Hi guys. I agree that reading closely is a good idea.

The Vegas passage we were discussing from Mario Puzo's novel is told from Hagen's point of view and it contains two powerful qualifiers: "perhaps" and "part of the reason."

"Hagen saw that this had taken Michael by surprise. They looked at each other. This was perhaps the real reason the Don was displeased with Freddie. . . " and "That too would be part of the reason for being in his father's bad books."

(Page 392 in my old paperback version.)

This is Hagen's perspective. We never truly find out directly from Vito Corleone why he is displeased with Freddie. Mr. Winegardner, it seems, is working within the wriggle room provided by Mario Puzo.

Certainly this novel won't please everyone--no novel does--but it would be a real shame if superficial reviews like the one in Newsweek turn readers off before they've had a chance to check out the novel and decide for themselves.