Pete, you're right about Fredo's transformation. In the novel Fredo is lauded as a genius when it came to running a hotel. However, the novel also has Vito disparaging his son's new found ability.

By II, Fredo's has been promoted(?) to running a brothel and, apparently, becomes a captain. Doesn't Michael tell Tom that he has power over Fredo and his men?

It's confusing.

"Generosity. That was my first mistake."
"Experience must be our only guide; reason may mislead us."
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