The Family

By: Mario Puzo, completed by Carol Gino

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

Mario Puzo first answered the question 'What is a family?' with the creation of the Corleones in his landmark best seller The Godfather. Now, 30 years later, Puzo enriches us all with his ultimate vision of the subject: the story of the greatest crime family in Italian history, the Borgias.

In The Family, this singular novelist transports his readers back to 15th century Rome, and reveals to us the extravagance and intrigue of the Vatican as surely as he once revealed the secrets of the Mafia. At the story's center is Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, a man whose lustful appetites were matched only by his consuming love of family. Surrounding him are his extraordinary children: simple, unloved Jofre; irascible, heartless Juan; beautiful, strong-willed Lucrezia; and passionate warrior Cesare, Machiavelli's friend and inspiration. Their stories constitute a symphony of human emotion and behavior, from pride to romance to jealousy to betrayal and murderous rage.

A labor of love two decades in the making, The Family marks the final triumph of one of the greatest storytellers of our time.

©2001 Estate of Mario Puzo and Carol Gino (P)2001, 2003 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"The saga is lush, full of detail, with characters who manage to be larger than life while seeming entirely realistic....The plot is appropriately epic in scope, mixing fact and fiction seamlessly." (Booklist)

Outstanding look at the Papacy

This book provides a detailed look at the Pope and his family during the 15th century. The detail and complexity of the story leaves the reader continually wanting more. Puzo definitely made a successful connection between the power of the Pope and the Mafia. The narrator only added to the experience and intrigue. I doubt I would have liked the book as much if I read it myself. The narrator made me feel like I was watching dramatic Broadway play.

Dark and Intelligent

Puzo does a wonderful job describing the culture, the time, and the thoughts that governed the Church and Europe in those times. A great read if you are interested in this period of history [15th century]. Defintely a thin line between the mafia and the Pope.

HIs worst

I am a Puzo fan. Yet this is his worst. I made several efforts to listen but was not willing to finish the book. I regret my purchase.

interesting

This book was well written. Interesting how the story is developed and about "The Family". The ending brings the book full circle.

Father instructs daughter and son to have sex

Father (the pope) instructs his son and daughter to have sex, while he supervises. This was the most difficult part to endure. Machiavelli makes an appearance as a character. Indeed, the entire book is a treatise on how his ideas may properly be put to use.

Incredibly Written, Impeccably Narrated

Incredible narrative of a larger-than-life family. This is the best of the Borgia-related content I’ve read so far. As I’ve been playing ASSASSIN’S CREED II lately as well, this was the perfect companion piece. Guidall is one of the all-time best narrators, and he brings his characteristic attention to detail here. A masterpiece all around. [AUDIBLE]

Great story

Great story with well defined characters. Excellent narration. I couldn't stop listening. This a must for those who like historical fiction.