Member-only story

The Godfather Returns: A Long-Awaited Sequel to a Classic

Arthur Mason

·14.1k Followers· Follow

Published in The Godfather Returns: A Novel

5 min read

903 View Claps

91 Respond

Save

Listen

The Godfather Returns: A Novel

by Mark Winegardner

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	742 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	560 pages

Mario Puzo's The Godfather is one of the most beloved and influential novels of all time. Its story of the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia clan in New York City, has captivated readers and viewers around the world. In 2004, Mark Winegardner published The Godfather Returns, a sequel that continues the story of the Corleones. The novel was a bestseller and received positive reviews from critics.

Plot Summary

The Godfather Returns picks up the story of the Corleone family in 1958, five years after the events of The Godfather. Michael Corleone is now the head of the family, and he is trying to legitimize the family's business interests. However, the family's past is not far behind them, and they soon become embroiled in a new war with a rival Mafia family.

The novel follows Michael Corleone as he tries to balance his family's criminal past with his desire for a legitimate future. He is also haunted by the death of his brother, Sonny, and the guilt he feels for his own role in it. As the war with the rival Mafia family intensifies, Michael must make difficult choices that will affect the future of his family.

Characters

The Godfather Returns features a cast of complex and well-developed characters. Michael Corleone is the central character, and he is a complex and conflicted figure. He is a ruthless businessman and a loving father, and he is constantly struggling to reconcile these two sides of his personality. Other notable characters include:

Vito Corleone: Michael's father and the founder of the Corleone family. He is a wise and powerful man, and he is still revered by his family.
Kay Adams Corleone: Michael's wife. She is a strong and independent woman, and she is often at odds with Michael's criminal lifestyle.
Fredo Corleone: Michael's weak and unreliable brother. He is often manipulated by others, and he is a source of constant trouble for the family.
Connie Corleone Rizzi: Michael's sister. She is a beautiful and passionate woman, but she is also troubled by her family's criminal past.
Tom Hagen: Michael's consigliere. He is a wise and trusted advisor, and he is one of the few people who Michael can truly rely on.

Themes

The Godfather Returns explores a number of complex themes, including:

The conflict between good and evil: Michael Corleone is a complex and conflicted character, and he is constantly struggling to reconcile his good and evil impulses.
The power of family: The Corleone family is a powerful and close-knit unit, and it is one of the most important things in Michael's life.
The consequences of violence: The Corleone family is involved in a violent and dangerous business, and Michael must often make difficult choices that have deadly consequences.

Critical Reception

The Godfather Returns received positive reviews from critics. Many praised the novel's complex characters, well-paced plot, and insightful exploration of the themes of good and evil, family, and violence.

Some critics, however, found the novel to be too long and slow-paced. They also felt that the novel did not add anything new to the story of the Corleone family.

The Godfather Returns is a well-written and engaging sequel to Mario Puzo's classic novel. The novel features a cast of complex and well-developed characters, a well-paced plot, and an insightful exploration of the themes of good and evil, family, and violence. While some critics found the novel to be too long and slow-paced, it is a worthwhile read for fans of The Godfather.

The Godfather Returns: A Novel

by Mark Winegardner

4.3 out of 5