Reviews

The Last Don by Mario Puzo

ryan21thomas's review against another edition

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3.0

Probably a 3.5-3.75, not quite on par with the Godfather, but still an entertaining read by Puzo that follows a mafia family who’s trying to incorporate themselves into society and become entirely legal.

cahill_dan22's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Definitely scratched the mob itch and was reminiscent of The Godfather, but the writing felt rushed and at times lazy compared to previous works by this author. 

leseric's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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klynxb's review against another edition

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3.0

nelikās pārāk aizraujoša. lielu daļu grāmatas aizņēma Holivudas aizkulises, tomēr tās spelēja mazu lomu galvenajos notikumos. Dona sapnis ir izvest ģimeni no noziedzīgās dzīves, ieejot sabiedrībā ar nopelnīto naudu. tomēr 25 gadus pēc šī Dona paziņojuma, kad arī norisinās galvenā stāsta darbība, praktiski nekas nav mainījies, dēli joprojām manto tēvu amatus.
lasījās viegli, raiti, tomēr stāsts neattaisnoja grāamatas biezumu.

lily1234's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

dearelina's review against another edition

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4.0

Puzo does it like nobody else. This is the story of the Clericuzio family, and what happens when the old Don decides that he wants to transition his family into legitimate business, away from the dangers associated with a life of organised crime. His dream is that his grandchildren will never know how their family got to their position within American society. The story centres on LA and Vegas, the worlds of movies and casinos. Even though there are a lot of flashback sequences and characters filling in their own backstories, the narrative flows so consistently & cohesively. There's truly never a dull moment. Bonus points for the cool, in control women that Puzo always incorporates into what is often a very masculine genre.

nithin_shankar's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

siddhi_5219's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark informative

4.25

kanareese's review against another edition

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4.0

The Last Don marks my first foray into Mario Puzo's novels, though I’m already familiar with his work through The Godfather series, which still ranks at the top of my list. This novel begins with an aging Don, Domenico Clericuzio, who is determined to bring stability and legitimacy to his family in America by gradually withdrawing from the world of organized crime—while still retaining enough power to protect himself.

Despite Don Clericuzio’s carefully crafted exit strategy, the younger, more reckless members of the family disrupt his plans, leading to complications. However, the Don ultimately dies peacefully, having largely achieved the vision he had for his family.

While The Last Don has its high points, the story overall felt a bit flat, but I believe it has great potential to shine on screen. With the right emotional depth and sound design, it could be transformed into another cinematic classic, much like The Godfather.

readatron3000's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

4.5

Not quite as good as The Godfather. It had incredible character building as usual, it drew the storylines together perfectly and was engaging and well paced. I wasn't as keen on the Hollywood and gambling setting but I enjoyed it far more than I expected. Although, I think I could read a book about anything with Mario Puzo's writing. Gripping from the start, felt fully engrossed throughout, and ended well entertained.