The Family Corleone
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | May 8, 2012 |
| Founder | Ed Falco |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Novel |
The Family Corleone is a novel released in 2012, authored by Ed Falco, and is adapted from an unused screenplay by Mario Puzo, who passed away in 1999. This work acts as a prequel to Puzo's The Godfather and was issued by Grand Central Publishing on May 8, 2012. As the fifth and concluding installment in The Godfather series, it takes place earliest in the timeline, continuing from Chapter 14 of the original book, which explores Vito Corleone's beginnings—from his Sicilian roots to founding his criminal dominance in New York City.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the conclusion of Prohibition, the narrative portrays Vito Corleone’s rise to becoming the most powerful Don in New York. It also follows Sonny Corleone as he enters the family’s illicit operations and tracks Tom Hagen’s progression from adopted son to consigliere. The story further details how Luca Brasi became affiliated with the Corleones and introduces new characters like crime leader Giuseppe Mariposa. This novel elaborates on brief references from The Godfather, offering a more comprehensive view of the Corleone family’s ascent.
Plot
Set in New York City during 1933, 17-year-old Sonny Corleone is aware that his father Vito Corleone’s olive oil enterprise serves as a façade for Mafia dealings. As Prohibition draws to a close and organized crime conflicts intensify, Sonny’s impulsive nature drives his desire to become involved in his father’s criminal organization.
Reception
Critical response to the novel ranged from mixed to favorable. George De Stefano of New York Journal of Books commended Ed Falco for effectively bringing Don Vito Corleone back to life. Patrick Anderson from The Washington Post remarked that Falco successfully emulated Puzo’s writing style, describing the book as a strong extension of the Corleone saga. Meanwhile, Kirkus Reviews labeled it "a worthy addition to the lurid world of the Five Families."
Film adaptation
Initially, Paramount Pictures faced opposition from the Puzo estate regarding plans to adapt the novel into a film. The disagreement was eventually settled, allowing Paramount to acquire rights for producing additional Godfather movies.
Audiobook
Hachette Audio produced an audiobook version of The Family Corleone, featuring narration by Bobby Cannavale.