The Godfather Returns

3.5 stars

I don't fully understand this book's transition from the blockbuster film.

The more infamous scenes were removed from the book altogether, or they were told after the fact, or quickly fast-forwarded through. Huh? Everything else is covered slowly in painstakingly clear detail. Examples: Kay's revelation to Michael about the baby (mentioned months after the fact), the kiss of betrayal with Fredo (removed), the attack on the house (after the fact, covered briefly...)

The story is divided heavily by five time-lines, which to me was a bit overwhelming. There is a substantial amount of space devoted to Fredo, especially a "certain secret." The invention of this secret isn't that plausible - even if it were, what big thing does it add show more to the story? This unusual invention between Michael and Fredo adds up to little.

Unfortunately, the glamour easily experienced with the first was somewhat lacking here. The drama, pizazz, and glitz from the first was seldom felt. While the first emphasized family structure as an in-depth, psychological intrigue, this book has the family fallen apart. Michael Corleone inherited his father's finesse and business acumen, but it's clear from the story's events that he doesn't have the talent to keep family together as his father could.

Winegardener did a neat trick introducing some new characters (like Francesca, although the ending with her felt a bit contrived). The book falls short when it comes to Micheal's inner expression. Tom Hagen comes across dullish and predictable when compared to the inner diggings Puzo introduced with the first.

He does an admirable job emulating Puzo's style, even though of course imitation isn't always flattery. Unfortunately the glamor from the first is mainly absent from this book's reading, but it's still enjoyable in a different way - internal struggles among those who climb in the mafia and the bizarre exploration of a brother who can never live up. show less

Before I was 30 pages into Puzo's THE GODFATHER, I was hooked. It was absolutely incredible. To put it simply, Winegardner fails to produce a comparable product. I was about 70 pages in when I abandoned The Godfather Returns. I find Winegardner's attempt thoroughly uninteresting. Inane, pointless banter that goes nowhere... After 70 pages I still have no clue as to any kind of plot. I rarely abandon books, but I just couldn't go on. I really don't care. I can't believe I paid $8.53 for this.

The Godfather, sequel 1

Winegardner tager tråden op efter og spinder videre på Puzos og Coppolas mafioso-verdensbillede:

"..this is a phenomenally entertaining, psychologically rich saga that spans the entire Godfather years imagined in novel and film by Mario Puzo (the latter via his screenplays), filling in the blanks, fleshing out the characters, focusing primarily on the time (mid 1950s-early '60s) between when Puzo's landmark novel ended and the film Godfather II begins.."

"..Winegardner brings enormous talent to bear on this popular story and its immense cast of characters, deepening Puzo's work at nearly every step. Fredo Corleone, hapless Mafia scion, emerges here as a more central, vigorous and conflicted character than in The show more Godfather or even the films, as do Tom Hagen (the Corleones' adopted son and erstwhile consigliere) and Johnny Fontane, Puzo's dig at Frank Sinatra. There are many new and newly fleshed out characters as well, from assorted Mob bosses (most notably Chicago's Don Louie Russo, aka Fuckface, spiritual descendant of Al Capone, and Nick Geraci, a Corleone man destined to become the Corleones' arch-enemy) to various Corleones (most notably the slain Sonny Corleone's twin daughters). There are also sharply drawn cameos of, among others and by other names, JFK, RFK and, fleetingly, Andy Warhol. But at the center of the mesmerizing, sometimes dizzying Mob conspiracies and familial tensions is, of course, the Godfather, Michael Corleone—proper heir to Vito Corleone, the last capo di tutti capi: devious, brilliant, astonishing ruthless.." show less

Does an extraordinary job of filling in the gaps between the first two films as well as introducing new characters just as colorful and interesting as the original players. Fine work for Winegardner who obviously had big shoes to fill.

A fun read and given my attachment to the Godfather movies, an enjoyable time. Clever plot twists and expansion of the characters.

One of those times when ya gotta ask yourself, Did it need to be written? Didn't feel like it really added to the whole mystique of the Godfather legend.

One of those times when ya gotta ask yourself, Did it need to be written? Didn't feel like it really added to the whole mystique of the Godfather legend.