Despite his focus on gangsterism, Puzo explored broader themes of ambition and family in his work.
In addition to mobster tales, his novels include historical fiction, dramas, and war stories.
Not all of them are great, of course, but the best of them are intense and engaging.
Image by Federico Napoli
Puzo’s prose is not at its best here, and not all of the action elements succeed.
The depiction of the military was also dismissed as unrealistic by several reviewers.
That said,the treatment of political ambition and the corruption of idealism is interesting.
(Puzo hasdescribedit as his “most ambitious book”.)
The premise may be a little over-the-top, butThe Fourth Kshould yo plans of pulp political thrillers.
However, each “grave” represents not just a target but a step deeper into his own darkness.
In the end, its our vices that make us fools, and fools always die.
“Fools Dieunfolds in the underworld of Hollywood and Las Vegas.
6’Omerta' (2000)
Rating: 3.76/5
“Power is everything.
And if you cant see that, then youre not fit to hold it.
Others said it didn’t hold enough intrigue, and that the third act was underwhelming.
Overall,this is a book forGodfatherdiehards rather than general readersor newcomers to Puzo.
“The Familyis Puzo’s final novel, completed posthumously by his longtime companionCarol Gino.
Other real historical figures show up, includingNiccolo Machiavelli.
Indeed, the Borgias are inveterate schemers, fueled by ruthless ambition and unbounded by morals.
The character development and immersive atmosphere make this one of the better books from Puzo’s later period.
The character was heavily inspired by the author’s mother.
In the 1980s,The Fortunate Pilgrimwas adapted into a miniseries starringSophia LorenandJohn Turturro.
Its just a matter of when the bill comes due.
However, family loyalty and past vendettas threaten his plans for a peaceful transition.
Similar themes and dynamics are on display.
Some of the passages also seem a little self-aware, with playful, oblique references to theGodfathermovies.
“The Sicilianserves as a companion toThe Godfather.
Puzo’s highest-rated book on Goodreads is, unsurprisingly, his most famous one.
Even today,The Godfatherremains one of the most entertainingsnapshots into mob life.
With this book alone, Puzo cemented his literary legacy and greatly influenced the entire gangster subgenre forever after.
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