THE FAMILY CORLEONE- ED FALCO

“To the Corleones” he said. “May God bless and keep them. May their family prosper and flourish.” He lifted his glass higher, said, “Salute!” and drank heartily, as everyone at the table followed suit, shouting “Salute!” and drinking.

          Recently, when I was shopping for books to add to my collection, I found this one book whose title made my eyes pop. Having read The Godfather a year ago, the name Corleone rung bells! I immediately picked up this paperback, fascinated and also anxious to know whether what I saw was actually true! Having known just in a couple of minutes I knew that had to buy this one. This book not only stirred some attention in my head, but also in the minds of two girls standing behind me at the billing, who were curious to know where I found this book. After having told them, one of them rushed to grab themselves a copy too!

          Ed Falco’s prequel to Mario Puzo’s ‘The Godfather’ is a work of fine art. In this book, he tells us how life was for Vito Corleone even before he became Don Corleone. Vito, who runs a dominant Olive Oil business, faces challenges when his oldest son, Santino aka Sonny Corleone wants in a part on the “real” family business. Vito is helpless against the choices made by own kin, and regardless of what he wants for his children, helps Sonny be who wants to be. As cruel as some of the stories get, Falco introduces to Luca Brasi, the mindless gangster as he is known to be, his ruthless behavior and what leads him to be a part of the family Corleone. Also in the story are vivid descriptions of the rest of the members such as Clemenza, Tessio, Genco, Vito’s beloved daughter Connie, his sons Fredo and Michael and Tom Hagen.

          Reading this book was more of going into a flashback where as and when characters and their stories unfolded, you kind of reminisce the classic that is, The Godfather. I was also curious to know if the book would still do justice in keeping up, as the world knew what happens later. Even so, the author manages to keep the element of suspense and thrill that this series is so well known for. I am impressed by the detailed work and research put in to produce the book that introduces the world to Don Corleone.

          As an overall read, I would state that this book is a great piece of work. I have absolutely enjoyed reading this book and I would recommended it to anyone who wishes for insights on light mafia, witnessing the commendable discipline of gangsters, and the importance of reputation.”

She said, "The world’s full of dirt and murder, and he didn’t even think it would ever change, but..." "You have to believe it can change, for the sake of your own soul."

DETAILS

TITLE: The Family Corleone

AUTHOR: Ed Falco

PUBLISHER: Arrow Books

DATE: 8 May, 2013

PAGES: 431

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