Omerta - A code of Silence practiced by the Mafia; a refusal to give evidence to the police about criminal activities. This is the definition taken from the https://thefreedictionary.com
Omerta is the concluding story of the Mafia Mario Puzo series. Here we are introduced to the Don Raymonde Aprile family. The Don gives his mafia activities and introduces his children to the legitimate American Society. The children are all popular regular citizens who are kept away from the Mafia society.
The young Astorre Viola is the adopted nephew of the Don. This boy was handed over to the Don by his late friend. Astorre is trained and given knowledge of the Mafia world. To the world, he’s an Italian singer, horse lover, Macaroni seller and who shows that life is meant to be enjoyed.
All goes on well until Don Aprile is murdered while coming out from his grandson’s Baptism ceremony. The time finally arrives when Astorre has to prove his worth and get his Sicilian revenge that his uncle was murdered.
He goes on to unravel the mystery of how the FBI is also hand-in gloves with the mafia and how the fact of retirement decision taken by the Don is not viewed in pure happiness by his rivals.
The rivals believe in taking away the banks owned by the Don and its one thing that Astorre cannot allow to sell for it was the promise given by Astorre to the Don.
Astorre is put to test at various stages during his quest for truth in finding out who murdered his uncle. He has to protect the Don’s children as well as keep his promise to his late uncle with respect to the banks.
Mario Puzo spins his fictional web and brings out the smartness of Astoree at every stage. Each plan execution is a master step taken by Astoree which makes the book an absolute read through.
The part of the novel when Astorre knows that the FBI chief Clike is involved with the Mafia in killing the Don, but the affection felt by Astorre towards Clike’s wife makes him take the snap decision of informing Clike that his house will be bombed, shows that the person who has to take revenge is also reasonable.
Every move taken by Astorre is a step towards endangering his life. But the risks and the planning methodology helps him towards the truth. The story is narrated very well and is a page turner.
Omerta is a powerful epitaph for the Mafia at the turn of a new century, and a final triumph for a great American storyteller.
A good book to read for the Mario Puzo fans.