The Godfather By Mario Puzo
Another classic I read and realized there’s a reason why not all the books are tagged as classics. Classics have something unique in their storyline and their writing style is so mesmerizing that even if you don’t follow that genre still you will fall in love with that book. I was completely swooned by this book.
Similar thing happened with me, I don't follow mystery crime or thriller genre but I ended up falling in love with Godfather. My sister was after me for more than a year to read Godfather but every time I was simply ignoring her, then, one fine day one of my friends wished to buy me a book and I asked him to buy Godfather for me, and even after I got the book it was kept in my cupboard untouched for more than 6 months and finally a month before, I started reading the book and from first few pages itself, I fell in love with this book and now I would happily recommend Godfather to all those who don't follow mystery crime or thriller genre, please read this, I can assure that you won’t regret reading it.
There’s a reason why it’s being called a classic.
The book became so popular not only in readers’ world but in movies’ world too. The famous two series movie adaptation of Godfather broke all records. It not only became the highest-grossing film ever made at that time but won the Oscars also, in different categories.
Godfather is the epic tale of crime and betrayal.
The only thing which I thought could have been added in the book is Appendix as there are so many characters involved in the book, that at times, I did lose track of the secondary characters who were introduced in the first part but were again referred to in later parts.
Plot of the Story:
The book is divided into nine parts.
The Corleone family and the mob war they fought with the other four mafia families in New York in the years after World War II is the central issue of the book. Here goes the story in nutshell now:
The Corleone family and the mob war they fought with the other four mafia families in New York in the years after World War II is the central issue of the book. Here goes the story in nutshell now:
The novel details the story of a fictional Mafia family (Italian) based in New York City, headed by Vito Corleone addressed as Don Corleone. Don has three sons: Santino, Freddie and Michael; and one daughter. Don Corleone is a man of respect. A respect truly earned. He is a man to whom everybody come for help, and never are they disappointed. He makes no empty promises, nor the craven excuses. In return, only one thing he expects: that you proclaim your friendship.
The book starts with the wedding of Don’s daughter, Connie, which is a grand affair in New York City and everyone whom Don has helped at any time of their life comes to give blessings. Part I of the book mainly deals with the introduction of all important characters of the story. Story takes its first turn when Don Corleone is shot by men working for drug dealer Sullozzo as Don refused the proposal sent by Sullozzo to join his business of drug smuggling. Don gets bedridden and his sons, Santino, run the family business with the help of consigliere Tom Hagen and the two caporegimes Clemenza and Tessio. Michael, who is completely against his father’s way of living then, murders Sollozzo and Captain McCluskey (a police officer on the drug lord's payroll) to revenge the murder attempt done on his father, and the conflict then escalates into a full-scale war which results in Santino's murder.
Although every part of this book is full of twists and turns, Santino’s murder is a major turning point. During this family crisis, Michael not only takes over the charge of the family business but plans out everythings to take revenge for his brother’s and wife’s death and also to restore the lost power of Corleone family.
Another big climax comes in the 8th part, when how those who are the closest to Corleone family betrayed them and how they planned everything against Corleone family is revealed.
Lines from the book I liked the most:
(ones highlighted in bold are my fav.)
‘Society imposes insults that must be borne, comforted by the knowledge that in this world there comes a time when the most humble of men, if he keeps his eyes open, can take his revenge on the most powerful.’
‘When a man is generous, he must show the generosity as personal.’
‘A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns.’
‘Never make a threat. Reason with people. And the art of this is to ignore all insults, all threats; to turn the other cheek.’
‘Accidents don’t happen to people who take accidents as a personal insult.’
‘Every man has only one destiny. You may start down a false path to your true destiny, but time and fortune usually set them alright.’
‘A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults.’
‘Time heals wounds. Pain and terror are not so final as death.’
‘It is far wiser not to perceive.’
‘Sometimes the greatest misfortunes bring unforeseen rewards.’
‘You cannot say ‘no’ to the people you love, not often. That’s the secret. And then when you do, it has to sound like a ‘yes’. Or you have to make them say ‘no’. You have to take time and trouble. ‘
‘Revenge is a dish that tastes best when it is cold.’
‘Treachery can’t be forgiven.’
Rating : 4/5