Date Finished: 05/03/2011
My Rating: 4/5
I have been thinking about what to say about this book for the last couple of days. It is one of those books that I wouldn't necessarily have picked up unless it was on this list. I read it during my first attempt at the Big Read and immediately found myself sucked in and unable to put it down, and had a similar experience second time round.
I can't entirely put my finger on why I liked this book so much. Don Corleone, and his son Michael, command respect throughout the book, not only from the other characters, but from the reader. The Don has strong family values, is intelligent, calm and calculating. So what if his family business is mafia? Does that matter if he is very, very good at it?? In this intriguing, well-constructed tale of corruption and power you understand the workings of the Family, without the frills and glamour of many other mafia stories (or so I'm led to believe, I have to be honest and say that I haven't read that many mafia-type books... just seen a few mafia-type films!)
On the subject of the films, I watched the Godfather trilogy shortly after finishing the book the first time round. If my memory serves me right, the first two films followed the book quite closely, and having read the book, I had a greater depth of understanding of the characters. I have absolutely no recollection of watching the third film, except that I have a sneaking suspicion that it has little to do with the book. Maybe someone could fill me in on that one???
So, who should read this book? I can't think of a reason why anybody wouldn't enjoy it.
Next Book: On the Road, Jack Kerouac
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