The Don among Novels

The devil has got a new name, according to the five New York crime families, and it is Vito Corleone. The don Vito Corleone a friendly man , a just man, a reasonable man, a man that rose to become the head of the Cosa Nostra simply by gaining respect from his fellow Sicilian counterparts. The Godfather one of Mario Puzo’s most celebrated works brings before us the character of Vito Corleone. The author Mario Puzo has created a splendid and distinguished blood saga placed in the 1940s choosing the perfect location, the crime capital - New York. Instantly the reader is taken into the author’s world, and shown the desperate times the Italian migrants have to suffer in the busy metropolis. And there is not a better situation to show what people are willing to do in times of desperation. Since such situation is not fiction it acts as a piece of information with the author’s imagination.

The novel in its purest form fits in the genre of a genuine crime thriller. The author creates an ingenious plot comprising of violence in great detail, strong motives, relationships and emotions and even marvelous notions on society. The poverty suffered by the criminals is depicted. It almost justifies criminal activity and there is a good chance that the reader gets convinced too, at times even when s/he is not totally aware. The full credit goes to the author. It’s a novel that portrays family, power, and even murder having visible links among themselves.

The Godfather is a novel that has used a variety of techniques which combine and work together harmoniously. At one point things and events would be moving in breakneck speed and suddenly it all slows down. The chapter where the don’s youngest son, Michael Corleone murders the Virgil Sollozzo ‘Turk’ (a drug smuggler who wants the don to become part of his business) for attempting to murder Vito Corleone is a good example. The author, in order to slowdown the pace begins to give a little more a description. This makes the scene more dramatic and the right amounts of anxiety creep into the reader.

The idea of a strong bond within families is highlighted in a splendid fashion. This makes a reader admire the criminals rather than despise them. As history stands witness to the fact that the Italian mafia had a hierarchy based on seniority in the family, Mario Puzo highlights it cleverly. Even the most violent and immoral actions of the mafia has glamour coated on the top of it all. Vivid descriptions of speeding Cadillacs and the finest Italian suites used by the family heads make a clear and clever fashion statement. The novel also gives a detailed explanation about all the characters and all the bloodline, and the reason they chose this lifestyle, though most times the reasons are the same. Just like Vito Corleone the other mob members also got into the family job in order to put bread on the table for their families, and in the end get caught in a series of events that seal their fate. But the irony in the novel is that none of these men or their families is ashamed; rather, there is pride and honor.

 The author skillfully gives the readers a few surprises towards the ending. This cannot be called an outstanding feature as it is common feature of good tales. But the way it is depicted is what makes it a classic, a timeless classic. It is very evident that the author has not aimed at creating just an action-packed thriller but has aimed at adding the right amounts of the right elements. From the brutal and violent murders to the areas where emotions come into play, there are identifiable amounts of literary beauty present and this makes Mario Puzo’s ‘Godfather’ a true success.

                                               

                                               

Book Details

Author:                 Mario Puzo

Genre(s):              Crime novel

Publisher:             GP Putnam's Sons, New York 

Publication date:   10 March 1969

Media type:          Print (Hardback & Paperback) & Audio Book

Pages:                  446