Obviously the Newsweek reviewer didn't like the novel. Fine, that's one reviewer.

I've read The Godfather Returns and I must say I found the sections with Fredo to be quite compelling. And I don't think Winegardner would have developed Fredo's character in the way he did had he not picked up on some vague references late in Mario Puzo's novel: the Don is upset about Fredo and he won't say why. Hagen doesn't know. Michael doesn't know. Now we know.

I'm running Mark Winegardner's web site, by the way, and I've posted a few reviews and links to reviews there for anyone interested.

Cheers,
Tom
The Godfather Returns