The Godfather Returns - Questions?

I will be talking to the author of The Godfather Returns in a day or two. Please list any questions you may have here, and I'll try to get to as many (appropriate) ones as I can and report back... if I'm allowed to

You should ask him if he's taked to Paramount about making his story into GF4.

BTW-How the hell do you meet all the authors,DeJohn,Harlen Lebo,Donnie Brasco...

Please wish him well - if the book is not up to par, it will be mentioned in the same breath as New Coke (I hope the book cover is not an indication...)

This is the Don, JG, Geoff and Mr Malta, there's nothing he can't do. Sonny, c'mon, a little more faith for our Don please. :p

First of all congrats on getting to meet him.

Ask him if he was nervous following in Puzo's footsteps.

Oh my! What not to ask him? Is he planning for our Corleone family to continue? Is he thinking of movies in the future? Maybe, even similar storylines like the Sicilian? How does it feel to follow in the footsteps of Puzo, an acknowledged and skillful writer? (Only 7 novels and all are critically acclaimed!)

Hey J Geoff, how did this interview turn out?

I finally talked to Mark Winegardner the other day and here are some tidbits:

He says the synopsis on the Amazon.co.uk site was taken from a proposal before the book was written, so it's not entirely accurate. He does say it takes place between 1955 and 1962, however, so it's not quite a "sequel" to Godfather Part III as much as it's a sequel to the NOVEL itself. He claims it does not interfere with the movies, tho he did take some minor liberties that expands on Puzo -- and wraps up some things that Puzo left out. He says there will be some deep in-jokes for the true fans. The book will start with the murder of Tessio.

I asked about a possible movie, and he said he had no idea what Paramount's plans would be. He's not really interested in the movie-making aspect of it. He just wanted to write a good book, and he says his style evoked the style of Puzo without imitating him.

He said it felt great following in Puzo's footsteps, because Puzo is a wonderful story teller. He wasn't "nervous" about it, but simply wanted to write a book that people would want to read. Like Puzo, Winegardners says he's read about 100 books on the Mafia as research, and really wanted to bring more of the mafia aspect into the story.

Interestingly, he also said it worked out that The Godfather Returns has the same number of books and chapters as Puzo's novel.

Winegardner spent every-other month or so at the Yaddo artists community, where Puzo himself spent some time writing. As the Director of Creative Writing at FSU, Winegardner teaches advanced graduate students. There are 3 televised interviews with him here , near the bottom of the page, that you may find interesting.

It was great speaking with him, and he hopes that everyone enjoys his book!

That's interesting Geoff Thanks! How did you get to interview him?

i bet the meeting was really good.its a pity that he does not knoew about a forth movie

100 books on mafia research?

I'm impressed... The murder of Tessio also sounds cool. I'm curious as to how that actually panned out or if he had any more interesting last words.

This author also seems very accomplished. The video interview with him in his house with the classic music was good.

So this is going to be like a Godfather 2.5? Eh, might as well check it out.

i will be buying that it sound interesting

It looks like it may go anywhere from 1.5 to the beginning of 3, since it starts with Tessio's death. There's just so much material to cover. I'm looking forward to it.

im excited and all about there being a new book,but im a little dissapointed that its not going to start where part 3 left off.oh well,one can only hope.

So, what? is this gunna be a revamped GFII then? That's kind of weak, if they redo anything it should be III (but I'm against that too).

-Zasa

Where exactly did you hear that?

According to JGeoff's interview... "He claims it does not interfere with the movies" and "wraps up some things that Puzo left out."

It's probably going to take place with the GFII general time period but it won't be a revamp...

Well thats interesting.

I acquired a preview copy and started it the other day. So far so good!

To clarify, there is a timeline in the beginning of the book that shows where this book takes place:

The Godfather (1945-1954)
The Godfather Returns (1955-1958)
The Godfather Part II (1958-1959)*
The Godfather Returns (1959-1962)**
The Godfather Part III (1979-1980)

*GF2 also covers early Vito (1910-1939)
**The second half of The Godfather Returns also covers the early life of Michael (1920-1945) in flashback scenes

Hope this helps

sounds good

sounds great.. thanks

Im tring to keep an open mind about this......God I hope he doesnt screw them up.

Just curious, how many pages are there? Will it be just light reading or is there some substance there?


-Zasa

My copy is 430 pages, about the same as Puzo's novel...

It's not "heavy" reading, tho...

Well, if its about the same amount of substance as the original, i should be good. What I'm most looking foreward too are the "deep in-jokes for true fans". I'll be looking, Mr. Winegardner.


Zasa

Well, its been awhile since we've had an update. Hows the book so far JG?

-Zasa

Well, unfortunately I haven't had a ton of spare time lately, but I'm 7 chapters into it and it's been great so far. It's hard to put down, but I have to force myself to get other things done

Is it sold at Walden Books or Borders?

It will be when it's released.

Dammit JG. You get early releases on everything. Will this author be coming to the chat like Dejohn did? -Pat

You been talking to his girlfriend??? :p

Hahahahaha. I didn't even think he had one. :p

Leave Lombardi out of this! :p

Many thanks to the Don for his early look at the book. Believe me, Don Geoff, you've put this soldier at ease. For a while there I was a little nervous.

A few questions for you, JG;

Does Johnny Ola, Hyman Roth, or Frankie Pentangeli get mentioned/are featured in the book?

Is Clemenza's death explained (if that bit of info contains spoilers, i understand)

how prevelent is Johnny Fontane?

I hear the book ends in 1962, but the newsday review says it ends in 1980? which one is it?

thanks alot.

-Zasa

Zasa - I'm only 1/4 of the way thru it due to current work constraints, but so far I can only answer one of those questions for sure: Yes, Johnny Fontane has a storyline in the book.

well hopefully they get they story of the band leader in there. that would be interesting.

it would.Bot the Novel will be focusing on the family after part 1. Not before

yeah your right. i forgot about that. lol.

The main thing I'm looking for is an explination on Clemenza's death. I'm pretty sure it was a heart attack, but I want to hear more on how Clemenza and the Rosatos intereacted and how Pentangeli was involved.

My guess is that it's pretty similar to the Gallo brothers/Joe Bonnano situation.

-Zasa

Geoff,

I have to ask, is there much of Tom Hagen in it? TIA.

Yes, Tom has a storyline in it as well

What date will it be coming out this month?

11/16 - Next Tuesday!

Do you know the plot or anything so far?

Yeah i can not wait

I'm hoping this will be in our main book store on campus, but if it isnt, does anyone know where I should be able to find it at?

What does this book actually means? Why is it "Godfather Returns"?

Its supposed to be a classic and once you try write or make a movie from classic, its usually not good.

Give me 5 reasons to not refuse to read this book.

Wal-Mart and Target stores will have it (approx. $17.50). Barnes & Noble and other large book chains will be carrying it, too (probably about $18.00).

You'll be able to order it from a ton of online places (including through Geoff's site) also.

Here's a link to Geoff's site: MARIO PUZO\'S STORE
It sells for $17.79 there.

1. Give it a chance
2. You may like it
3. Whats 20 bucks?
4. Why Not
5. If it sucks, then everyone will ridicule it, and then it will dissapear.

1. As a member of these boards you, obviously, have an interest in the subject, so its really an offer you can't refuse.

2. See #1

3. See #2

4. See #3

5. What's $20? (Thanks, DSC) :p

Fair enuff... I will buy the book once I visit the bookstore which wont be for while.

J Geoff

Does Frankie Pentangelli get a mention??

It was posted somewhere (a few weeks back) that Winegardner claimed he knew more about "The Godfather" than anyone else alive. I hate such bragging statements and because of that I think I'm starting the book with a somewhat negative attitude. Already, after one chapter, I've found two glaring "errors" that aren't MAJOR, but nonetheless are disturbing.

I really should finish this with a clearer mind towards Winegardner (and be able to better enjoy the book).

I haven't seen the quote, but I'm sure he said that because of all the study of the first novel he must've done to write the sequel...

As for the "errors", I'm sure he'd call them "liberties"...

Hopefully I can get back to it soon - I'm only in chapter 9

Probably, but he'd be wrong to do so.

Without breaking any storylines for those who haven't started the book yet, one of the new main characters is a former boxer who beat up the guys who assaulted Bonasera's daughter (in the original novel). Puzo had written that Clemenza had taken care of all the details on that job, yet Winegardner has this character as part of Tessio's crew.

BTW - Its apparent that Winegardner is following the original novel only and not the movie (ie. the ages of the Corleone sons..... Tom Hagen, for example being born in 1910, and not in 1916 as was suggested by the movie).

Boy, you guys are really turning me off wanting to get this book. :p

Speaking of errors, I seem to recall reading The Godfather novel there were several type-o's in it.

I hope not. There's already been some good stuff happen (in the first three chapters).

My sister Angel is a Michael freak. She just hopes they have Michael as a strong, cunning character, not the wimp he was in GFIII. (her words, not mine). As long as Connie isn't pulling the strings she'll be fine.

I hope not. There's already been some good stuff happen (in the first three chapters). [/b][/quote]Thanks SC, that's what I want to hear. Damn, you'll be done before everyone. You'll have no one to discuss it with. I have so many questions to ask. When you are finished be sure to "grade" it for us ok?


TIS

TIS -
So far I'm 10 chapters into it and I'd give it a B+. It is very entertaining and enjoyable.

I wish I had more free time so that I could really sit down and read it - I haven't been able to read any of it since last Wednesday.

I'll write my own review for you all when I'm done with it.

I'll give my opinion of it when I'm done.

An early impression is Winegardner's style is more difficult to follow (compared to Puzo's), but he is pretty good at setting up the story.

Thanks Rocky, I can't wait to get my copy now.


BTW, what happen to your avator???? I liked that pic.


TIS

Beth,

I dont think Michael was a wimp. He just simply struggled to turn the family into legitmate business. It is not an easy thing to clean up your family bad repuatation and images and transform into clean and role models. It was difficult since Michael didnt have Kay on his side for supports. Michael had to deal problems with the other families which wanted pieces of his new legitmate business. The other "heads of the families" saw Michael making more money and wanted a piece and felt insulted when Michael had to reject them. Look at Joey Zasa, Don Altobello and Don Luchesi. Both guys wanted more power and felt Michael had more power with more money.

As stated above, those are my sister's words, not mine. She is just in love with the character of Michael. She detests Kaye, and always envisions that GFIII was just a dream, that Michael found a real woman who truly appreciated him. I told her about the plot with Fredo and she's outraged. She thinks he was just a wimp and is glad he was "killed". I wonder if Tony should have been sent on a "fishing trip" for saying no to Michael about finishing college. I've always said my sister's obsessed with this. I don't have the heart to tell her that Michael Corleone is just a character in a book.

Frankie 5-angels,

I went to Borders today to glance at the book (still awaiting my order from Amazon) and I jumped ahead to the 1957-59 section to see if your namesake and Willie Cicci were mentioned and I could not find anything. Found a mention for Hymon Roth and Johnny Ola though.

I could not even find Cicci mentioned in the Tessio murder scene in the beginning.

I hope they are in there and I just wasn't looking in the right place. For those two characters, especially Frankie (when he had to be close to Clemenza), to be not even be mentioned would be ridiculous.

gencoimports

Of course, I didn't jump to the part when Clemenza dies. That would have been another obvious place to start looking.