Customer Reviews

The Sicilian

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you thought Mario Puzo was just about American-Italian goodfellas who kill people, drive around and eat good pasta in New York City, you will be pleasantly surprised. The plot is set in Sicily, and the author's love and understanding of the long-suffering land shines through.

Mario Puzo presents a captivating, page-turning story about the life of a post-war Sicilian outlaw, his climb to the top of criminal hierarchy and associated betrayals, cunning treacheries and loyalty that never should be taken for granted. At the same time, you get a deep insight into the mindset and culture of Sicily and its people who, through centuries of suffering at the crossroads of occupation and oppression, have learnt to trust no one. Historical and cultural background is presented so subtly, inobtrusively and with such writing skill that you will not realize that you, in fact, read a brilliant history book. Never before have I seen a crime thriller that would also be so educational.

And, as an added bonus, Puzo is a true master when painting the scenery - dusky mornings, lush Sicilian gardens with fragrant lemon trees, ancient ruins and heat of the Meditteranean night.

Read this book and you will see that you have got much, much more than you have bargained for.

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.

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!!!

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 the changes his character experiences 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.

This novel is a brilliant depiction of Sicilian culture, and similarily a tremendous story replete with adventure, betrayal, revenge, and violence. Often overlooked, it is unfortunate that the film of this book was so execrable, but this is one of Puzo's best works that stands out on its own, and makes other mob fictions pale in comparison.

I red the book in 5 days. I had very high expetition for this one,and it did not deceive me. It's a great story of an outlaw who tried to safe and free the Sicilian people. It's story of the way of life in Sicily. Not just the MAFIA life, the life of an ordinary sicilian family. the trust and honor they have for their children and family , respect, and gratitude they have for those who helps them. The way Puzo tell's and moves the story, you can imagen your self on the mountains of Sicilia , lookin over the town's beneath the sea! It's a book you have to read to get inside the head of Salvatore Guiliano.

This is the story of a legendary man which I should have learnt about at school since he personifies the true values and flaws of my country. The book reveals the origins of the criminal organisation and social phenomenon that is ruling the world and very sadly shows why that is never going to come to an end.
Deeply rich characters, charming descriptions, explains our society in a way I can hardly recall anyone doing in the recent past. Sequel to the Godfather? No, it provides the perfect background.
Brilliant job Puzo !

This novel is almost a segue for Puzo. It introduces a new story, with the help of well known plot lines and characters, namely Michael Corleone being "exiled" in Sicily.

Although the novel has very little to do with the Corleone family, it is a fantastic story, and very well written. Through a clever plot, the reader constantly wonders who the "bad guys" are. The reader is likely to flip flop several times, which makes the novel excellent for group discussion.

In any case, I'd give the story 5-stars, and the writing 3 1/2 stars. Although the story is fantastic, Puzo often relies on cliche terms and phrases, which drag on the story in my opinion. However, it is a must read for any Puzo/Godfather fan, and a great stepping stone into his other novels

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"

The Sicilian by Mario Puzo

I really like historical fiction that spurs me on to seeking out fact from fiction and The Sicilian certainly did that. And it is no easy chore to do so in this case. In final analysis Salvatore Guiliano (Turi) and Salvatore Giuliano (Turridu) are so similar, especially in locations, such as Montelepre, and incidents, such as the massacre of Portella Della Ginestra, it becomes actually confusing. The betrayal and final end of the lives of both Guiliano and Gaspare Piscoitta (Aspanu) in the novel agree primarily with the reported accounts of reality, but the novel has led us to be emotionally invested with a much more loving Turi and a much more complex Aspanu than history presents. The fact that Giuliano remains a hero, the anti-communist pro-separation hero, of Sicily to this day encourages the more romantic approach taken in Puzo's story. History shows Giuliano to be a good deal more the politician and a good deal less the Robin Hood of the novel and his position with the Mafia a good deal less defined. But that is as it would be. After all, in the novel we are brought into the story through our old friend Michael Carleone and his faithful protector Peter Clemenza. And then there's characters that are so believable, like Hector Adonis who lives in more than one world and Don Dommonic Croce who lives in a world of his own making. These stories within the story are fascinating, worthy of novels all their own. All in all, I glad I read The Godfather first and had that detailed presentation of the core Sicilian mentality to fall back on before I came to this novel. Otherwise I might have been tempted to hate Don Corce and be disappointed by the novel ending. And it was a pleasure to see my wise old friend, Don Corleone, once again who could pick up all the pieces Michael had missed and complete the picture for us.