SICILIAN, THE

Rating:
Summary: a classic novel with little/no accolades
Review: after reading the godfather, i wanted to read more of mario puzo's work. and, after being told that there was a sequel to the godfather, the sicilian, i decided to purchase it. To my surprise, this book had absolutely nothing to do with the movie - the godfather part 2 - and barely did it follow the story of michael corleone. It instead re-told the story of a real-life hero - salvatore guiliano - the troubles he encountered and the daily adventures he had to endure. Dont pick this book up expecting a godfather sequel, because it is far from it... but it is truly a classic novel in my eyes. Im sure you'd like it if you liked the godfather. Buy it fashizzles

Rating:
Summary: A different history
Review: As Puzo says in his book-'But life is a different history'-the sicilainas have carved a different history for themselves.
The theme is not impressive,but the dialogues are catchy-words that can be stored in heart and taste it when it is 'cold' by bringing it back to memory.
Towards the end there are two heroes-Guiliano and his evertime friend Pisciotta.As the author says,only one hero will become a legend,not his friend,but a villian can put his shoulders alongside the hero when the history is written for them.
And the biggest lesson is 'Live to keep you alive,'death of a hero' and 'legendary' -just ephemeral memory for the generations.........
-Good for a one time read

Rating:
Summary: One of Puzo's Best
Review: I bought this book and had the entire thing read in a matter of days. And this was during a span of days where I was busy. My point basically is that is was so good, that I literally couldn't stop reading it. The first three chapters or so were a little slow but the book picks up fast and never looks back. All the characters were interesting and if have read or seen the Godfather then I suggest you read this book, because this story sort of blends with the other.

The story takes place while Michael Corleone is in excile in Sicily. If you know anything about the Godfather then you know what Im talking about.... I would tell the story line but Amazon can do that for you.

Overall this is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. The ending kinda made me mad, but it was a good way to end this book. If you are a fan of Puzo's work or a fan of the Godfather then I suggest you pick up this book, you won't be disappointed!!!

Rating:
Summary: Awsome book
Review: I found this book very close to the GODFATHER in terms of it being a literary masterpiece. The plot is very engaging and the characters are presenteld in a very skillful manner. Read this book !!!

Rating:
Summary: A good read!
Review: I stumbled upon this book one day at the book store and I saw who the author was, Mario Puzo. Having previously read the Godfather I decided to give it a try, all I can say is this is a very enjoyable book to read from beginning to end. The book tells the story of a real life character, Turi Giuliano, who lived after WWII and was considered a hero by many -a modern day Robin Hood. Having researched this character after reading the book, I found that many of the events that happened in the book are in fact what actually happened in real life. It's interesting to see how Mr. Puzo took the time to do some research on Salvatore Giuliano. The book calls him 'Guiliano', but in fact his surname was 'Giuliano'. The book deals with the main character's life as well as Don Croce-the Friends of Friends top boss- and Michael Corleone's time in exile. A good read. You'll be surprised how the story ends...

Rating:
Summary: Mario Puzo- The Sicilian
Review: Mario Puzos fifth work "The Sicilian" (1984) is a masterpiece in its genre, a powerful epic about Sicily, the Mafia and one mans stand. The many characters from the story: hero Turi Guiliano, to Don Croce, Aspanu Piscoitta, Hector Adonis, and Michael Corleone and many more, make this book a very entertaining read. Turi Guilano never wanted to hurt anyone, but fate and his promise to himself to maintain his honour led to his decision to fight all those who came for him after he was gunned down for minor smuggling. We watch Turi and Aspanu grow from two young peasant men into the leaders of Sicilys most powerful bandit gang, one which challenges the police,the army, the government, and ultimately the Mafia while gaining the hate of some, and the love of many. Danger lurks around every corner, and treachery is never far away in this story, but there is also alot of love in the story, such as: Sicilians love for there country, a mothers love for her son, and the friendship of two young men. Puzo's storytelling and imagery keep the reader addicted, and make this book a hard one to put down. "The Sicilian" is an excellent read, recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read.

Rating:
Summary: An Admirable Component to the Godfather
Review: Not Many have heard of this prequel/sequel to the Godfather. Set after Michael Corleone's two year stay in Sicily, he is sent on a final task which explains changes his character change in the Godfather. From the Italian American focus of The Godfather, the novel reaches into the very heart of Sicily, the island that bore so many of the characters in American Crime literature. Rich and almost lyrical, Puzo describes the life of one Salvatore Guilliano, a Sicilian Robin Hood but with greater purpose and less fantasy. He seeks to reform the underground world that has sprung on him after he is shot and left for dead on account of stealing cheese for his family. This gem of a book is gifted with great storytelling and greater understanding of a world we don't know and Puzo beautifully explains. Even if you have never read the Godfather, you will love this book for its truthfulness and wisdom.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing better for a Puzo fan!
Review: This book is truly amazing. It is, albeit, a slow read, but it really gives you insightinto thesuffering of Sicily, which Mario Puzo obviously feels a passion for.
These 410 pages of genius are about Salvatore Guiliano, a Sicilian bandit, who is against any authority that prevents the poor from getting a loaf of bread. Amongst these authorities are the government, the italian police, and the mafia, who continually 'wet their beaks' in the poor's money. He is willing to kill for the plight of the poor, and also for the boosting of his own ego.
Michael Corleone, son of Don Vito Corleone from New York, (godfather) is nearing the end of his two year exile in Sicily. (This carries over from the middle of the book the Godfather) and is awaiting the trip home, when his father tells him he is to rescue Salvatore Guiliano at all costs, but he has but a week.
This book, unlike numerous other Puzo novels hardly glorifies the mafia and their ways, as Guiliano is against the Black Hand taking away what little the poor of Sicily have.
All in all, this book is fantastic, and it is great for a lazy day where you can simply sit and read.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Godfather Spin Off
Review: This is a book that Godfather lovers can't refuse! I'm rating this 5/5 because this is simply a great story. Whether you are interested in the Mafia or not, this book will capture you with its intrigue and wonderful prose. I have read all of Puzo's books and enjoying his wordplay and descriptions just as much as his plotting and pacing. I would rate this as his second best (right behind the big one) and will probably read it again in a few years -- I have read The Godfather three times. I read this during a trip to Florida, on the plane, on the beach, and sitting around in the airport. It's perfect. You'll get into it. It's easy to read. The characters are complicated...and sneaky! With a few of your favorite characters from Godfather (Michael Corleone, Peter Clemenza and others), and some real-life history, it takes place in Sicily after WWII and deals with old school Mafia, the kind the modern day New York Mafia wouldn't want to touch. This book is full of good stuff. Don't miss it!!

Mark McGinty, author of "Elvis and the Blue Moon Conspiracy"

Rating:
Summary: A Little Disappointing
Review: This is a good book, but it does not measure up to the Godfather (what does?).
Salvatore Giulliano is an agressive young and very idealistic (and intelligent) young man who finds himself doing battle simultaneously with both the Italian government and the most powerful Don in Sicily. Giulianno's idealism (his desire to save his homeland) is very engaging and leads the reader to root for his success. However, his intelligence notwithstanding, Giuliano is far too wise for a man in his low to middle twenties, and he is far too perceptive of his place in the grand scheme of things. This takes away from what is an otherwise realistic story. Further, Puzo added too much "armchair psychology" of the kind where Don Corleone (in the Godfather)was able to percieve the true intentions of his friends and foes alike. It is just a little overdone and Giuliano is just a little too young to be so perceptive.

The cameo appearance of Don Coreleone makes for a nice ending, since true Puzo fans will be delighted to see their old friend once again. However, I must disagree with how Puzo portrayed the Don here (How dare I?). I believe the Don's admonition of Michael would have focused on family as opposed to self-interest. When you read the book you will see what I mean.

I did enjoy this book and I will read it again someday.