The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
27
I never could resist them. Then I used to feel like a heel when I went back to Ginny. 
Christ, I can’t go through all that crap again.” 
It was rare that Don Corleone showed exasperation. “I didn’t tell you to get married 
again. Do what you want. It’s good you wish to be a father to your children. A man who 
is not a father to his children can never be a real man. But then, you must make their 
mother accept you. Who says you can’t see them every day? Who says you can’t live in 
the same house? Who says you can’t live your life exactly as you want to live it?” 
Johnny Fontane laughed. “Godfather, not all women are like the old Italian wives. Ginny 
won’t stand for it.” 
Now the Don was mocking. “Because you acted like a finocchio. You gave her more 
than the court said. You didn’t hit the other in the face because she was making a 
picture. You let women dictate your actions and they are not competent in this world, 
though certainly they will be saints in heaven while we men burn in hell. And then I’ve 
watched you all these years.” The Don’s voice became earnest. “You’ve been a fine 
godson, you’ve given me all the respect. But what of your other old friends? One year 
you run around with this person, the next year with another person. That Italian boy who 
was so funny in the movies, he had some bad luck and you never saw him again 
because you were more famous. And how about your old, old comrade that you went to 
school with, who was your partner singing? Nino. He drinks too much out of 
disappointment but he never complains. He works hard driving the gravel truck and 
sings weekends for a few dollars. He never says anything against you. You couldn’t help 
him a bit? Why not? He sings well.” 
Johnny Fontane said with patient weariness, “Godfather, he just hasn’t got enough 
talent. He’s OK, but he’s not big time.” 
Don Corleone lidded his eyes almost closed and then said, “And you, godson, you now, 
you just don’t have talent enough. Shall I get you a job on the gravel truck with Nino?” 
When Johnny didn’t answer, the Don went on. “Friendship is everything. Friendship is 
more than talent. It is more than government. It is almost the equal of family. Never 
forget that. If you had built up a wall of friendships you wouldn’t have to ask me to help. 
Now tell me, why can’t you sing? You sang well in the garden. As well as Nino.” 
Hagen and Johnny smiled at this delicate thrust. It was Johnny’s turn to be patronizingly 
patient. “My voice is weak. I sing one or two songs and then I can’t sing again for hours 
or days. I can’t make it through the rehearsals or the retakes. My voice is weak, it’s got 

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