'The Godfather' is a classic novel about the life of one of America's most powerful crime syndicates—Don Corleone's mafia clan. Written with stunning authenticity, the book allows the reader to peer into the mafia's inner sanctum without risking their life.

Mario Puzo showed how the hierarchy is formed in family clans, the management mechanisms used in decision-making, and introduced the way of life of criminal syndicates.

Yet this is more of a family saga, similar to Galsworthy's 'The Forsyte Saga.' In the lives of Don Corleone and his clan, family is paramount. Everyone has a role, responsibilities, and rules are established over decades. 'Few are ours—everyone is a stranger.'