I completed reading the novel about a week ago. I thought it was great. A novel about a mafia that existed before the mafia. I also thought it a touching tribute to their relationship that his wife was able to complete the novel for him based on their conversations about the novel and her synchronicity with Mario.

I definitely recommend this book. But don't expect Don Corleone or a facsimile thereof to sprout or you will be disappointed. And I must admit that now that I'm finished, I'm very ready for a return visit to Sicilian roots, so I'm reading the Sicilian, and am happy to be reunited with Michael Corleone!