Another masterpiece by Italian-American author, Mario Puzo, this novel is a sequel to ‘The Godfather’. This book is the reason behind me choosing ‘SalvatoreGiuliano’ as my pen-name. The novel was adapted into a movie, but, since I have not watched it, I have decided not to mention it. Without getting into much of introductions, let me get straight to the point.
Contrary to what you probably understood, ‘The Sicilian’ even though being a sequel to ‘The Godfather’ does not cast The Corleone family in its limelight. The plot takes place thousands of miles away from the American soil, in Sicily, hometown of The Godfather, Don Vito Corleone, during Michael Corleone’s exile to Sicily. The story takes place during the years 1943-1950, depicting the outlaw career of the main character, Salvatore Giuliano. Michael Corleone is due to return to America from his exile. Those of you, who took the time to read ‘The Godfather’ or watch the movie, will understand Michael’s exile better. For those who did not, Michael Corleone, after killing Solozzo, the person responsible for the assassination attempt on his father, and a corrupt New York City police captain, who happens to be on Solozzo’s payroll, takes exile in Sicily. The plot of ‘The Sicilian’ features the final few weeks of his exile.
The story revolves mainly around the famous Sicilian bandit, Salvatore “Turi” Giuliano, his cousin and second-in-command of his band, Gaspare “Aspanu” Pisciotta. Don Croce Malo, The boss of bosses of theMafia. Hector Adonis, Turi’s wise and highly intelligent Godfather and numerous other characters including Turi’s family, friends, enemies, and of course, Michael Corleone, who is shown to be waiting for Turi Giuliano so that he may assist Turi in escaping from Sicily, to the land of America. Whether he receives Giuliano for this purpose or not is the story about. Michael Corleone’s role is shown to be discovering the person of Turi Giuliano, by means of stories heard from many sources, desperately anticipating his arrival and picturing himself in Turi’s place, as I am sure, all the boys reading this novel will do.
Salvatore Giuliano is NOT a fictional character. He was an uncommon picture of a bandit, young, ornate, handsome, an avid reader and a lot more. ‘The Sicilian’ is a dramatic version of events that occurred in Sicily in the year (1943-1950). Owe it to Mario Puzo’s wonderful depiction, or Salvatore Giuliano’s exceptional character, it hardly takes any time for the reader to be clouded by admiration for Giuliano. Giuliano being a bandit may seem to be the bad guy, but readers will find his crimes to be a product of the circumstances. That is to say, he was forced into banditry by the corrupt system, youthful confidence and rage.
Giuliano and his band is held responsible for Portella della Ginestra massacre, whether the truth is in this statement or not, one cannot say.
I would like to mention one incident from the story, when Salvatore Giuliano’s band is in its infancy, a villager from Turi’s hometown is suspected of having ratted out to the officials the whereabouts of Turi. According to the Sicilian code of silence, ‘Omerta’, betrayal must be punished with execution. Now, it is common for a bandit to execute people, but for Turi, it is the first time, and he shows signs of dilemma and is unsure about the execution because of his emotions. This shows that Salvatore Giuliano was not a criminal at heart.
My suggestion to everyone is to read this masterpiece and let it mesmerize you into believing yourself to be a part of it. Let it make you feel for Giuliano, when he has to choose to be a bandit, realizing completely that it would destroy his family life. Feel for his mother, his father, and enjoy the book..!!
salvatoreguiliano 