As writer of one of the most famous stories ever (The Godfather), Mario Puzo has become a legend in the field of gangster fiction. His bold characters and movie-like plot lines give his books an excellent entertainment value, and his settings often connect modern U.S. life with rational Italian values.
The Last Don centres around the Clericuzio family, and their Godfather, Don Domenico Clericuzio, who wishes to transform his family's illegal activities into profound legitimacy, creating a stable and successful future for his heirs. Moving between the gambling world of Las Vegas, and the movie business in Los Angeles, Puzo moves away from his Italian roots in this story. There are references to the Old World, but these are often connected with aspects of character, rather than actual events. Fans of Puzo should not worry though, his style is still as sharp as ever, and the characters are an eclectic mix of hired hit men, Hollywood starlets, and everything in between.
A fast-paced novel that offers a huge amount of drama and conflict, readers may find the book a little unbelievable. However, the settings and characters seem to fit, and there are moments of warmth and love which seem to be the heart of all Puzo's work. Its structure is similar to The Godfather but the story varies considerably, and the message is completely different.
Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish, one of Puzo's best.
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