The Godfather

50th Anniversary Edition

By: Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola - introduction, Anthony Puzo - note, Robert J. Thompson - afterword

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna, Anthony Puzo, Angelo Di Loreto

Length: 18 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION - WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

Mario Puzo's classic saga of an American crime family that became a global phenomenon - nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read.

With its brilliant and brutal portrayal of the Corleone family, The Godfather burned its way into our national consciousness. This unforgettable saga of crime and corruption, passion and loyalty continues to stand the test of time, as the definitive novel of the Mafia underworld.

A #1 New York Times bestseller in 1969, Mario Puzo's epic was turned into the incomparable film of the same name, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It is the original classic that has been often imitated, but never matched. A tale of family and society, law and order, obedience and rebellion, it reveals the dark passions of human nature played out against a backdrop of the American dream.

With a Note from Anthony Puzo and an Afterword by Robert J. Thompson

©1969 Mario Puzo. Introduction © 2019 by Francis Ford Coppola. "Note from Anthony Puzo" used with permission of Anthony Puzo. Afterword © 2002 by Robert J. Thompson. (P)2011, 2019 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

As good as you'd expect

What can you say about this book that hasn't been said?

Joe Mantegna brings this classic to life. It's flawless and wonderful!

Best. Audiobook. Ever!

Like many, The Godfather is one of my favorite movies, but it had been years since I picked up the original. Mr. Puzo's masterpiece captures your attention from the first sentence and never lets up. The back stories which had to be cut in the movies for the sake of budget and continuity simply fill out the novel and give even more richness to the story. You understand the characters on the screen (and what makes them tick) so much better.

My compliments as well to Mr. Mantegna on a magnificent performance, particularly his Brando impression. This is a book that I will keep in my library for a long, long time.

The movie plays in your head the whole time.

Just finished being cooked by this one. The movie plays in your head the whole time you're listening. Coppola was amazing faithful to the novel, and the novel is so faithful to its cinematic portrayal of respect, cunning and other vital, lethal Cosa Nostra.

A Deal You Shouldn't Refuse

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is very entertaining.

Who was your favorite character and why?

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

Which character – as performed by Joe Mantegna – was your favorite?

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

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

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

Any additional comments?

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.

Don't dismiss just because you know the movie!

A much better story in my opinion than the movie. Some things I understood being cut out for Hollywood, but most of the changes made make the book a much better story!

Business Lessons in Friendship and Respect

There is a strange appeal to stories like this; stories that expose the dark underbelly of society. It is somehow fascinating to peek into the violent world of organized crime. I listened to this book after I had already watched the first two movies, so my opinion was already partially formed. The first “book” of the novel was nearly identical to the first movie and, even without Brando, Pachino, Duval and Caan, this is an enthralling story. After this initial sequence the novel expands greatly upon the back-story and we get to know, if not to love, Vito Corleone and the other Siclian Underworld figures.

This novel reminds me of the Parker novels of Donald Westlake—at least in one sense. The character Parker, a career thief, and Don Corleone both share a sense of honor among thieves. For both, occasional violence is strictly business; a necessary part of the job. It is simply the way things get done. Violence is to be avoided until it is necessary, but then it is to be persued with alacrity and vigor. Strange as it may be for me to say—you may think—in a way this is a humorous story. Perversely, the murder and mayhem become a sort of expected punch-line to every anecdote; the rim shot that punctuates every plot episode. These men feign to be cultured and respectful to each other; family men, business men—men of deep principle, pillars of the community. Yet they are the worst kind of blight on society. Evil masquerading as good.

Joe Mantegna has a great Italian accent that adds to the verisimilitude of this story of the Mafia. His character voicing is well-suited for each of the people is the story. Without his voice this would still be a fine story. Joe Mantegna makes it truly great.

Fantastically Done!

Great story. I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I'm glad I finally got around to listening to it. Joe Mantegna does a wonderful job as narrator. If you like the movie, you'll love the book.

As near perfect as a book can be.

The pacing, the plot, the characters, it was just riveting. And the nuanced performance aided it tremendously.
I Highly recommend it.

Perfect

Flawless story. Wonderful read. Do not pass this up mio paisano amico eh? You won’t regret it.

Thanks Mario

If you love the movie you'll love the book. It's really that simple. The movie is almost line for line the book, the book just expands on mofe of the minor characters. Great listen.