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keither909's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
amellear's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sonialusiveira's review against another edition
5.0
Having watched the godfather and LOVED it, I was very interested in reading the saga. Although I haven’t read the original godfather book and don’t know how the writing will flow since The Family Falcone wasn’t written by Puzo, the characters here stay true to the ones I know from the movie. And this looks like a great start to the saga. It also offers some pieces of puzzle that were missing from the movies.
This started off very good, fast-paced and full of action throughout. Though there were so many names and the interchangeable use of first and last names made it hard to remember who’s who at first. But since the writing is very engaging, that detail didn’t seem to matter since they always catch up. 4.7
This started off very good, fast-paced and full of action throughout. Though there were so many names and the interchangeable use of first and last names made it hard to remember who’s who at first. But since the writing is very engaging, that detail didn’t seem to matter since they always catch up. 4.7
jnjmitch's review against another edition
4.0
Not bad for "fan fiction". Some weaknesses towards the end, and can't capture the epic feel of the films, but overall seems to "get" the characters that made the original novel/movie great.
duparker's review against another edition
4.0
You don't read this book expecting fine, classic literature. You read it expecting some intrigue, some murder and a final scene where all plot points are wrapped up. Success! Off the written sequels to the godfather, this is the best. Unlike the previous two, Revenge and Returns, this book has a look and feel that is consistent with the original, and the characters move, speak and act like you expect them too.
The prehistory you get is good as well. You learn how some relationships are formed, some key connections develop and some actions set up future reactions.
The prehistory you get is good as well. You learn how some relationships are formed, some key connections develop and some actions set up future reactions.
kageny's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Murder, and Violence
jimmacsyr's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great prequel to Godfather 1, and fills in the gaps between Godfather 1 and the backlashes in Godfather 2. I listened to this on CD and the actor was fantastic. Moving between Irish and Italian accents, all the voices from Godfather 1... outstanding.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
Was looking for the first book The Godfather but found this instead. It was almost 10 years ago since I seen the movies and was worried I wouldn't get much out of this book. Had a good time with the book either way and I really want to get my hands on the first books now. It's an compelling story with some really interesting characters and not like the books I usually read.
ihavenouseforit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
andrew_russell's review against another edition
3.0
Ed Falco's novel 'The Family Corleone' takes you on an action packed ride through the events surrounding the Corleone Family during the years 1933-1935. It's a pretty solid story which held my attention to the end. It's an adventure story, nothing more, nothing less. In that sense, it met my expectations.
So, given that this book was based upon the characters created by Mario Puzo, I already knew that it was asking a lot to expect something truly original. That said, it did lack originality even taking this into account. A good prequel will show the development of one or more characters and how they end up being those which are represented in the follow up. The characters which featured in 'The Godfather' were replicated almost to a tee for this book. Jocular but deadly Clemenza, psychotic Luca Brasi, hothead Sonny, studious Micheal, naive and slow Fredo...ring any bells? On top of this, those who have already read The Godfather will be familiar with a lot of the backstory in this book, for example how Luca Brasi murdered both the mother of his baby and the baby itself. In light of this, drawing out such plotlines for hundreds of pages seemed wasteful.
The beauty of The Godfather series of books was that the main character Micheal, becomes the exact opposite type of person in adulthood from that whom he aspired to be in his younger years. The journey he goes on to attain the distasteful characteristics of a ruthless mafia Don is one which I found fascinating. This book singularly lacks this three dimensional quality and doesn't really provide a useful addition to the series as a result. Cynics may even argue that it was the dollar signs flashing in front of Mr. Falco's eyes that led him to write this, rather than any true desire to enhance the series.
It wouldn't be fair though to dismiss this as a 'bad' book. In spite of the points above, it was still a pleasure to read and generally moved along at a cracking pace. It could have been an awful lot better though and given the material given to him, it is hard for me not to think that Falco has let a quick buck get in the way of an opportunity to produce something which could stand strongly on it's own.
So, given that this book was based upon the characters created by Mario Puzo, I already knew that it was asking a lot to expect something truly original. That said, it did lack originality even taking this into account. A good prequel will show the development of one or more characters and how they end up being those which are represented in the follow up. The characters which featured in 'The Godfather' were replicated almost to a tee for this book. Jocular but deadly Clemenza, psychotic Luca Brasi, hothead Sonny, studious Micheal, naive and slow Fredo...ring any bells? On top of this, those who have already read The Godfather will be familiar with a lot of the backstory in this book, for example how Luca Brasi murdered both the mother of his baby and the baby itself. In light of this, drawing out such plotlines for hundreds of pages seemed wasteful.
The beauty of The Godfather series of books was that the main character Micheal, becomes the exact opposite type of person in adulthood from that whom he aspired to be in his younger years. The journey he goes on to attain the distasteful characteristics of a ruthless mafia Don is one which I found fascinating. This book singularly lacks this three dimensional quality and doesn't really provide a useful addition to the series as a result. Cynics may even argue that it was the dollar signs flashing in front of Mr. Falco's eyes that led him to write this, rather than any true desire to enhance the series.
It wouldn't be fair though to dismiss this as a 'bad' book. In spite of the points above, it was still a pleasure to read and generally moved along at a cracking pace. It could have been an awful lot better though and given the material given to him, it is hard for me not to think that Falco has let a quick buck get in the way of an opportunity to produce something which could stand strongly on it's own.