sides against the family."


The sub characters in the novel just further add to the realism of Mario Puzo's world. Characters such as the crooked cop, the strong headed Hollywood producer denying Johnny Fontane a part in his film make you realise that the Corleone family had it all. They were rich and powerful. But as the story envelopes, the introduction of Lucas Brazi (best known for his "he swims with the fishes now" phrase) and Sonny Corleone along with rival mafia families tells us that Mario Puzo is saying, yes there is wealth, respect and women but the cost is always hidden. The most powerful thing I found about this novel was that; and I know a lot of other gangster texts have reiterated this but it was shocking to observe how a man that you had trusted all your life could be the very man to send you to your deathbed. This is what The Godfather is all about, the matrix of deceit and lies that was in thrilled in both mafia families.


The Godfather's sees Mario Puzo enthralling the reader into this very world. When r
eading the book you find yourself siding with the Corleone family against conflicts with rival mafia constitutions. It may be the fact that through the start of the novel, Puzo introduces us to the family, the grief-ridden mothers and the trusting loyal sons. How can we fail to love the Corleone's even when the word illegal is as common as pasta?


Its great to see that Mario Puzo doesn't patronise the reader to much by bombarding them with gore but instead takes a more intellectual look at the dealings of the mafia and how there minds operate. For instance we see the complex character of Don Vito Corleone; he inflicts moral values on his children,


"Take advice, but stay true to your own counsel"


He refuses to involve his family in the dealings of Cocaine and illicit drugs, but as we conclude that Don Vito is soft, refined an untrue to the Italian gangster image he comes out with the phrase,


"If our friends knew we were dealing in drugs, they would no longer want our business"

Proving that everything revolves around money and the wealth of the Corleone not the fast that liquor and gambling are "Victimless Crimes".


The Godfather is a captivating book that had me clothed by the mystique of gangster life. Who hasn't been fascinated by those that live in the fast lane, they spend huge sums of money and don't know if they'll wake up tomorrow. Imagine yourself in this world, driven by money and the retributions that embark upon you as a consequence. Would you, afraid for your life, take sides against the family?


Not Wise.

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