I first read Mario Puzo's THE GODFATHER three decades ago, and the impact it had on me was overwhelming. Here was a rare novel that hooked the reader from the very first page, a novel to be savored and absorbed -more importantly, to the fiercely interdependent workings of the mafia. Deeply embedded in its Italian heritage, it was a culture of unspeakable violence, but it also fostered family, honor, community, loyalty, friendship. Vengeance. If you are downtrodden, or unfairly victimized, all you need do is approach one of the "families" and request a "favor." Proclaim your devotion and friendship, the favor will be granted. And then--even though it may never happen--you must be willing to return the favor.

Or suffer the consequences.

Puzo's novel brings to life the Corleone family, headed World War II New York, Corleone faces a changing world, but he is still plagued -pressure that Corleone emphatically resists, to the bleak detriment of first himself, and to those he loves. The subsequent development of the story--of the Corleone's strategy, of the emergence of one of the Godfather's sons to perpetuate the family's power and considerable clout--is spellbinding.

Few novels of the last thirty years have had any lasting effects on our cultural lexicon. THE GODFATHER is one of them. Highly recommended.
--D. Mikels

The Godfather is, in many ways, not just a novel - it is an experience, after which your life will never be the same again. I have not the least of doubts in calling it 'the best, most influential and deep-cutting that I have ever read.' In its sheer departure from being just a general, run-of-the-mill tale about idolizing a particular individual, the novel presents to us with a ringside view of the workings of the Mafia, and more importantly, the lives of the people who are involved in it, directly or indirectly.

The novel starts off with a quote from Balzac - "Behind every great fortune, there is a crime." That, in effect, sets the tone for the entire novel. Mario Puzo, the author, ruthlessly captures the travails of a New York Don, Vito Corleone, who is, to quote the words of his son, "not a crazy gunning mobster", and his family.

Puzo presents to us an entire array of different characters - be it the short-tempered Sonny, or the dreary undertaker Bonasera, or the ever-faithful Luca, the cool-headed Tom, the 'Turk' Sollozzo, or the pleasant outsider Kay Adams, each character enters our world, refusing to leave. We are impressed a strong, powerful and wise yet cunning genius and family man.

I have not read a better novel - chances are, you won't either! Do not miss the Godfather movies too.

Mario Puzo has forever gained my respect for writing this gorgeous novel and the movie that was the result. Two of the most beautiful pieces of art in this world. One a life of words and the other an epic. Both breathtaking. I saw the movie before reading the book, but I belive they complimented each other. In the book you get a little background on some of the things that you didn't know about it the movie, hey that happens all the time, but here the movie is almost word for word of what this book is, almost a direct translation. I know I am reading a truly good novel when i feel an emptiness in my heart upon turning the last page. This is such a wonderful book. Please if you haven't read or have at least seen the movie. Get the hell outta here and do something about it, yeah you, you're doing yourself such a diservice by just sitting here. God supposedly (I am an atheist) made beauty, so get the freak out there and go experience it. Buy the book, it will make a worthy addition to your book shelf, trust me, just take a chance. Capisce?