While this book was somewhat interesting, it was written with such a detached point of view and such matter-of-fact prose that it was difficult to become involved in the book. This book is not nearly as good as some of his other works. ( )

Well it seems that the Borgias were and weren’t as bad as I thought. Particularly Lucrezia who has the reputation of a vicious, ambitious poisoner. She was actually just a pawn like everyone else in Alexander’s life. It’s hard to believe that the church wielded so much power in those days. There was no Italian king, instead, each region of the country had it’s own king and was considered a Papal state. It was Alexander’s mission to unite the Papal states and keep out Spain and France. He used all his kids to do that.

Unfortunately, most of the characters are only drawn on the surface and we don’t really get to see what they were like in private. What drove them to do the things they did. Was it because there was no evidence? Surely an author of historical fiction could have taken some liberties? He must have taken a few.

For example, it was rumored (for real) that Lucrezia was 6 months pregnant when the College of Cardinals annulled her marriage to her first husband on the grounds of impotence. Ha! Too funny. So he weaves a tale of doting daddy not wanting his daughter to be deflowered by some stranger. He offers her to both of his sons to do it first. Ceasare is the one chosen, by Lucrezia herself in this scenario, and the two become lifelong lovers. This is why she is pregnant and it seems there are actual documents written by Alexander in which one states Ceasare is the father and the other, himself.

Eventually, the death toll is unbelievably high. All in an effort to sustain the Borgia power in the face of Alexander’s eventual death (by poison). Of course, like everything, the Borgia reign is short. Alexander’s biggest rival and detractor gains the Papacy after his death and Ceasare is captured and imprisoned. After a while he is smuggled out and sponsored by a distant relative, and aristocrat in Spain. While on a mission to put down an uprising for this King or Prince or Duke or whatever, Ceasare is betrayed by the army and is killed fighting all alone.

The story ends with the youngest Borgia still alive and a Cardinal under the reign of the new Pope. I think it was this Jofre who was the most evil. Because he tried to keep the appearance of good. His brother Ceasare is often blamed for the murder of their older brother Juan, but Puzo’s book puts forward the theory that Jofre did it as revenge for Juan having an affair with Jofre’s wife.

Warning: If you are strictly devote to the Roman Catholic Church this book is most likely not your cup of tea.

I picked up this gem in the "Friends of the Library" section of my local library. Having never read any of Puzo's work I decided to give this book a try. The back panel of this paperback contained the following passage as its only description. "We are family," Alexander told his children. "And the loyalty of the family must come before everything and everyone else. For if we honor that commitment, we will never be vanquished-but if we falter in that loyalty, we will all be condemned."

Again knowing little of Puzo outside of his works on world renowned titles such as The Godfather and The Last Don I figured this book was another in the line of Italian Mob stories. Man was I off, by a couple of centuries no less.

This story has none to do with a modern day crime family and all to do with a 15th century semi-ficticious Popes' reign. Although originally feeling baited and switched (more to my lack of research than the authors intentional misdirection) I was drawn into this story. I have not traditionlly been one to care for any story written before or about time periods prior to the 18th century. But I must say that Puzo's style drew me in quite quickly. Additionally, The Family was Puzo's last work as it was completed by his longtime girlfriend Carol Gino. I must say I cannot decipher the point where Puzo left off and Gino took over. As it turns out The Family was written over a 20 year period of time.

Per my Catholic Faith warning at the heading of this review, this book is not for the unwillingly challenged faithful. This book is the story of an extremely sinful pope who uses his power more to benefit himself and his family (yes I said family, I will let you work that one out) than to that of the Mother Church to which he was appointed the vicar of Christ. Although the pages within contain acts of the utmost mortal sins committed by Pope Alexander VI, it is probably not all that far from the reality of the leaders of the church in that day. But without a doubt if this book were on any previewed reading list of the Vatican, it would certainly be reported back to the masses as a morally objectable piece of literature.

If you are able to see past religious sanctioned murder, insest, treachery, and deciet, then you are in for a well written story. If not then it is my hope, that my review has prevented you from reading this treacherous work of heresy and has therefore saved you from eternal damnation. ( )

This book is written to show us the beginings of the true Italian Crime family, of course they are Spanish. The Borgias are the essence of getting and keeping power for the family. I feel that the book was much longer than required. But this is probably to be expected, since Mr. puzzo was not able to finish his work. You can tell the author loved this period of time. He is trying to show us that Pope Alexander was not only the 1st Don but the greatest.

The book contains 4 main story lines and several secondary tales as well. The Borgia Pope and his 4 children take center stage, and the quest to unite Italy is the book's theme. The battles that span most of Italy and even the Island of Elba should read at the pace of military battles and the campaign they entail. This would be my favorite part, but the battles are mostly just briefly mentioned and this is most evident when Cesare conquers Elba in a matter of a few hours and a handful of pages in the book. Though I understand that this is not a Military history book.

Though not not my favorite book, it is worth reading. Espically if interested in that period and to see just how corrupt the church was at that time. I am glad that Carol Gino took on the task to complete this work. ( )