THE GODFATHER

THE GODFATHER by Mario Puzo

From the publisher:

THE GODFATHER is an extraordinary novel which has become a modern day classic.  Puzo pulls us inside the violent society of the Mafia and its gang wars.

The leader, Vito Corleone, is the Godfather.  He is a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power.  His command post is a fortress on Long Island from which he presides over a vast underground empire that includes the rackets, gambling, bookmaking, and unions.  His influence runs through all levels of American society, from the cop on the beat to the nation's mighty.

Mario Puzo, a master storyteller, introduces us to unforgettable characters, and the elements of this world explode to life in this violent and impassioned chronicle.

I picked up this book, thinking I hadn't read it before.  Parts seemed very familiar, but I thought it was just because I had seen the movie so many times.  But when I got to a section that wasn't in the movie and I knew exactly what was going to happen, I realized this wasn't the first reading.  So I checked this blog and found where I had posted my review previously.

The book was just as good on a re-read.  As I was reading, I came to realize just how perfect the casting of the movie had been.  Who else except Marlon Brando could have played Vito?  James Caan was perfect as Sonny, and the great Al Pacino was Michael in every way.

Now I feel the need to watch the Godfather movies all over again.