tragedy of war. It is 1941. The Italian officer, Captain Corelli, falls in love with Pelagia, a young Greek girl. But Pelegia's fiance is fighting the...
tragedy of war. It is 1941. The Italian officer, Captain Corelli, falls in love with Pelagia, a young Greek girl. But Pelegia's fiance is fighting the...
Mussolini invaded Greece. Dr Iannis practices medicine on the island of Cephalonia, accompanied by his daughter, Pelagia, to whom he imparts much of his healing art. Even when the Italians do invade, life isn't so bad--at first anyway. The officer in command of the Italian garrison is the cultured Captain Antonio Corelli, who responds to a Nazi greeting of "Heil Hitler" with his own "Heil Puccini", and whose most precious possession is his mandolin. It isn't long before Corelli and Pelagia are involved in a heated affair--despite her engagement to a young fisherman, Mandras, who has gone off to join Greek partisans. Love is complicated enough in wartime, even when the lovers are on the same side. And for Corelli and Pelagia, it becomes increasingly difficult to negotiate the minefield of allegiances, both personal and political, as all around them atrocities mount, former friends become enemies and the ugliness of war infects everyoneit touches.British author Louis de Bernières is well known for his forays into magical realism in such novels asThe War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts,Señor Vivo and the Coca LordandThe Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman. Here he keeps it to a minimum, though certainly the secondary characters with whom he populates his island--the drunken priest, the strongman, the fisherman who swims with dolphins--would be at home in any of his wildly imaginative Latin American fictions. Instead, de Bernières seems interested in dissecting the nature of history as he tells his ever-darkening tale from many different perspectives.Captain Corelli's Mandolinworks on many levels, as a love story, a war story and a deconstruction of just what determines the facts that make it into the history books.
Mussolini invaded Greece. Dr Iannis practices medicine on the island of Cephalonia, accompanied by his daughter, Pelagia, to whom he imparts much of his healing art. Even when the Italians do invade, life isn't so bad--at first anyway. The officer in command of the Italian garrison is the cultured Captain Antonio Corelli, who responds to a Nazi greeting of "Heil Hitler" with his own "Heil Puccini", and whose most precious possession is his mandolin. It isn't long before Corelli and Pelagia are involved in a heated affair--despite her engagement to a young fisherman, Mandras, who has gone off to join Greek partisans. Love is complicated enough in wartime, even when the lovers are on the same side. And for Corelli and Pelagia, it becomes increasingly difficult to negotiate the minefield of allegiances, both personal and political, as all around them atrocities mount, former friends become enemies and the ugliness of war infects everyoneit touches.British author Louis de Bernières is well known for his forays into magical realism in such novels asThe War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts,Señor Vivo and the Coca LordandThe Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman. Here he keeps it to a minimum, though certainly the secondary characters with whom he populates his island--the drunken priest, the strongman, the fisherman who swims with dolphins--would be at home in any of his wildly imaginative Latin American fictions. Instead, de Bernières seems interested in dissecting the nature of history as he tells his ever-darkening tale from many different perspectives.Captain Corelli's Mandolinworks on many levels, as a love story, a war story and a deconstruction of just what determines the facts that make it into the history books.
Mussolini invaded Greece. Dr Iannis practices medicine on the island of Cephalonia, accompanied by his daughter, Pelagia, to whom he imparts much of his healing art. Even when the Italians do invade, life isn't so bad--at first anyway. The officer in command of the Italian garrison is the cultured Captain Antonio Corelli, who responds to a Nazi greeting of "Heil Hitler" with his own "Heil Puccini", and whose most precious possession is his mandolin. It isn't long before Corelli and Pelagia are involved in a heated affair--despite her engagement to a young fisherman, Mandras, who has gone off to join Greek partisans. Love is complicated enough in wartime, even when the lovers are on the same side. And for Corelli and Pelagia, it becomes increasingly difficult to negotiate the minefield of allegiances, both personal and political, as all around them atrocities mount, former friends become enemies and the ugliness of war infects everyoneit touches.British author Louis de Bernières is well known for his forays into magical realism in such novels asThe War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts,Señor Vivo and the Coca LordandThe Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman. Here he keeps it to a minimum, though certainly the secondary characters with whom he populates his island--the drunken priest, the strongman, the fisherman who swims with dolphins--would be at home in any of his wildly imaginative Latin American fictions. Instead, de Bernières seems interested in dissecting the nature of history as he tells his ever-darkening tale from many different perspectives.Captain Corelli's Mandolinworks on many levels, as a love story, a war story and a deconstruction of just what determines the facts that make it into the history books.
island of Cephallonia as part of the occupying forces. At first he is ostracised by the locals, but as a conscien-tious but far from fanatical soldier, whose main aim is to have a peaceful war, he proves in time to be civilised, humorous - and a consumate musician. When the local doctor's daughter's letters to her fiance go unanswered, the working of the eternal triangle seems inevitable.
A review by Mauri on Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres September 28th, 2004
Author's product rating:
Would you read it again?
Absolutely
Story
Outstanding
Characters
Good
Readability
Excellent
How does it compare to similar books?
Excellent
How does it compare to other works by the same author?
Excellent
Advantages:
Well written, compelling story
Disadvantages:
Long winded historical background
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' is a beautifully written novel, at times funny, at times sad but always engaging. It is set on the Greek island of Cephalonia. It covers a period spanning from just before the Second World War and continues through the Italian and later German occupation of the island to the present.
THE STORY
On the small Greek island of Cephalonia the local village doctor Iannis and his daughter Pelagia have simple but satisfying lives. Pelagia his engaged to marry Mandras a local fisherman unfortunately their idyllic lives are destroyed by the onset of war. Mandras joins the army and later the Greek partisans, as time goes by Pelagia fears he is dead. When the Italian forces capture the island, a young captain, Antonio Corelli, is billeted in the doctor's house. Although at first antagonistic towards him, the doctor and Pelagia warm to him and finally accept him as a friend. Gradually Pelagia and Antonio's feelings for each other deepen into love but yet again outside events catch up with them threaten to prevent their dreams from coming true.
MY THOUGHTS
On the face of it this is the story of Pelagia but the nature of love in general is main theme of the book the narrative is much richer and wider in its scope than at first you would imagine. De Bernieres introduces us to a myriad of other characters each with their own story to tell- Carlo a young gay Italian corporal trying to come to terms with his love for a fellow soldier. The local priest, father Arsenios, who has lost is faith and become a drunkard but ultimately redeems himself. Lt Weber a young idealistic Nazi who befriends Corelli and Pelagia but whose friendship and loyalty is later tested by the unfolding events of the occupation.
These characters are intertwined into a complex web of emotions and we examine different aspects of what is considered as ‘love’. There is the love shown between the widowed Dr Iannis and his daughter. This is not a conventional father daughter relationship. Since the mother is dead Pelagia has taken on the role of homemaker but not in the traditional sense, she is not a subservient woman as most of the Greek women are on the island. Pelagia is strong willed and exerts a strong influence over her father, to his credit Iannis recognises this a strength of character in his daughter and encourages her to be independent and free thinking even as far as giving her some medical training an encouragement to pursue her wish to be a doctor one day. There is the superficial love that Pelagia feels for Mandras borne more out of his physical beauty than his soul. There is the unrequited love that Carlo feels for a fellow soldier and of course the ‘perfect’ but troubled love that Antonio has for Pelagia.
These relationships are sensitively examined and the motivations of the different characters are made very real to such and extent that it is impossible not to be drawn into their lives and the tragic events as those unfold.
The writing style is finely balanced achieving tremendous emotional impact while at the same time being sensitive to the requirement of a compelling storyline. De Bernieres manipulates the story so has to give full impact to the shocking events but you never feel manipulated as a reader.
We mustn’t forget that despite the love stories that form the central theme of the book the background is one of violent physical and ideological conflict. The descriptive passages dealing with the tragedy of war especially those set in the Greek mountains and the trenches are truly horrific and compare well with anything Hemingway penned.
De Bernieres also proves his adaptability as an author by being able to bring out the attractiveness of the sun soaked Cephalonia as well as the mesmeric beauty of the mandolin music played by the captain, which seduces Pelagia the first time she hears it and of course gives us the title of the novel. There is always and emphasis on contrast throughout the story, the ugliness of war against the backdrop of the idyllic setting, the brutality of the soldier’s life against the purity of the music that Antonio plays. By creating characters that are real De Bernieres manages to humanise the war and even the brutality of Germans is to an extent understood if not ever justified.
I don’t want to give you the idea that this is a dark depressing read, undeniably there is a fair amount of tragedy and the story of Carlo in particular will not fail to move you but these dark overtones are balanced with humour especially in the earlier parts of the novel. We have the comic interactions of some of the old men in the Kapheneion a communal meeting place in the village. In these comic exchanges between some lively colourful characters the author also examines the divisions that existed in even such a small rural community the loyalty of the villagers being divided between the crown and the socialist ideology all played out against the slow steady rhythm of the village life.
The charismatic Antonio and ‘Operatic’ society he forms with his fellow soldiers on the island is also a light relief, the Italian soldiers show a carefree exuberance that betrays their naivety of the politics of the war and the inherent dangers that they face being allied to the Nazi regime.
So far I have made little criticism of this book but as in all novels there are flaws. The main criticism that I have come across from other people is that it’s hard book to get into and I can see why this could be the case for some readers. The first 80 or so pages are used to introduce the background to the story. It has to be remembered that although the characters are fictional the events that are broadly related in the story actually happened. De Bernieres uses the first part of the novel to explain in a rather bizarre fashion through the thoughts and words of ‘Il Duce’ Mussolini the events that led to the Italian army invading Greece in a bid to recapture the imperial glory of the ancient Romans. Of course this policy was to say the least misguided and Mussolini is duly portrayed as an egomaniacal, overbearing, self obsessed idiot, which might be very close to the truth. These passages are sometimes hard to follow and don’t make a very good introduction or give the reader any clue as to what follows. If you are intrigued about the background to the story then this is interesting and might add to the overall impact of the novel but for many it represent too much detail. Having said this I would urge any reader to persevere as overall the narrative is spellbinding and it is does become a compelling read.
Another area of criticism is the author’s distortion for some of the real events and the part played by the Greek communist and the partisans in the struggle on the island. It would be fair to say that the Greek ‘freedom’ fighters and the communist parties do not get a sympathetic handling from the author and I’m not qualified to say whether this was an accurate reflection of the actual situation or not but let’s not forget that while the story is based on real events this is still a work of fiction and some poetic licence must be given to a storyteller.
For any of you who have come across the film version and thus might be deterred from reading the book either because you disliked the film or feel that knowing the story there is no point in reading it again think again. Leaving aside the fact that I thought Nicholas Cage was badly miscast as Captain Corelli the film version is very different from the book. Many of the central character only appear in the periphery, much of the violence and horror of the war, which I feel is such an important part of the story, has been removed and the ending has been changed! This last part makes me shudder since the ending in the book without giving too much away has such a strong emotional impact and is so perfect a conclusion within the context of the tragic circumstances that have unfolded that to change is a outrage! That’s Hollywood for you! So please whether you liked the film or not try the book it is so much better. I would recommend it to anyone.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres (Paperback-434 pages) is available from Amazon.co.uk for £5.59 (+p&p)
Advantages: great characters Disadvantages: can be slow
...but two, I eagerly purchased Captain Corelli’s Mandolin to chiefly see what could appeal to Mr. Cage himself. This book is without a shadow of a doubt, very appealing. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the island of Cephellonia, this novel is more than just a love story between the beautiful daughter of the local doctor , Pellega and the dashing Captain Antonio Corelli. Anyone expecting an easy sentimental read will be sorely disappointed. ... ...novel is devoid of sentiment, de Berniers introduces us to a collection of misfits and eccentrics, as fondly as anyone would introduce their favourite eccentric uncle. Although Correlli lends his name to the book he does not make an appearance until we have ventured some way into our journey. The way in which de Berniers paints the island is both enchanting yet somehow frustrating at the same time . Although the azure blue waters are enviable, I ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: See opinion Disadvantages: Maybe too complex for some?
...during the Summer I read Captain Corelli's Mandolin. It captivated me in a way no other book had managed to achieve since I read 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.
This story takes place on the Greek island of Cephallonia. The prospect of war is tangible and the island comes under occupation by Italian forces. Pelagia, the daughter of Dr Iannis, the local doctor begins to fall in love with a fisherman named Mandras. However, he goes away to ... ...attentions turn to an Italian Captain named Antonio Corelli. Despite her initial indignation at the Italian occupation Pelagia begins to fall in love with Corelli (A love that is reciprocated). So, as the book says "The working of the eternal triangle seems inevitable".
In my opinion, anybody who bases their purchasing decision on the main plot outline of this novel would be mis-lead. This is much more than a simple, clichéd love story. 'Captain ...
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Would you read it again?
Story
Characters
Readability
How does it compare to ...
How does it compare to ...
very helpful
01.11.2001
What is a title anyway Review ofCaptain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieresby
KingHerrod
Advantages: See text Disadvantages: See text
...all of these factors and Captain Correlli’s Mandolin combines all this and more. This is quite simply the best book that I have read this year. Better than White Teeth, better than Chocolat and better than Small World. Ok, so you know the bias, I loved this book, lets tell you about it and why I loved it so much.
Written by Louis De Bernieres, the author of acclaimed work such as The War of Don Emanuel’s Nether Parts, Senor Vivo and the Cocoa Lord ... ...with Captain Correlli’s Mandolin won the Commonwealth writers award for best book in 1995. Despite the foreign name De Bernieres was born in London and still lives there today and remains very much a British author.
The book is epic, set in a small village on the small Greek island of Cephallonia and spanning the period from the fascist emergence in Europe, through the Second World War and on to the end of the twentieth century. Central to the plot ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A superb read, a truely great novel Disadvantages: In places the language needs some real concerntration to understand.
...is not the case with Captain Corelli and I feel as a CIAO member that it is my duty to inform all the students out there and everyone else for that matter what a superb novel Captain Corellis Mandolin really is.
The first chapter had the entire class of 25 students captavated (a task previously thought impossible). De Bernieres use of scientific phrasology and technical terminology has the readers mind spinning after the first page. It has been ... ...at "a feast of words".
The book is set at the start of the second world war. It is set on a small island - Cephalonia - which os part of Greece. Invasion by Italy is iminant and the novel tells the story of the comunist regeme in Greece and the dictatorships run by Musolini, Hitler and Metaxas. The main soty line of the book i will not divolge - it is too good to give away.
What I will say is that De Bernieres addresses many social issues apparent ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Masterpiece of beautiful description, heartbreaking sadness, thrilling escapades, colourful characters, educational excellence, beautiful girls and a wonderful technicolour portrait of Greece. Read it before you see the film Disadvantages: There should be a sequel
...Cage will make the perfect Captain Corelli, I can't think of a famous actor which would fit the role better.
De Bernieres writes in a fliud and beautiful prose that he makes all his own. Reading this book certainly improved my volcabulary and at times proved quite a challenge. But most things could be worked out without the help of a dictionary and greatly added to my enjoyement of the book. The book also taught me a valuable history lesson, told ... ...you are reading history, because you become so involved with the characters that the details don't bog you down. Yet details there certainly are. You can see from the achknoledgements at the back how painstakingly the author must have investigated his sources. Towards the end, the book can become predictable, but strangely this is a very positive attribute. It is simply because you have been put in touch with the different people and settings to ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A very funny story, brilliantly written Disadvantages: Some people may be put off by the qwerky style
...To anyone who has read CaptainCorelli's Mandolin, the style of LouisdeBerniers will be instantly recognisable. An infinitely funny story interspersed with amusing, frightening and sometimes horrifying side stories and anecdotes.
In this book (and two further books "The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman" and "Senor Viva and the Coca Lord") deBernieres creates an imaginary South American country controlled by Coca barons and peopled with a self centred President married to a former stripper, a corrupt government, an ethereal Indian with magical powers who talks with his dead daughter, a resurrected spanish conquistador and a town full of eccentrics.
The story is slightly surreal and filled with magic and myth. Dona Costanza, the haughty wife of the local landowner decides to divert the river to fill her swimming pool...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: A gripping and fascinating read Disadvantages: Slightly weak beginning, but perserve past chapter 2!
...of the story, but not so much that it becomes dull. In some reviews I've read before and since, the reviewer has often drawn comparisons between this book and the highly successful 'CaptainCorelli's Mandolin' by LouisdeBernieres. Both novels are set on Greek islands, both authors have the same talent for bringing characters, history and places to life, both had societal messages for the reader, but other than and that and the fact I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of them they are quite different, most of all in style. Hislop writes with descriptive but less literary and flowery style and thus this book, whilst not exactly cheerful reading at times is more of a beach read 'with a heart' as the cover says.
The book paints an intimate picture of what life was like for the lepers living on the island. The characters and situations are imaginary...
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Advantages: The book is alive with wit and passion though its relevance to modern day society holds little in the way of advantageous possibilty Disadvantages: As is
...one already exists that we are a part of. Being fed by nothing but television broadcasts and governmentally subjectable newspapers it has been suggested that recent "defensive" efforts against aggressors in Kosovo and Yugoslavia could have been unprovoked NATO aggression merely related to a peacetime public as protecting world order. This point that history is merely the version of the victors is made most significantly in LouisDeBernieres "CaptainCorelli's Mandolin" which I hope to write on later.
It is a thought to be considered and although I began by expressing a wish not to over praise 1984 it IS one of the most brilliant satires on totalitarianism and the power-hungry ever written....
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helpful 08.03.2001
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