The Godfather

The book upon which the movie was based, this is an astonishing feat of fiction writing. Most of us have seen the movie, I imagine, but listening to the marvelous Joe Mantegna tell the story lets us know that Mario Puzo wrote all those incredible scenes that Francis Ford Coppola turned into one of the greatest movies of the 20th century. Listening to the book gives us so much more detail about the Corleones and their fellow Mafia families. Of course Coppola had to leave out much of the book in order to make the movie(s). Even through the third movie in the cycle, there is still more enjoyable detail here. It is impossible not to see the faces of Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall and the rest of the actors. In my view, the actors enrich the book. Even when you know what is coming, as in the scene where Michael shoots Solozzo and Captain McCluskey, the background and all the planning that lead up to the scene in the book will just grab your attention and hold it. Very few movies are a match for a great book. This book is so monumental in how it taught us the story of immigrant families and their struggles to adjust to life in the United States that it informs our understanding of many other immigrant stories. Joe Mantegna is so great at this that it is really hard to imagine any other narrator reading it. The feel of New York is also a wonder in Puzo's description of it. You see Don Corleone's opposition to joining the Solozzos and the other families in the drug trade, and you think, how principled he is, not what a monstrous gangster he is. This, again, is a feat of fiction writing that may never be surpassed. Sit back and enjoy one of the finest audiobooks you will ever experience.

So how many times have I seen the movie? Too many to count. I never felt the need to read the book. I'm glad I didn't and instead listened to it via the words of Mr. Mantegna. Wow.

It's amazing how close the book is to the movie. Almost scene by scene and the dialogue as well. I always loved the movie and this makes me appreciate it even more because of the superb job Copolla did to bring it to life.

Mr. Mantegna did an excellent job as well. Can't think of anyone else to tell us this story.

Even though you've seen the movie hundreds of times just get this book. It's going to be a new experience.

I'm now off to order the Blu-Ray edition of "The Godfather"... I just can't get enough.

The story is epic! You're really drawn in to the lives of these characters.

I have read this book in print a dozen times, but it was a treat to have the audiobook going in the car and on the treadmill. I really enjoyed it.

Joe Mantegna was the perfect choice for the narrator for THE GODFATHER. The timbre of his voice, his varied accents were all the perfect additions for the audio version of this novel.

Just as it was when I read this novel as a young mother, Michael Corleone was my favorite character. However, at this point in my life, I found him in many ways to be the most dangerous of the Corleone family. His choices were made out drop grief and need for revenge, while his father made his choices out of a sense of "necessity" or "practicality."

Mr. Mantegna's performance was so enjoyable by his inflection and interpretation. He did not try to replicate the female voices, but he just softened his voice. This was much more believable than an attempt to use a higher pitch to his voice. I also was pleased that there was only one narrator. This helped the plot to flow naturally.

A good book is to be savored, not devoured. Especially since I was revisiting this book, I did not want to rush through any part of it.

Having seen the movie first, I came away from the book very impressed with how well Coppola treated the story. Anyone taking the time for the book will come away with greater insight of the characters and setting and will view the theatrical version with greater perspective. A solid story.

IF YOU KNOW THE MOVIES YOU KNOW HOW GREAT THEY ARE..THE BOOK IS BETTER..WOW..WOW.THIS BOOK GOES INTO A LOT MORE THAN THE MOVIE.FROM LUCA BRASI TO JOHNNY FONTANE..JOHNNY IS A BIG CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK,HE HAS A GREAT STORY.JOHNNY AND NENO ARE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.YOU GET THE REAL SCOOPE ON LUCA BRASI.YOU GET THE STORY ON SONNY'S GIRLFRIEND,CONNIE'S HUSBAND..IF YOU LOVE THE MOVIE THIS IS A MUST READ..ITS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE,YOUR GONE TO LOVE IT!!!!

Yes. It is very entertaining.

Each character has his or her strengths and flaws, and they are developed effectively

Mantegna's attempts to channel Brando for the voice of Don Corleone was a treat.

No, too long. But it worked very well in multiple sittings.

I had forgotten how closely the movie script followed the book. The dialogue from the book is almost used word for word in the movie ---- both were exceptional in editing and implementation.

Over the last 40 years I have read this book at least 10 times and have listened to it know twice, and each time I do I fined something I missed. Puzo was a true master of a story teller. In a few years I will Listen or read this fantastic story again an I am sure I will fined something I missed again

Yes. Love the storyline and Joe Mantegna does it beautifully.

No. But have purchased more. Love him. His voice. He can read anything and make it sound good!

Would recommend to anyone who liked the movie!

It was a really good book and I can see how they broke it down for the movies. I do wish there was more! You can really get into the gangster feel of it all.