Puzo's Best

Any additional comments?

If you are an Italian-American of a certain age, this story resonates with bits and pieces of history and culture you've heard your whole life. A premiere storyteller, who brings every character to life with a vibrant honesty and recognition of the human condition. I was a little disappointed with the narrator's "Italian" accent; I think this would have been improved by authenticity in that department.

24 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

excellent book & more so for the narrator

this book is just amazing, funny & truly charming..i listen to a great deal of audio & i can not imagine this book read by another narrator.

24 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

So-so

In the foreword, the author, Mario Puzo, says this is his favorite of all the books he wrote, inspired as it was by his mother. Since Puzo also wrote The Godfather, an excellent book (better than the movie version, which says a lot), I anticipated that The Fortunate Pilgrim would be wonderful. It may be so to Mr. Puzo and to other readers, but I did not like it. I stopped listening after four chapters. I can’t get into Puzo’s descriptions of early 1900’s immigrant family life, which comes across as loud and controlling and dysfunctional, featuring corporal punishment of children and women holding court on the stoops of their tenements, sitting in judgement of each other. Life may very well have been like this for the people of the time, but I found little charm in rehashing their angst. As for the narrator, he did an acceptable job, perhaps a good effort, but not one I could evaluate fairly given my dislike of the material.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

must read

Mario Puzo's hidden jewel. must read. the story is timeless and much more relatable in today's world

17 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Is this the author of the Godfather series?

Would you try another book from Mario Puzo and/or John Kenneth?

Loved the Godfather series.

Has The Fortunate Pilgrim turned you off from other books in this genre?

Not sure where this one was going? Finally gave up about half way into this one.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Kenneth’s performances?

Would want to try the sample first. Maybe if the material was better.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

None that I found.

Any additional comments?

This book had no story, just a diary of the family. Understandably that the authors statement in the opening stating this one never sold and he continued to struggle until the Godfather. I only listened to about half and gave up. The narration was fair to be generous.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Excellently written and vastly entertaining

Not as well-known as the blockbuster Godfather series but memorable well-written well developed characters that speak to the immigrant experience. I saw and felt my own Italian immigrant story in this book. Highly recommended.

15 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Wonderful, amazing, must read/listen!!! obsessed!

So beautifully written. Brings every emotion possible out in the best way possible. Must read!

15 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

a flowery story of a early Italian family

A different style from the Godfather. this story kept me waiting for the plot. I was surprised at the ending. it never developed.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

It was ok

Maybe my experience rations were too high considering he was the author of The Godfather

14 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Underrated Italian Classic

I was assigned to read this masterpiece for my Italian class in University. Usually I don't enjoy reading/listening to books for homework, but Puzo did an excellent job on enlightening the audience on the authentically beautiful Italian immigrant life. Will be recommending this book to my younger sister.