The Godfather (novel)
From The Godfather Wiki
The Godfather is the novel by Mario Puzo that spawned the film series, although the book contains mainly the story from The Godfather: Part I
[edit] Titling
Much controversy surrounds the title of the book and its underworld implications. Although it is widely reported that Puzo was inspired to use "Godfather" as a designator for a Mafia leader from his experience as a reporter, the term "The Godfather" was first used in connection with the Mafia during Joe Valachi's testimony during the 1963 Congressional Hearing on Organized Crime.
[edit] Main characters
The Corleone family patriarch is Vito Corleone, whose surname recalls the town of Corleone, Sicily. Vito has four children: Santino "Sonny" Corleone, Fredo Corleone, Michael Corleone, and Connie Corleone.
He also has an informally adopted son, Tom Hagen, who became the Corleones' consigliere. Vito Corleone is also the godfather of a famous singer and movie star Johnny Fontane. The Godfather referred to in the title is generally taken to be Vito. However, the story's central character is actually Michael, and a central theme of the novel is that it is Michael's destiny, despite his determination to the contrary, to replace his father as the family head. Arguably, therefore, Michael is the actual title character.
[edit] The Families
The Five New York City Families are:
The Straccis, The Tattaglias, The Corleones, The Cuneos, and The Barzinis.
There is also the Bocchicchio Clan of New York, which does not get involved in any violent dealings or illegal operations, but rather serve as peacekeepers amongst the Five Families.
There are also ten other Mafia Families from across the nation:
- The Tramonti Family - New Orleans
- The Zaluchi Family - Detroit
- The Falcone Family - Los Angeles
- The Molinari Family - San Francisco
- The Panza Family - Boston
- The Forlenza Family - Cleveland
- The Capone Family - Chicago
- The Greco Family - Philadelphia
- The Coniglio Family - Milwaukee
- The Drago Family - Florida
