|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Mario Puzo wrote his first novel, Dark Arena ,about the Second World War, in 1955 and while it received critical acclaim it was not a best seller. His second novel The Fortunate Pilgrim which he described as his own favourite, was likewise well received by critics but not by the general reading public. It was not until he wrote The Godfather that the mainstream of readers gave him long overdue praise. Some others of his works are Fools Die , The Sicilian , The Fourth K and The Last Don . He wrote some non-fiction as well, but some of his fans might be surprised to know that early in his career he wrote a children's story The Runaway Summer of Davie Shaw . Puzo deliberately subordinated style to story telling when his initial attempts at fiction did not become money makers.He has been quoted as saying that making money was important to him because his family had always been poor. Thus, the success of The Godfather followed, as it was, by the enormously successful movies (on which he worked) was a real godsend, so to speak. Despite its Mafia type title, Puzo said that The Last Don was not part of The Godfatherseries. Omerta, written just prior to the author's death, was the last of the series. Omerta is the word describing the code of silence prevailing in the Mafia by which the crimes of members are not divulged to the authorities by rivals. This book describes the impact of that code and what happens when it is broken. The narrative begins with the death of the well loved and powerful Sicilian, Don Vincenzo Zeno. Don Zeno has an infant son born in his old age. Zeno's wife had died in childbirth so he asks one of his three important followers, Raymonde Aprile, to care for the child. Aprile accedes to this wish and brings young Astorre up in the traditions of the Mafia. Astorre, fostered by the unworthy Frank Viola who dies as a suicide in a car trunk (!) shortly thereafter, is sent to Sicily for many years there to learn the true profession of his 'uncle' Don Raymonde Aprile. Despite his apparent persona of singing macaroni manufacturer, he is a worthy successor to the Don. When the latter is assassinated, Astorre has to fulfill his promise to protect his three 'cousins' by keeping control of the Aprile banks despite the wishes of a rival Mafioso who wishes to buy the banks in orderto launder drug money. The author demonstrates his marvelous tale-spinning capabilities in this well told narrative. It is a relatively simple story with a strong theme of family. There are rules within the family which must be obeyed and the reader is easily made to see that murder and mayhem are quite respectable within the greater framework. Decadence and corruption within law enforcement bodies as well as treachery amongst the Sicilians is depicted. Puzo has been quoted as saying he never became acquainted with any gangsters and that his stories were based only on research... but I could not find a definition of that research. Whatever, his books are vivid and engaging. One can only regret that this talented writer is no more. Reviewed by Denise Wels Return to Book Review Menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Author Directory | Award Winner Directory | Character Showcase ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reviewed by Denise Wels, August 2001
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
