Puzo always felt that his pre-GF novels, especially "The Dark Arena" and "The Fortunate Pilgrim," were far superior to "The Godfather," which he said he dashed off to earn money to settle gambling debts. Many critics agree.


Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.