Crime · Thriller
The Godfather
Bestseller: about 21 million copies (estimate)Vito Corleone is the head of a powerful New York crime family, and when an attack on him sets off a gang war, his youngest son Michael, who wanted no part of the business, is pulled into it.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1969
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 479
- Format
- Book 1 of 4 in The Godfather (Chronological)
Read this if you want a richly detailed crime saga about loyalty, family and power.
Skip this if you'd rather not read a long, violent story with dated attitudes toward women.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Godfather
- What is The Godfather about?
- Vito Corleone is the head of a powerful New York crime family, and when an attack on him sets off a gang war, his youngest son Michael, who wanted no part of the business, is pulled into it.
- Who should read The Godfather?
- Read it if you want a richly detailed crime saga about loyalty, family and power. Skip it if you'd rather not read a long, violent story with dated attitudes toward women.
- How long and how fast is The Godfather?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 479 pages, first published in 1969.
- Does The Godfather have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow The Godfather for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Godfather; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Godfather?
- Readers who liked it often move on to No Country for Old Men, The Count of Monte Cristo, Lonesome Dove.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Godfather
-
No Country for Old Men A leaner, bleaker crime story about violence and fate, with a very spare style.
-
The Count of Monte Cristo
A different kind of revenge epic, with elaborate plans and a more romantic spirit.
-
Lonesome Dove Another big American saga about loyalty among tough men, with more warmth.
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