Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The Godfather is a crime novel by American author Mario Puzo. Originally published in 1969 by G. P. Putnam's Sons, the novel details the story of a fictional Mafia family in New York City (and Long Beach, New York), headed by Vito Corleone. Puzo's dedication for The Godfather is "For Anthony Cleri". The novel's epigraph is by the French author Honoré de Balzac: "Behind every great fortune there is a crime." The novel covers the years 1945 to 1955 and includes the back story of Vito Corleone from early childhood to adulthood. ---------- Also contained in: - [The Godfather / The Fortunate Pilgrim](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL7920005W) - [The Godfather / The Last Don](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL1673242W)
Tags
The Godfather: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This classic crime novel contains graphic violence including murder and torture, strong language throughout, sexual content, and themes of organized crime. The moral framework centers on a criminal empire.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include domestic violence, graphic violence, gore, murder, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers will be drawn into the epic saga of a powerful crime family navigating loyalty, power, and survival in post-war America.