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The Godfather #2
El Siciliano
Michael Corleone, el hijo de El Padrino, está en Sicilia con el objetivo de poner en marcha una misión que le ha encomendado su padre: intentar sacar de la isla a un hombre que se ha convertido en un mito popular, pero al que el acoso del gobierno, las clases altas y la Mafia han convertido en un fugitivo solitario. Salvatore Giuliano es ese hombre: un campesino sensible e inquieto, forzado a vivir en el monte tras haber matado a un policía, tan amante de su tierra y sus gentes como opuesto a la connivencia con sus opresores. El siciliano es una biografía novelada de Giuliano y una incisiva descripción de la vida, las tradiciones y las complejas relaciones de poder en Sicilia.
503 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1984
About the author
Mario Puzo
128 books4,577 followersPuzo was born in a poor family of Neapolitan immigrants living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York. Many of his books draw heavily on this heritage. After graduating from the City College of New York, he joined the United States Army Air Forces in World War II. Due to his poor eyesight, the military did not let him undertake combat duties but made him a public relations officer stationed in Germany. In 1950, his first short story, The Last Christmas, was published in American Vanguard. After the war, he wrote his first book, The Dark Arena, which was published in 1955.
At periods in the 1950s and early 1960s, Puzo worked as a writer/editor for publisher Martin Goodman's Magazine Management Company. Puzo, along with other writers like Bruce Jay Friedman, worked for the company line of men's magazines, pulp titles like Male, True Action, and Swank. Under the pseudonym Mario Cleri, Puzo wrote World War II adventure features for True Action.
Puzo's most famous work, The Godfather, was first published in 1969 after he had heard anecdotes about Mafia organizations during his time in pulp journalism. He later said in an interview with Larry King that his principal motivation was to make money. He had already, after all, written two books that had received great reviews, yet had not amounted to much. As a government clerk with five children, he was looking to write something that would appeal to the masses. With a number one bestseller for months on the New York Times Best Seller List, Mario Puzo had found his target audience. The book was later developed into the film The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movie received 11 Academy Award nominations, winning three, including an Oscar for Puzo for Best Adapted Screenplay. Coppola and Puzo collaborated then to work on sequels to the original film, The Godfather Part II and The Godfather Part III.
Puzo wrote the first draft of the script for the 1974 disaster film Earthquake, which he was unable to continue working on due to his commitment to The Godfather Part II. Puzo also co-wrote Richard Donner's Superman and the original draft for Superman II. He also collaborated on the stories for the 1982 film A Time to Die and the 1984 Francis Ford Coppola film The Cotton Club.
Puzo never saw the publication of his penultimate book, Omertà, but the manuscript was finished before his death, as was the manuscript for The Family. However, in a review originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle, Jules Siegel, who had worked closely with Puzo at Magazine Management Company, speculated that Omertà may have been completed by "some talentless hack." Siegel also acknowledges the temptation to "rationalize avoiding what is probably the correct analysis -- that [Puzo] wrote it and it is terrible."
Puzo died of heart failure on July 2, 1999 at his home in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York. His family now lives in East Islip, New York.
At periods in the 1950s and early 1960s, Puzo worked as a writer/editor for publisher Martin Goodman's Magazine Management Company. Puzo, along with other writers like Bruce Jay Friedman, worked for the company line of men's magazines, pulp titles like Male, True Action, and Swank. Under the pseudonym Mario Cleri, Puzo wrote World War II adventure features for True Action.
Puzo's most famous work, The Godfather, was first published in 1969 after he had heard anecdotes about Mafia organizations during his time in pulp journalism. He later said in an interview with Larry King that his principal motivation was to make money. He had already, after all, written two books that had received great reviews, yet had not amounted to much. As a government clerk with five children, he was looking to write something that would appeal to the masses. With a number one bestseller for months on the New York Times Best Seller List, Mario Puzo had found his target audience. The book was later developed into the film The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movie received 11 Academy Award nominations, winning three, including an Oscar for Puzo for Best Adapted Screenplay. Coppola and Puzo collaborated then to work on sequels to the original film, The Godfather Part II and The Godfather Part III.
Puzo wrote the first draft of the script for the 1974 disaster film Earthquake, which he was unable to continue working on due to his commitment to The Godfather Part II. Puzo also co-wrote Richard Donner's Superman and the original draft for Superman II. He also collaborated on the stories for the 1982 film A Time to Die and the 1984 Francis Ford Coppola film The Cotton Club.
Puzo never saw the publication of his penultimate book, Omertà, but the manuscript was finished before his death, as was the manuscript for The Family. However, in a review originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle, Jules Siegel, who had worked closely with Puzo at Magazine Management Company, speculated that Omertà may have been completed by "some talentless hack." Siegel also acknowledges the temptation to "rationalize avoiding what is probably the correct analysis -- that [Puzo] wrote it and it is terrible."
Puzo died of heart failure on July 2, 1999 at his home in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York. His family now lives in East Islip, New York.
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April 23, 2022
The Sicilian, Mario Puzo
The Sicilian is a novel by Italian-American author Mario Puzo. Published in 1984 by Random House Publishing Group. It is based on Puzo's most famous work, The Godfather. It is regarded as The Godfather's literary sequel. This novel, though a work of fiction, is based on the real life exploits of Salvatore Giuliano. In 1987, The Sicilian was adapted into a film, directed by Michael Cimino and starring Christopher Lambert as Salvatore Guiliano.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و چهارم ماه دسامبر سال1986میلادی
عنوان: سیسیلی؛ نویسنده: ماریو پوزو؛ نیویورک، لیندن پرس؛ سال1363، در410ص؛ شابک067143647؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایتالیائی تبار ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
داستان زندگی «سالواتوره جولیانو» در «سیسیل» است، و دنباله ی ادبی کتاب «پدرخوانده» در دیده ها مینشیند و دومین کتاب از سری رمانهای «پدرخوانده» است؛ سال1950میلادی است؛ «مایکل کورلئونه» به پایان تبعید خویش در «سیسیل» نزدیک میشود؛ پدرخوانده به «مایکل» دستور داده تا راهزن جوان سیسیلی به نام «سالواتوره جولیانو» را، با خود به «آمریکا» ببرد؛ اما «جولیانو» مردی است که در شبکه ای خونین از خشونت و انتقام گیر افتاده؛ در «سیسیل»، «جولیانو» یک «رابین هود» است، که فساد و «کوزا نوسترا» را به چالش کشیده؛ اکنون، در سرزمین کوههای پوشیده از مه و خرابههای باستانی، سرنوشت «مایکل کورلئونه» با افسانه ی «سالواتوره جولیانو» درهم میآمیزد
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 22/05/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 02/02/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
The Sicilian is a novel by Italian-American author Mario Puzo. Published in 1984 by Random House Publishing Group. It is based on Puzo's most famous work, The Godfather. It is regarded as The Godfather's literary sequel. This novel, though a work of fiction, is based on the real life exploits of Salvatore Giuliano. In 1987, The Sicilian was adapted into a film, directed by Michael Cimino and starring Christopher Lambert as Salvatore Guiliano.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و چهارم ماه دسامبر سال1986میلادی
عنوان: سیسیلی؛ نویسنده: ماریو پوزو؛ نیویورک، لیندن پرس؛ سال1363، در410ص؛ شابک067143647؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایتالیائی تبار ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
داستان زندگی «سالواتوره جولیانو» در «سیسیل» است، و دنباله ی ادبی کتاب «پدرخوانده» در دیده ها مینشیند و دومین کتاب از سری رمانهای «پدرخوانده» است؛ سال1950میلادی است؛ «مایکل کورلئونه» به پایان تبعید خویش در «سیسیل» نزدیک میشود؛ پدرخوانده به «مایکل» دستور داده تا راهزن جوان سیسیلی به نام «سالواتوره جولیانو» را، با خود به «آمریکا» ببرد؛ اما «جولیانو» مردی است که در شبکه ای خونین از خشونت و انتقام گیر افتاده؛ در «سیسیل»، «جولیانو» یک «رابین هود» است، که فساد و «کوزا نوسترا» را به چالش کشیده؛ اکنون، در سرزمین کوههای پوشیده از مه و خرابههای باستانی، سرنوشت «مایکل کورلئونه» با افسانه ی «سالواتوره جولیانو» درهم میآمیزد
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 22/05/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 02/02/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
April 26, 2012
For someone who has just got into books and reading a book every ten days,it was too much to swallow.As I began to study the last hundred pages of the novel 'The Sicillian' by the famous Mario Puzo again ,at midnight,I knew I was falling into an ocean of unbelievable storytelling.Finishing the book at 2.00 a.m,i could not sleep for the next hour or so.Turi Guilliano, undoubtedly the greatest character that i have ever read about is just too unthinkable and great to forget with time.Puzo with his indimidating style and vocabulary takes you in to a different world where living by your heart is more important than living by the law.
The book starts as if it is a sequel to the' Godfather',but never really wants to be the sequel.While Godfather lighted the underworld,this book shows you love,unimaginable bravery,gratitude,friendship,courage,cunning cleverness,a mixture of kindness and cruelty all present in one man Turi Guilliano who with his friend Aspanu becomes a bandit to help the poor.Though I have never read anything about Robinhood and his heroics,I can be dead sure that Turi will be beter than him in every attribute.The book ,unlike the Godfather ,has fewer characters,with each of them beautifully sculptured by Puzo's brilliance.
It is quiet amazing how I got the same aura after completing the book,that once got after reading the Godfather.I wonder why this book isn't famous as the Godfather.It made sense afterwards that it was the true reflection of mood of the two novels.The pace of the novel that remains the same throughout the plot,the typical phrases that makes you read it over and over again,the pride of those fearless men in killing and running for life,the glory with they accept death and more than anything else, when you are about to think the book has already been worth read ing before the climax,the climax happens to be the actual thing why you should read the book
May be because Godfather was one of the first few books I read ,I like the 'Sicillian' more than I do the former.But I am happy for that.The book is a piece of art ,an epitome of characterisation and storytelling.It is more than a novel about the life of Guilliano,it is a recording of how a story of a man becomes a myth,a legend for the generations to come.The greatness of Puzo lies not in telling you such a wonderful story but in making us think this is the life we would have wanted to live in the wildest of our dreams.Whatever it might be,I honestly beleive 'The Sicillian' is far more heart-breaking than 'The Godfather'( both the books and the men wrapped in their names).
The book starts as if it is a sequel to the' Godfather',but never really wants to be the sequel.While Godfather lighted the underworld,this book shows you love,unimaginable bravery,gratitude,friendship,courage,cunning cleverness,a mixture of kindness and cruelty all present in one man Turi Guilliano who with his friend Aspanu becomes a bandit to help the poor.Though I have never read anything about Robinhood and his heroics,I can be dead sure that Turi will be beter than him in every attribute.The book ,unlike the Godfather ,has fewer characters,with each of them beautifully sculptured by Puzo's brilliance.
It is quiet amazing how I got the same aura after completing the book,that once got after reading the Godfather.I wonder why this book isn't famous as the Godfather.It made sense afterwards that it was the true reflection of mood of the two novels.The pace of the novel that remains the same throughout the plot,the typical phrases that makes you read it over and over again,the pride of those fearless men in killing and running for life,the glory with they accept death and more than anything else, when you are about to think the book has already been worth read ing before the climax,the climax happens to be the actual thing why you should read the book
May be because Godfather was one of the first few books I read ,I like the 'Sicillian' more than I do the former.But I am happy for that.The book is a piece of art ,an epitome of characterisation and storytelling.It is more than a novel about the life of Guilliano,it is a recording of how a story of a man becomes a myth,a legend for the generations to come.The greatness of Puzo lies not in telling you such a wonderful story but in making us think this is the life we would have wanted to live in the wildest of our dreams.Whatever it might be,I honestly beleive 'The Sicillian' is far more heart-breaking than 'The Godfather'( both the books and the men wrapped in their names).
October 27, 2024
Този роман на Пузо надминава с доста "Кръстникът", според мен!
Чудесен превод на Весела Прошкова!
Чудесен превод на Весела Прошкова!
December 8, 2019
When I bought this the guy in the shop said "I've heard this is better than the Godfather". So to the owner of the second hand book store in Great Yarmouth I'm reporting back and advising the Sicilian is about three football leagues below the Godfather. It's duller than a Will Smith action movie. Less entertaining than the World Snooker final. You get the point.
November 29, 2011
While The Godfather Trilogy stands out as the greatest Movie ever made (in my humble opinion anyway, I must have watched it a dozen times or more, and would probably do so for the rest of my life), but as far as the books are concerned, The Siclian happens to be far superior to The Godfather.
And I just loved the ending, its probably one of the most heart breaking one you will ever come across, and sadly perfect in so many ways.
Its a must read.
And I just loved the ending, its probably one of the most heart breaking one you will ever come across, and sadly perfect in so many ways.
Its a must read.
December 5, 2022
I'm terrible at reading on Kindle. I always forget to pick it up and read the books on it.
Anyway on to the review.
The Sicilian is considered a sequel to The Godfather but it's really not. It does include 3 major characters from that book and it takes place during the events of The Godfather. But you don't need to read The Godfather to enjoy this book. I actually feel bad for Mario Puzo, he wrote a masterpiece and for the rest of his career people just wanted him to write Godfather related things. I'm sure he added the characters from The Godfather to make his publisher happy.
The Sicilian isn't a Mafia book. It's about Sicilian bandits and it's based...somewhat on the life of a real bandit. This book is bloody and violent but it's also a well built story. It's a dark read but you guys know I love a dark read. It's not The Godfather but nothing else is. Don't compare this book to that book. I enjoyed The Sicilian as it's own story.
This is the 3rd Mario Puzo novel I've read
1. The Godfather( of course)
2. The Last Don ( better than it should be)
3. The Sicilian ( 2 thumbs up)
I have 2 more of his books Omerta and Fools Die. I'd like to read his full catalog because I just enjoy the way he writes. It's wordy and the world building is top notch. I know The Sicilian has a film adaptation but the reviews are awful and due to rights issues none of the characters from The Godfather appear or are mentioned. I'll probably watch it one day but I'm in no hurry.
I highly recommend The Sicilian.
Anyway on to the review.
The Sicilian is considered a sequel to The Godfather but it's really not. It does include 3 major characters from that book and it takes place during the events of The Godfather. But you don't need to read The Godfather to enjoy this book. I actually feel bad for Mario Puzo, he wrote a masterpiece and for the rest of his career people just wanted him to write Godfather related things. I'm sure he added the characters from The Godfather to make his publisher happy.
The Sicilian isn't a Mafia book. It's about Sicilian bandits and it's based...somewhat on the life of a real bandit. This book is bloody and violent but it's also a well built story. It's a dark read but you guys know I love a dark read. It's not The Godfather but nothing else is. Don't compare this book to that book. I enjoyed The Sicilian as it's own story.
This is the 3rd Mario Puzo novel I've read
1. The Godfather( of course)
2. The Last Don ( better than it should be)
3. The Sicilian ( 2 thumbs up)
I have 2 more of his books Omerta and Fools Die. I'd like to read his full catalog because I just enjoy the way he writes. It's wordy and the world building is top notch. I know The Sicilian has a film adaptation but the reviews are awful and due to rights issues none of the characters from The Godfather appear or are mentioned. I'll probably watch it one day but I'm in no hurry.
I highly recommend The Sicilian.
September 13, 2024
„Сицилианецът“ е страхотен роман! Марио Пузо майсторски е описал суровия начин на живот и потискащата престъпна атмосфера в Сицилия, разказвайки вълнуваща и поучителна мафиотска история.
Наближава края на изгнанието на Майкъл Корлеоне и се очаква съвсем скоро да се завърне в САЩ. Обаче се оказва, че Майкъл получава от баща си много сложна и опасна задача - преди да си тръгне от Сицилия, той трябва да открие и измъкне от там прочутия гангстер Салваторе Джулиано...
„Най-тежкото престъпление за сицилианците е да се издаде на властите каквато и да е информация за дейността на мафията. Но те умеят да мълчат — това мълчание се нарича „омерта“. С течение на времето думата придоби ново значение — забрана да се осведомява полицията за извършените престъпления. Всички връзки между народа и тираничните представители на законното правителство бяха прекъснати до такава степен, че дори децата бяха научени да не отговарят на най-невинни запитвания на непознати, които искаха да им посочат пътя до някое село или до нечий дом.“
Наближава края на изгнанието на Майкъл Корлеоне и се очаква съвсем скоро да се завърне в САЩ. Обаче се оказва, че Майкъл получава от баща си много сложна и опасна задача - преди да си тръгне от Сицилия, той трябва да открие и измъкне от там прочутия гангстер Салваторе Джулиано...
„Най-тежкото престъпление за сицилианците е да се издаде на властите каквато и да е информация за дейността на мафията. Но те умеят да мълчат — това мълчание се нарича „омерта“. С течение на времето думата придоби ново значение — забрана да се осведомява полицията за извършените престъпления. Всички връзки между народа и тираничните представители на законното правителство бяха прекъснати до такава степен, че дори децата бяха научени да не отговарят на най-невинни запитвания на непознати, които искаха да им посочат пътя до някое село или до нечий дом.“
January 24, 2012
Mario Puzo claims his fame and fortune with The Godfather. He exerts his mastery of writing and storytelling in The Sicilian.
This book offers nearly every addictive literary substance for which the reader's neuro-transmitters scream. Puzo offers action, suspense, national heritage, generational character, moral integrity, filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, ethical conflict, the power of conviction, and so much more. Turi Giuliano represents the kind of archetypal hero for which every common citizen of every common country dares to hope and dream.
Ever since watching The Godfather films years ago, I have tried to articulate exactly why I find them so unbelievable. After reading The Sicilian, the same idea, or theme, creeps further out of the shadows and permits the light to artfully sketch its image. I imagine Puzo wrestling with this idea and experimenting with it. He carefully crafts the histories of each major character, including Sicily, which inspires the reader to consider those historical circumstances as the masters of personal fates and destinies. These histories and current circumstances create a sort of volatile microcosm which only a certain character can ignite and reinvent. A seemingly autonomous Nurture pairs with a character's Nature - devastating a once confused idea of control. I wanted this character to be Michael Corleone.
So with the appearances of the Corleone Family in this story, I come closer to understanding Puzo's experimental hypothesis. In The Godfather, Michael Corleone succumbs to the life of his father, Don Corleone. He learns to control the most powerful Mafia family America has ever seen. But more importantly, he learns to survive. The Sicilian asks whether these aspirations shrivel to the heroic will to inject life and happiness into a society rather than to conquer it. Michael Corleone, as we view him in this book, did not live the life he would have chosen. He chose loyalty to his family, which history and circumstances may have forced him to do considering the nature of his brothers and the world Don Corleone had built around him, which brings about the sad tragedy of his life.
He survived tragically - dying a lifelong death - whereas Turi Giuliano lived even beyond his last breath; the final reward of the mythical hero, the archetypal conqueror of death who lives the life that every common citizen of every common country would choose for their children. In dying he lives while in life the Mafia Don exists as an empty vessel. Michael Corleone would have lived if he hadn't needed to survive. He is the hero who ignored his calling.
And perhaps the burden falls to Sicily, the histories and circumstances, for creating a world which demands that we choose to survive tragically by its methods or live heroically by our own.
This book offers nearly every addictive literary substance for which the reader's neuro-transmitters scream. Puzo offers action, suspense, national heritage, generational character, moral integrity, filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, ethical conflict, the power of conviction, and so much more. Turi Giuliano represents the kind of archetypal hero for which every common citizen of every common country dares to hope and dream.
Ever since watching The Godfather films years ago, I have tried to articulate exactly why I find them so unbelievable. After reading The Sicilian, the same idea, or theme, creeps further out of the shadows and permits the light to artfully sketch its image. I imagine Puzo wrestling with this idea and experimenting with it. He carefully crafts the histories of each major character, including Sicily, which inspires the reader to consider those historical circumstances as the masters of personal fates and destinies. These histories and current circumstances create a sort of volatile microcosm which only a certain character can ignite and reinvent. A seemingly autonomous Nurture pairs with a character's Nature - devastating a once confused idea of control. I wanted this character to be Michael Corleone.
So with the appearances of the Corleone Family in this story, I come closer to understanding Puzo's experimental hypothesis. In The Godfather, Michael Corleone succumbs to the life of his father, Don Corleone. He learns to control the most powerful Mafia family America has ever seen. But more importantly, he learns to survive. The Sicilian asks whether these aspirations shrivel to the heroic will to inject life and happiness into a society rather than to conquer it. Michael Corleone, as we view him in this book, did not live the life he would have chosen. He chose loyalty to his family, which history and circumstances may have forced him to do considering the nature of his brothers and the world Don Corleone had built around him, which brings about the sad tragedy of his life.
He survived tragically - dying a lifelong death - whereas Turi Giuliano lived even beyond his last breath; the final reward of the mythical hero, the archetypal conqueror of death who lives the life that every common citizen of every common country would choose for their children. In dying he lives while in life the Mafia Don exists as an empty vessel. Michael Corleone would have lived if he hadn't needed to survive. He is the hero who ignored his calling.
And perhaps the burden falls to Sicily, the histories and circumstances, for creating a world which demands that we choose to survive tragically by its methods or live heroically by our own.
November 12, 2023
A slight disappointment when you realise this isn't really the sequel to The Godfather novel it is billed as. Instead, Michael Corleone plays only a bit part role to the main story of The Sicilian outlaw of the title. However, once past this, it's a classic tale of live, honour, murder and politics in the Sicilian mafia, and expertly told.
January 12, 2025
Wow, excellent novel. A great read to start the new year. Mario Puzo is truly a master at writing gangster mafia novels. Due the lower ratings & average reviews online, I thought The Sicilian was going be average at best. I was wrong… Suspense, thriller, action, drama, this novel has it all. My only small complaint was the pedestrian & anticlimactic ending. The ending could have probably been better. Overall through, this one is a strong recommend.
October 31, 2023
This one is difficult to rate, but if you liked The Godfather, you will probably like this one, and in any case, need to read it first to get the backstory. Puzo splits the narrative here into two related story arcs. The first concerns Michael Corleone, about to return to America after his two year exile in Sicily as chronicled in The Godfather, where he is tasked by his father to pick up and return with a Sicilian 'bandit' named Guiliano. The second arc, the much larger one, chronicles Guiliano's rise from poor peasant farmer in 1943 to the most well known 'bandit' in Sicily.
First and foremost, I read this and it predecessor as an anthropological study as Puzo takes us deep into the culture of Sicily. Some may be turned off on this; Sicily is heavily patriarchal to say the least with very strict gender norms. Yet, Puzo develops the culture in many layers, moving from the outmost surface to inner core values. This is the part I liked the most. The story line itself? Good but not exceptional.
Guiliano starts this in 1943 when he, like most 'honest' Sicilians, was smuggling food to get around the war time restrictions, which mandated that all farmers sell their output to the government, who would then distribute it. The problem was the government paid the farmers in local script which was becoming worthless and then the mafia controlled the distribution, charging 50 times what the farmers were paid. So, everyone participates in the black market just to survive. In Guiliano's case, he was caught by the police with the cheese and about to be arrested when the shooting started, leaving him sorely wounded and a cop dead. Unfortunately, Guiliano left his id papers at the scene.
Hence, Guiliano had to flee to the mountains, which he did with his best buddy, and they began their life of banditry. Unlike most bandits, however, Guiliano was something of a Robinhood, only robbing, kidnapping, etc. the rich and distributing half of the take to the poor peasants. This earned him and his band undying gratitude of the poor, but as you might imagine, not the rich. Also, the mob, personified by Don Croce, the leading 'family of friends' on the island (a loose coalition of mob 'families), were not happy, as many of the rich had paid 'protection' to them were kidnapped, etc. Further, since the food distribution was controlled by the mob, Guiliano's raids were taking food from the mob's mouth so to speak.
Yet, the mob could not really disown Guiliano as he has family and friends who are 'connected'. Puzo explores the amazingly complex entanglement of the mafia in 'Rome' (e.g., legit government) as they would both love to take Guiliano down, but fear the repercussions as he is loved by the people of Sicily. Can the mob kill a hero who is feeding the poor, who the Mafia supposedly protect while they take money from the rich? The codes of honor and treachery also haunt the story, giving more insights into Sicilian culture.
I can see while people love this, but also the obverse. If you are not into a deep cultural dive, or are 'repulsed' by the culture, you will toss this across the room. If you dig this type of stuff, you will probably find it fascinating. The action? It is there in fits and starts, but more to highlight the cultural dynamics than anything else. 3.5 mobsters, rounding up!
First and foremost, I read this and it predecessor as an anthropological study as Puzo takes us deep into the culture of Sicily. Some may be turned off on this; Sicily is heavily patriarchal to say the least with very strict gender norms. Yet, Puzo develops the culture in many layers, moving from the outmost surface to inner core values. This is the part I liked the most. The story line itself? Good but not exceptional.
Guiliano starts this in 1943 when he, like most 'honest' Sicilians, was smuggling food to get around the war time restrictions, which mandated that all farmers sell their output to the government, who would then distribute it. The problem was the government paid the farmers in local script which was becoming worthless and then the mafia controlled the distribution, charging 50 times what the farmers were paid. So, everyone participates in the black market just to survive. In Guiliano's case, he was caught by the police with the cheese and about to be arrested when the shooting started, leaving him sorely wounded and a cop dead. Unfortunately, Guiliano left his id papers at the scene.
Hence, Guiliano had to flee to the mountains, which he did with his best buddy, and they began their life of banditry. Unlike most bandits, however, Guiliano was something of a Robinhood, only robbing, kidnapping, etc. the rich and distributing half of the take to the poor peasants. This earned him and his band undying gratitude of the poor, but as you might imagine, not the rich. Also, the mob, personified by Don Croce, the leading 'family of friends' on the island (a loose coalition of mob 'families), were not happy, as many of the rich had paid 'protection' to them were kidnapped, etc. Further, since the food distribution was controlled by the mob, Guiliano's raids were taking food from the mob's mouth so to speak.
Yet, the mob could not really disown Guiliano as he has family and friends who are 'connected'. Puzo explores the amazingly complex entanglement of the mafia in 'Rome' (e.g., legit government) as they would both love to take Guiliano down, but fear the repercussions as he is loved by the people of Sicily. Can the mob kill a hero who is feeding the poor, who the Mafia supposedly protect while they take money from the rich? The codes of honor and treachery also haunt the story, giving more insights into Sicilian culture.
I can see while people love this, but also the obverse. If you are not into a deep cultural dive, or are 'repulsed' by the culture, you will toss this across the room. If you dig this type of stuff, you will probably find it fascinating. The action? It is there in fits and starts, but more to highlight the cultural dynamics than anything else. 3.5 mobsters, rounding up!
March 30, 2019
The writer of the famous Godfather books and script for the two famous movies has written this little tale about the last days of Michael Corleone's days on Sicily where he went after his misadventures defending his families honour.
Micheal gets the job of taking a certain Salavatore Guiliano back with him to the US as this bandits time in Sicily has become untenable and he either dies or moves away from Sicily. This story is not so much about Michael Corleone even if he features in the book for quite a few pages. It is the story of Salvatore 'Turi" Guiliano a bandit in Sicily who finds himself in that role after he kills a policemen while smuggling cheese for the black market. The story tells about the history of Sicily, the face of the Mafia [which is not called that way at all in Sicily] and how Turi Guiliano became a sort of Robin Hood while robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. While the rich and the Mafia were working the other way around. So the confrontation between bandit and Mafia was an inescapable conflict bound to happen.
We are told the story through the viewpoint of the main characters Michael Corleone, Turi Guiliano and Don Groce the leading man of crime on Sicily. The story seeks no justification for the actions of all involved and shows quite clearly how all parties involved in Sicily are too blame for any injustice that has happened there.
A nice read an insight on the origins of the Corleone family and a first lesson for Michael from his father in taking over the family business.
If you liked the Godfather movies you will enjoy this unexpected chapter that is more a sidequel than being part of the main story. Easy to read and well written.
Micheal gets the job of taking a certain Salavatore Guiliano back with him to the US as this bandits time in Sicily has become untenable and he either dies or moves away from Sicily. This story is not so much about Michael Corleone even if he features in the book for quite a few pages. It is the story of Salvatore 'Turi" Guiliano a bandit in Sicily who finds himself in that role after he kills a policemen while smuggling cheese for the black market. The story tells about the history of Sicily, the face of the Mafia [which is not called that way at all in Sicily] and how Turi Guiliano became a sort of Robin Hood while robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. While the rich and the Mafia were working the other way around. So the confrontation between bandit and Mafia was an inescapable conflict bound to happen.
We are told the story through the viewpoint of the main characters Michael Corleone, Turi Guiliano and Don Groce the leading man of crime on Sicily. The story seeks no justification for the actions of all involved and shows quite clearly how all parties involved in Sicily are too blame for any injustice that has happened there.
A nice read an insight on the origins of the Corleone family and a first lesson for Michael from his father in taking over the family business.
If you liked the Godfather movies you will enjoy this unexpected chapter that is more a sidequel than being part of the main story. Easy to read and well written.
December 12, 2013
I read this a few years ago and completely forgot to review it here.
It's a MASTERPIECE and definitely one of my favourite Puzo novels!
(I had no idea that it was based on fact until after I'd finished it and then I was even more fascinated!)
The bold and unique story (and indeed legacy) of Salvatore Giuliano, Sicily's most daring bandit, is a captivating read. Obviously, much of this must have been Puzo's invention but he does an incredible job of bringing this legend to literary life.
The story is well mapped out, the characters wonderfully rendered, the time and place so vibrant and alive, the dialogue clipped with colloquialisms, it all feels like you've stepped back into history.
I strongly recommend this book! Though Puzo will be remembered for The Godfather (a novel he himself regarded as 'pulpy'), The Sicilian bears testament that his other novels demand just as strong an interest.
This is an author at the peak of his powers.
It's a MASTERPIECE and definitely one of my favourite Puzo novels!
(I had no idea that it was based on fact until after I'd finished it and then I was even more fascinated!)
The bold and unique story (and indeed legacy) of Salvatore Giuliano, Sicily's most daring bandit, is a captivating read. Obviously, much of this must have been Puzo's invention but he does an incredible job of bringing this legend to literary life.
The story is well mapped out, the characters wonderfully rendered, the time and place so vibrant and alive, the dialogue clipped with colloquialisms, it all feels like you've stepped back into history.
I strongly recommend this book! Though Puzo will be remembered for The Godfather (a novel he himself regarded as 'pulpy'), The Sicilian bears testament that his other novels demand just as strong an interest.
This is an author at the peak of his powers.
June 30, 2023
واقعیتش من این نمره رو بیشتر بخاطر اینکه با ترجمه ماشینی خوندم میدم. ترجمه فارسیای از این کتاب در دسترس نبود و با توجه به اینکه زبان هم به اندازه کافی بلد نیستم مجبور شدم از ترجمه ماشینی استفاده کنم که قطعا لحن و قلم ماریو پوزو رو نمیرسونه. ولی در کل نسبت به جلد اول قوی نبود.
January 6, 2025
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the Godfather and it did not have as much to do with the Corleone family as with the character Turi Guiliano who is the Sicilian. The story begins in 1950, Michael Corleone has been "visiting" in Sicily and it's time to return to the USA, but before he returns his father wants him to escort the bandit Guiliano to accompany him. Then we go back in time a few years and get the history of Guiliano. Most of the story hovers around the Robin Hood of Sicily and the rob the rich give to the poor events and all the corrupt people who live round about the area. This is really the tedious pages of the book and it goes on way too long. I was happy when it was finished although the outcome was foreseeable.
May 31, 2022
I picked the series up as I've seen the 3 movies back when I went to school. I didn't think I would like the book that's much but been surprised. I can see why it's a classic and it's easy to fly through the pages. 3.5 stars
October 1, 2015
Reading Mario Puzo is a new experience for me, and this is only my second to truly compare it against his own. Neither have I read enough stories in crime-genre to compare it against others of its kind. I hope whatever scant knowledge I have of literature will help me honestly judge the book.
To tell little of the story (if the book can be believed,) Salvatore "Turi" Guilliano was a Sicilian rebel who rose to prominence in the aftermath of the Second World War. His path to rebellion started when he was shot by the local police for the smuggling of cheese. Surviving the gunshot wounds, he embarked on a path to liberate Sicily from injustice, and to lift the poor and weak from oppression and poverty.
Puzo goes to a lot of details to bring the character of Guilliano to life. He is a romantic, and the idea of heroism is very appealing to him. He deals with his enemies swiftly, and with prisoners justly. He refuses to bend his knee to the Mafia, knowing how hypocritic their notion of fairness is. He shares half the earnings of banditry with the common people. The common people love him; to them, he's the symbol of strength, fairness and justice.
It's fair to say the author romanticised Guilliano a lot, but that is not really a crime. Puzo presents us a character who is larger than life in such a way that we can comprehend him, one could say touch him. His personality is the perfect mixture of kind, stern, brave, clever and intelligence. A little too perfect. Not that I'm saying that a character like that could not exist. It's only that, living in a world where this perfect combination is unheard of, it kind of makes you question the credibility of the book.
But I guess that can forgiven, given that this is a romanticism of Guilliano's legend, and is a pretty good book. Other times, we find the author giving us the inside-scoop of someone's mind. And since this is a story, after all, and so entertaining, it can be easily accepted.
Though Guilliano was shown to listen to his good judgement, and to his heart, the book leaves us with two powerful lessons in the different correction. "A man's duty is to his life before honour," and "heroism and foolishness are two faces of the same coin." (None of them are direct quotes, rather my interpretation.) Depressing as they may be, they ring with sad truths.
The book makes us want to know Guilliano. I'm tempted to do some research on the person, so I'd say that's a success on the book's part. Guilliano is very inspirational, and joins the list of rebel-heroes.
P.S. Wikipedia have a different account, so I guess this is, after all, fiction.
To tell little of the story (if the book can be believed,) Salvatore "Turi" Guilliano was a Sicilian rebel who rose to prominence in the aftermath of the Second World War. His path to rebellion started when he was shot by the local police for the smuggling of cheese. Surviving the gunshot wounds, he embarked on a path to liberate Sicily from injustice, and to lift the poor and weak from oppression and poverty.
Puzo goes to a lot of details to bring the character of Guilliano to life. He is a romantic, and the idea of heroism is very appealing to him. He deals with his enemies swiftly, and with prisoners justly. He refuses to bend his knee to the Mafia, knowing how hypocritic their notion of fairness is. He shares half the earnings of banditry with the common people. The common people love him; to them, he's the symbol of strength, fairness and justice.
It's fair to say the author romanticised Guilliano a lot, but that is not really a crime. Puzo presents us a character who is larger than life in such a way that we can comprehend him, one could say touch him. His personality is the perfect mixture of kind, stern, brave, clever and intelligence. A little too perfect. Not that I'm saying that a character like that could not exist. It's only that, living in a world where this perfect combination is unheard of, it kind of makes you question the credibility of the book.
But I guess that can forgiven, given that this is a romanticism of Guilliano's legend, and is a pretty good book. Other times, we find the author giving us the inside-scoop of someone's mind. And since this is a story, after all, and so entertaining, it can be easily accepted.
Though Guilliano was shown to listen to his good judgement, and to his heart, the book leaves us with two powerful lessons in the different correction. "A man's duty is to his life before honour," and "heroism and foolishness are two faces of the same coin." (None of them are direct quotes, rather my interpretation.) Depressing as they may be, they ring with sad truths.
The book makes us want to know Guilliano. I'm tempted to do some research on the person, so I'd say that's a success on the book's part. Guilliano is very inspirational, and joins the list of rebel-heroes.
P.S. Wikipedia have a different account, so I guess this is, after all, fiction.
July 9, 2018
Knjige su po pravilu bolje od filmova snimljenim po njima. Time se slažemo svi ovde. Međutim, bio sam uveren da to kod Kuma ne može biti istina, pa sam do skoro odgađao čitanje Puzove majstorije. Greška - knjiga je bar na nivou filma.
Sicilijanac je sjajno iskustvo dok traje, mada mi dugoročno verovatno neće ostati na nivou Kuma.
Sve dok je nisam završio i dodatno istražio, nisam ni pomislio da može biti napisana prema istinitim likovima i događajima. Nekako je suviše... interesantna, a eto i ovde se pokazuje da je realnost često zanimljivija od fikcije. Salvatore Guilliano je mlad, da, Sicilijanac, koji se sa 20 godina nakon slučajnog okršaja sa karabinjerima odmetne u planine i formira svoju bandu. Kombinujući gverilsku taktiku, mafijsku tradiciju i levičarski idealizam, drže se principa Robina Hooda. Glavni lik je verovatno i suviše idealizovan, ali te u ovo doba manjka idealizma nekako tera da poveruješ da je Turi takav i bio.
Sicilijanac je sjajno iskustvo dok traje, mada mi dugoročno verovatno neće ostati na nivou Kuma.
Sve dok je nisam završio i dodatno istražio, nisam ni pomislio da može biti napisana prema istinitim likovima i događajima. Nekako je suviše... interesantna, a eto i ovde se pokazuje da je realnost često zanimljivija od fikcije. Salvatore Guilliano je mlad, da, Sicilijanac, koji se sa 20 godina nakon slučajnog okršaja sa karabinjerima odmetne u planine i formira svoju bandu. Kombinujući gverilsku taktiku, mafijsku tradiciju i levičarski idealizam, drže se principa Robina Hooda. Glavni lik je verovatno i suviše idealizovan, ali te u ovo doba manjka idealizma nekako tera da poveruješ da je Turi takav i bio.
May 7, 2024
The second book is just as good as the first! “The Sicilian” isn’t a sequel, but it includes some characters of “The Godfather”.
The book portrays a life of a person in a crime world, the personal codex is more important than the law. It’s a perfect character study book, I was engrossed in the story! The ending is perfect and heartbreaking.
The book portrays a life of a person in a crime world, the personal codex is more important than the law. It’s a perfect character study book, I was engrossed in the story! The ending is perfect and heartbreaking.
January 8, 2021
In chess, one of the most combative and powerful opening for black is Sicilian Defence. It's not an opening for the lazy, or defensive, or the weak-hearted. It's for a ruthlessly brave Sicilian. It has elements of romanticism, bloodshed, justice, betrayal, and treachery. Much like the Mario Puzo's novel The Sicilian.
This is a gripping story of Turi Giuliano — a bandit hero of Sicily, a modern day Robin Hood, who fights against the injustices of the Rome and the Mafia, and is revered by the common citizens of the country. A power tussle exists between Don Croce (nominal head of Mafia, Friends of the Friends) and Turi which constitutes the spine of the story. And although Don is able to outwit Turi in the end to death, continuing to live a lifeless life, Turi becomes a mythical hero...a legend. This book takes you to the Sicily, her cities, her people, and her mountains, and it would be fair to say that Sicily in this novel is not just a setting, but also a character. I'll tell you the honest reason why I wanted to read this book, few years ago, looking at the map of the Italy and Sicily, a friend of mine exclaimed to me: look, it looks like a shoe (Italy) kicking Sicily. That was the inciting incident for me to put The Godfather and The Sicilian in my Kindle.
Although this book kept me hooked till the last page, filling my imagination with vivid details, the complaint I have with this book is that all the minor character felt quite hollow to me, they felt as if they were just place holders. I'm not sure how long I am going to remember this story. I might change my opinion as the time will pass me by, but for now I'd say that The Sicilian, contrary to my expectations, did not possess the magic The Godfather did.
"That is Sicily," the Don said. "There is always treachery within treachery within treachery."
This is a gripping story of Turi Giuliano — a bandit hero of Sicily, a modern day Robin Hood, who fights against the injustices of the Rome and the Mafia, and is revered by the common citizens of the country. A power tussle exists between Don Croce (nominal head of Mafia, Friends of the Friends) and Turi which constitutes the spine of the story. And although Don is able to outwit Turi in the end to death, continuing to live a lifeless life, Turi becomes a mythical hero...a legend. This book takes you to the Sicily, her cities, her people, and her mountains, and it would be fair to say that Sicily in this novel is not just a setting, but also a character. I'll tell you the honest reason why I wanted to read this book, few years ago, looking at the map of the Italy and Sicily, a friend of mine exclaimed to me: look, it looks like a shoe (Italy) kicking Sicily. That was the inciting incident for me to put The Godfather and The Sicilian in my Kindle.
Although this book kept me hooked till the last page, filling my imagination with vivid details, the complaint I have with this book is that all the minor character felt quite hollow to me, they felt as if they were just place holders. I'm not sure how long I am going to remember this story. I might change my opinion as the time will pass me by, but for now I'd say that The Sicilian, contrary to my expectations, did not possess the magic The Godfather did.
July 11, 2021
Puzo is back with his brilliant book, which is loosely tied to the plot of The Godfather. Readers will find many easter eggs as they read the book.
November 8, 2024
Zabierając się za drugą część rodziny Corleone, nastawiłam się na jej rzeczywistą kontynuację i oczekiwałam tudzież podobnej narracji. Tymczasem okazało się, że choć książka jest częścią cyklu o Donie Corleone, to dość znacząco różni się od swojej pierwszej poprzedniczki. Michael Corleone odgrywa tutaj jedynie drugorzędną rolę, a o Donie Vito wspomniano zaledwie kilka razy. Różnice stają się zauważalne również w strukturze narracji, jak i w tematyce głównych wątków.
"Ojciec chrzestny" definiuje pewne kanony narracyjne poświęcone mafii — od ukazania złożoności relacji rodzinnych po moralne dylematy związane z władzą. "Sycylijczyk" natomiast będący z jednej strony kontynuacją uniwersum stworzonego przez Puzo, a z drugiej niezależną opowieścią, eksponuje bardziej romantyczną i jednostkową walkę z niesprawiedliwością. Turi Guiliano jako postać tragikomiczna staje w opozycji do Michaela Corleone; jego ideały, nawet jeśli szlachetne, są konfrontowane z brutalnością rzeczywistości, co czyni go bardziej archetypowym bohaterem martyrologicznym.
Różnice dla mnie na tyle znaczące, że
dało się odczuć brak tego samego głębokiego wniknięcia w psychologię postaci i mafijne zawirowania, które zdefiniowały pierwszą książkę. W "Sycylijczyku" ton romantyczny i heroizacja jednostki nadają powieści nieco lżejszy charakter, co może prowadzić do bardziej korzystnych porównań na rzecz "Ojca chrzestnego" będącego takim "opus magnum" Puzo, które ustawiło standardy dla literatury o mafii, pełne złożonych postaci, intrygujących zwrotów akcji i refleksji nad rodziną, władzą i lojalnością. "Sycylijczyk", chociaż równie emocjonujący i interesujący, w pewnym sensie może wydawać się mniej wielowymiarowy, a w efekcie też mniej zapadający w pamięć.
Ostatecznie, zarówno "Ojciec chrzestny", jak i "Sycylijczyk" mają swoje niepowtarzalne walory. To, co jednych zachwyca w "Sycylijczyku" jako odzwierciedlenie walki jednostki, dla innych może wydawać się zubożone w porównaniu do epickości i głębi "Ojca chrzestnego". Warto jednak podchodzić do obydwu utworów z otwartym umysłem, doceniając ich odmienność i unikalne podejście do tematyki mafijnej.
"Ojciec chrzestny" definiuje pewne kanony narracyjne poświęcone mafii — od ukazania złożoności relacji rodzinnych po moralne dylematy związane z władzą. "Sycylijczyk" natomiast będący z jednej strony kontynuacją uniwersum stworzonego przez Puzo, a z drugiej niezależną opowieścią, eksponuje bardziej romantyczną i jednostkową walkę z niesprawiedliwością. Turi Guiliano jako postać tragikomiczna staje w opozycji do Michaela Corleone; jego ideały, nawet jeśli szlachetne, są konfrontowane z brutalnością rzeczywistości, co czyni go bardziej archetypowym bohaterem martyrologicznym.
Różnice dla mnie na tyle znaczące, że
dało się odczuć brak tego samego głębokiego wniknięcia w psychologię postaci i mafijne zawirowania, które zdefiniowały pierwszą książkę. W "Sycylijczyku" ton romantyczny i heroizacja jednostki nadają powieści nieco lżejszy charakter, co może prowadzić do bardziej korzystnych porównań na rzecz "Ojca chrzestnego" będącego takim "opus magnum" Puzo, które ustawiło standardy dla literatury o mafii, pełne złożonych postaci, intrygujących zwrotów akcji i refleksji nad rodziną, władzą i lojalnością. "Sycylijczyk", chociaż równie emocjonujący i interesujący, w pewnym sensie może wydawać się mniej wielowymiarowy, a w efekcie też mniej zapadający w pamięć.
Ostatecznie, zarówno "Ojciec chrzestny", jak i "Sycylijczyk" mają swoje niepowtarzalne walory. To, co jednych zachwyca w "Sycylijczyku" jako odzwierciedlenie walki jednostki, dla innych może wydawać się zubożone w porównaniu do epickości i głębi "Ojca chrzestnego". Warto jednak podchodzić do obydwu utworów z otwartym umysłem, doceniając ich odmienność i unikalne podejście do tematyki mafijnej.
August 13, 2021
This principle is old, but true as fate, Kings may love treason,
but the traitor hate.
-Thomas Dekkar.
Finally a worth and interesting read on the tales of treacheries.
At first this novel is semi Sequel to the Godfather.Thats the only reason to buy it.But it was sleeping in my sheleves over two years which now finally finished it.
Mario Puzo writing is very brilliant one for me and his italicized words were exotic one,I am eagerly waiting for complete his most classic novel" The Godfather". Thought I will finish ASAP.
but the traitor hate.
-Thomas Dekkar.
Finally a worth and interesting read on the tales of treacheries.
At first this novel is semi Sequel to the Godfather.Thats the only reason to buy it.But it was sleeping in my sheleves over two years which now finally finished it.
Mario Puzo writing is very brilliant one for me and his italicized words were exotic one,I am eagerly waiting for complete his most classic novel" The Godfather". Thought I will finish ASAP.
September 12, 2022
Excellent writing great history. Terrible stuff.
March 10, 2024
"محام بمحفظته يستطيع أن ينهب أضعاف ما يأخذه لص بمسدسه .."
عاش صغره في الشارع تمر طفولته نائما في على الأرصفة بعد أن هرب من دار الأيتام ،، يعثر عليه "سوني" و يأخذه معه للبيت وقتها كان يعاني من مرض في عينيه . لهذا صرف عليه الدون "فيتو كورليوني" و عالجه ليشفى من مرضه عامله كابنه كذلك ،، صار هذا الفتى يرى أن "الدون" هو والده الحقيقي برغم أن الدون "فيتو" لم يتبناه رسميا لأنه رأى أنه سيقلل من احترام والديه الحقيقيين المتوفين ،، و بصفته صغيرا في منزل الدون سمع ذات مرة "الدون" يقول تلك المقولة : " محام بمحفظته يستطيع أن ينهب ضعف ما يأخذه لص بمسدسه" لهذا قرر أن يدرس القانون في كليته ليكون خادما مخلصا للعائلة التي أوته عندما لم يجد مأوى في صغره .. و بالفعل نجح و عاد و قبل يد "الدون" و صار المستشار الأول للعائلة محام و خادم مخلص للعائلة التي اعتبرته جزءا منها ..
انظر فقط كيف يجلس خلف "فيتو كورليوني" ..
"مستشار العائلة "توم هيغن" 🎩
The Godfather (1972)
عاش صغره في الشارع تمر طفولته نائما في على الأرصفة بعد أن هرب من دار الأيتام ،، يعثر عليه "سوني" و يأخذه معه للبيت وقتها كان يعاني من مرض في عينيه . لهذا صرف عليه الدون "فيتو كورليوني" و عالجه ليشفى من مرضه عامله كابنه كذلك ،، صار هذا الفتى يرى أن "الدون" هو والده الحقيقي برغم أن الدون "فيتو" لم يتبناه رسميا لأنه رأى أنه سيقلل من احترام والديه الحقيقيين المتوفين ،، و بصفته صغيرا في منزل الدون سمع ذات مرة "الدون" يقول تلك المقولة : " محام بمحفظته يستطيع أن ينهب ضعف ما يأخذه لص بمسدسه" لهذا قرر أن يدرس القانون في كليته ليكون خادما مخلصا للعائلة التي أوته عندما لم يجد مأوى في صغره .. و بالفعل نجح و عاد و قبل يد "الدون" و صار المستشار الأول للعائلة محام و خادم مخلص للعائلة التي اعتبرته جزءا منها ..
انظر فقط كيف يجلس خلف "فيتو كورليوني" ..
"مستشار العائلة "توم هيغن" 🎩
The Godfather (1972)
June 17, 2018
Many years ago I read The Godfather and enjoyed it. I watched the movie not so long ago for the first time (yeah, I know), and found it well-made. So I was interested in this book, which is kinda-sorta a "prequel" though not really, as it takes place (in a manner of speaking) after Michael Corleone goes into exile in Sicily. Unfortunately, listening to this on audiobook was rather like watching the first Japanese version of 47 Ronin. How can what is essentially an action story be so slow? It is, though. It's too long, it's overwritten and overdescribed, and tries to be "poetical". Why, for example, is the sun in Sicily always described, but always, as "smoky"? Talk, talk, talk--endless meetings over glasses of wine and plates of food. Endless driving to other places to meet more people and talk, talk, talk. Then flashbacks which take up half the book and merrily skip back and forth in time. Add to that the soporific effect of the audiobook reader's droning voice (I suppose he was trying to sound all tough and Mediterranean) and constant mispronunciation of "Guiliano" as "Gilly-ano" and Ciriano as anything but...shame they couldn't have at least told him how to pronounce the names properly, particularly the MC's name which occurs at least once or twice per paragraph. Zzzzzzz.
Then we drag the story through the obligatory "sweeping saga" thing, ensuring a nice thick "airport novel" of over 400 pages...and there really isn't enough story to go around, so we fill it full of descriptive passages and big ol' cultural stereotypes about how "all" Sicilians are thus and so, and "all" Romans are like this and that, and how America is the Promised Land where everything will be fine-fine. Puzo was born in Hell's Kitchen, he knew better, but he also knew his public; flagwaving sells. The big old "suprise reveal" at the end was totally predictable; Puzo began to telegraph that particular punch in the first half of this very long book, so by the time it landed, it was hardly even a tap.
If you want a contemporary telling of the Robin Hood legend, go for it. I found it repetitive, tiresome, and by the time I'd reached the end, dire. I only finished it because I was too busy to stop and delete it from my Mp3 player so I could get something better.
Then we drag the story through the obligatory "sweeping saga" thing, ensuring a nice thick "airport novel" of over 400 pages...and there really isn't enough story to go around, so we fill it full of descriptive passages and big ol' cultural stereotypes about how "all" Sicilians are thus and so, and "all" Romans are like this and that, and how America is the Promised Land where everything will be fine-fine. Puzo was born in Hell's Kitchen, he knew better, but he also knew his public; flagwaving sells. The big old "suprise reveal" at the end was totally predictable; Puzo began to telegraph that particular punch in the first half of this very long book, so by the time it landed, it was hardly even a tap.
If you want a contemporary telling of the Robin Hood legend, go for it. I found it repetitive, tiresome, and by the time I'd reached the end, dire. I only finished it because I was too busy to stop and delete it from my Mp3 player so I could get something better.
Read
March 1, 2014To my surprise I feel immense contempt for reading a supposedly praised book of Puzo because I actually find it extremely disappointing.
The book being nothing exceptional but a painfully exasperating story about the bold Italian Outlaws and the typical Sicilian Mafia/Mob, makes me insolently demean this story because the plot turned out to be almost a mash-up and rip-off of Puzo's other notable books.
Moreover, after reading the book, scorned I was as a blacksmith without his tools, I was numb too since the novel had very little material. I recall the days when I almost gave up reading this book because I was tired of forcing myself to turn the pages.
Firstly, the feeble plot, as mentioned before turns out to be a brew of Puzo's other books, lacks originality and enthrallment, and is rather repetitive. It also focuses too much on the character development, so much that you are left with a sick feeling of boredom and weariness. The innumerable accounts of the characters' past are definitely a foundation of their role but with these characters Puzo actually overdid it, so much that you feel such elaborate illustrations were unnecessary. The characters were lush and deep but not captivating enough to make me dive into their lives.
The book might have flourished if it were made into two parts, because since the real story is so limited, Puzo could have glorified it by dividing it into two parts by focusing the drama on the first and the tragedy/thrills on the latter, but that's just how I feel.
Sadly, thriving on unwanted details and a vain story, this book also features folly and unintelligent writing. For example, the execution of the main character absolutely made no sense at all, the weak writing left readers in utter dismay and confusion such as, "Why kill him NOW?", "without a motive why would THAT person betray?", etc.
Moving on, the theme of the book is somewhat ambiguous yet the countless incidents of the story surely amplified aspects of Loyalty and Pride. And the message of the book might have been somewhat enlightening but I remain unsatisfied with this desultory tale of how two young innocent boys grew up to be bandits and embraced their fateful retribution.
The book being nothing exceptional but a painfully exasperating story about the bold Italian Outlaws and the typical Sicilian Mafia/Mob, makes me insolently demean this story because the plot turned out to be almost a mash-up and rip-off of Puzo's other notable books.
Moreover, after reading the book, scorned I was as a blacksmith without his tools, I was numb too since the novel had very little material. I recall the days when I almost gave up reading this book because I was tired of forcing myself to turn the pages.
Firstly, the feeble plot, as mentioned before turns out to be a brew of Puzo's other books, lacks originality and enthrallment, and is rather repetitive. It also focuses too much on the character development, so much that you are left with a sick feeling of boredom and weariness. The innumerable accounts of the characters' past are definitely a foundation of their role but with these characters Puzo actually overdid it, so much that you feel such elaborate illustrations were unnecessary. The characters were lush and deep but not captivating enough to make me dive into their lives.
The book might have flourished if it were made into two parts, because since the real story is so limited, Puzo could have glorified it by dividing it into two parts by focusing the drama on the first and the tragedy/thrills on the latter, but that's just how I feel.
Sadly, thriving on unwanted details and a vain story, this book also features folly and unintelligent writing. For example, the execution of the main character absolutely made no sense at all, the weak writing left readers in utter dismay and confusion such as, "Why kill him NOW?", "without a motive why would THAT person betray?", etc.
Moving on, the theme of the book is somewhat ambiguous yet the countless incidents of the story surely amplified aspects of Loyalty and Pride. And the message of the book might have been somewhat enlightening but I remain unsatisfied with this desultory tale of how two young innocent boys grew up to be bandits and embraced their fateful retribution.
August 21, 2019
This book is titled Godfather #2 but if you are looking for a direct sequel to the The Godfather you won't find it here. The author takes a teeny sliver of Godfather canon and expands upon it, like a Godfather what if. But to put it in modern vernacular it would be like if Marvel Studios called Thor Iron Man #2 because Agent Coulson is in it.
And even the most die hard Godfather enthusiast might not like this book that is set almost completely in Sicily. And while Michael, Don Vito & Clemanza make token appearances they are really cameos.
The Scilian is the story of an Italian Outlaw who is forced into his role when he commits murder in self defense. And this story isn't told straight out, it dips in and out and meanders about before you get the whole story.
But this is a four star book because the language is simply amazing. While you are meandering the author is giving you a view of life in Sicily, the sights, the smells, the sounds are loving recorded. The little details, such as maidens only sitting in profile, are dutifully recorded. Some phrases are a bit over used, like since the time of Christ but when you are finished you will feel like you went to Sicily. It is an immersive experience.
And even the most die hard Godfather enthusiast might not like this book that is set almost completely in Sicily. And while Michael, Don Vito & Clemanza make token appearances they are really cameos.
The Scilian is the story of an Italian Outlaw who is forced into his role when he commits murder in self defense. And this story isn't told straight out, it dips in and out and meanders about before you get the whole story.
But this is a four star book because the language is simply amazing. While you are meandering the author is giving you a view of life in Sicily, the sights, the smells, the sounds are loving recorded. The little details, such as maidens only sitting in profile, are dutifully recorded. Some phrases are a bit over used, like since the time of Christ but when you are finished you will feel like you went to Sicily. It is an immersive experience.
June 20, 2019
Review for The Godfather: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3.8 stars. As the one and only side-story from Mario Puzo's The Godfather saga, The Sicilian is entertaining and exciting enough. The main character supposedly based on a real historical figure and local anti-hero, the story is charming and realistically-written enough. Although the heroism and the masculinity worshipping can be a bit too much at times, still the story is well written. It's almost like reading those historical dramas by Alexandre Dumas.
Review for The Count of Monte Cristo: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3.8 stars. As the one and only side-story from Mario Puzo's The Godfather saga, The Sicilian is entertaining and exciting enough. The main character supposedly based on a real historical figure and local anti-hero, the story is charming and realistically-written enough. Although the heroism and the masculinity worshipping can be a bit too much at times, still the story is well written. It's almost like reading those historical dramas by Alexandre Dumas.
Review for The Count of Monte Cristo: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 9, 2023
Violenta, brutal en ocasiones, pasional siempre. Y precisamente por eso, engancha al lector. Y precisamente por eso, en alguna ocasión la trama se diluye, los personajes no quedan bien dibujados...
En fin, más que entretenida y de fácil lectura. Eso sí: Sicilia aparece retratada como lo que es, un bello paraíso que los hombres hacen un infierno.
En fin, más que entretenida y de fácil lectura. Eso sí: Sicilia aparece retratada como lo que es, un bello paraíso que los hombres hacen un infierno.
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