I had read this novel long back ( m nt much into reading, but this novel had made an never ending wave n at the top of bestseller novels list, n then these movie trilogy had asked me to go for it).
U r right, when u said something about the difference between the novel and the movie.
( my personal opinion, u become more close to the book than drama, even though sense sight is more strong than rest of the senses.)
But while reading, u tend to analyse more, your brain is more active/ it participates more, and you are free to visualise the scenario.
( I really feel sad sometimes I couldn't spend much time of my life on reading (extra-academic ofcourse lol).
Even today, i still remember crystal clear the -
Fish, assassination at railway crossing, vito's God like image, family bonding, names like Luca, sollozo.
As far movie goes,
Actors (both brando n pacino (btw, i liked pacino in movie scent of the woman also) did justice to the description given in the novel).
After reading you, now, I also recall that Michael portrayed by pacino was looking less violent ( I think the expression through his eyes did the job of making him look like that)
I personally get very restless/agitated/increased palpatation, whenever betrayal word comes either in novel or in movie, and here it came quite often.
But I do recall, i had thoroughly enjoyed the novel n movies.
Thanks for making me reliving those moments prevenant.