The last Don by Mario Puzo

​"The last Don" by Mario Puzo - Hollywood and Mafia! 

This book is published by RHUK in 2009 and has 496 pages. 

Don Domenico Clericuzio, his sons and nephew (PP Delena) have fought a mafia war with rival family and won. It has cost the Don one son and husband of his only daughter, Rosemary. Don wants a smooth transition from illegal business to legal business. Time leap. PP Delena has a son, Crucefizio (Cross). Rosemary has a son, Dante. They are the only two from new generation in the “family business”.

Who will inherit the family business? Dante, Cross or someone else? Will the exterminated Santa Deo gang rear it’s head again? Will Cross succeed in show biz or are the movie guys too smart for him? 

The book depicts  the show biz as glitzy, passionate, egotistic. Here sex trades as currency, to curry favors, exchange pleasure or simply a casual act. It involves the actors, aspiring actors, directors, producers, writers and studio. It shows how one exploits other, how one screws other and how one benefits from other. 

This book shows two worlds. First is the mafia world and second is the show biz. Although readers enjoy the show biz, it’s the mafia world and the strong undercurrent of violence, not really the violence, that peaks their interest. This is the world that retains audience interest. 

Considering the two happening worlds, the book is not very eventful. One would expect some action all the time. That’s not the case. There is some action, but it’s not full of action. 

You know that Athena is an actress who uses her beauty and the effect she has on others as currency. You know that although handsome, well behaved, cool, Cross is from a mafia family and active in the business. Yet you like the characters. Despite being 80 years old Don still is in control of family affairs. He is the man with foresight. Dante is dashing. He is the heir apparent. But he is conflicted. 

There is a surprise element in the book, but it’s not concealed properly. Intelligent readers can guess it. While reading the book the final curiosity reader has is about who the last Don will be?  Author conceals this answer well. Of course it’s revealed in the end. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Pace. 

What did I like? Undercurrent. Insights in mafia and Hollywood.  

Recommend reading.