The Godfather Returns Chapter Summary & Analysis - Book 2, Chapter 8 Summary

Book 2, Chapter 8 Summary

We rejoin Francesca Corleone as she begins her college life. Her twin sister, Kathy, had discouraged her from rushing a sorority, because Kathy didn't want to compete with a bunch of new, snobby "sisters." Now, however, in line at the cafeteria, Francesca feels left out as the other sorority girls exclude her. Tagging after Francesca is her roommate, Suzy, an Indian girl adopted by Caucasian Baptists. Suzy copies everything Francesca does, but Francesca feels like her dark Italian looks, next to Suzy's darker skin, sets the two of them apart as the "swarthy ones." She wonders how she can ditch Suzy without seeming like a bad person.

An upperclassman seated amongst the sorority crowd notices Francesca, and introduces himself as Billy Van Arsdale. Francesca is immediately taken with him. Billy asks her name, and she hesitates. If she admits to her true Italian heritage as a Corleone, rumors will start...
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