Americans possess a certain strange fascination with sordid stories of malicious and violent acts of crime. Some even argue that man is naturally disposed to succumb to the dark side, in order to satisfy his inherent greed and selfishness. While most people control or resist the urge to deviate, everyone is intrigued by evil. The immense popularity of The Godfather, a mafia themed novel detailing the life and crimes of the Corleone family, highlights the American public's fascination with crime and deviant behavior. Mario Puzo's desperate need to provide financially for his family, combined with his intellect talent and harsh upbringing in an area controlled by gangsters, provoked him to write The Godfather, a novel in which Puzo exposes the violent and malicious ways of the Mafia. However, as the novel illustrated how power, wealth and success can be gained through illegal actions, it gave the wrong impression that some Mafia families are respectable. When considered against the corrupt and unjust world of modern American society, the Mafia's illegal power seems justifiable and necessary. While Puzo's work is by no means considered a literary masterpiece, the book's compelling plot, as well as Puzo's exciting style of writing, made it a popular hit.
             Born to Italian immigrants in a poor section of New York City known as Hell's Kitchen, Mario Puzo's early life was a rough one, surrounded by constant crime and violence. However, Puzo continued to excel in school, and ever since high school he had dreamed of becoming a writer. He later attended the New School for Social Research and Columbia University. Upon his return from World War II, where he served as a corporal, Puzo became a freelance writer while attending City College of New York. During this period he wrote his artistic novels – Dark Arena, and nine years later The Fortunate Pilgrim. While critics praised each book, he earned a mea...