Evidence that geezer birds can pull fit blokes. (Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis de Bernieres)

Member Name: Glory_FishesII

Product:	Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis de Bernieres
Date:	11/01/05 (413 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: I liked some of it , Better than the film

Disadvantages: I didnt like it all, Was made into a film

Having read a number of novels purely due to my fascination with the actor Nicolas Cage, Wild at Heart by Barry Gifford and Leaving Las Vegas by John O’ Brien to name 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.

This is not to say that the 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 could not help but feel annoyance at his somewhat dawdling admiration of the isle at times, but this unrest was eased by colourful characters such as the drunken Father Arsenios and the henpecked Stamitis who provide some light relief in a plot that is somewhat dominated by politics and the moral consequences of war.

There are some aspects to this tale that are gruesome, particularly in the trenches. It is quite shocking to conceive of such suffering, but de Berniers deals with this admirably. He does not linger on the atrocities of war, but instead shifts our focus to the human face of battle through the likeable figures of Carlo and Francesco.

The politics behind this novel are hard to come to grips with, but worth a degree of patience, as is the love story between the central characters.

It is easy to see why Cage would want this romantic lead. Antonio is sensitive, loyal and unconventional. Pellegia has all these qualities too, and this is perhaps why they are drawn together, and although de Berniers unfolds their passion like a blooming rose,

I cannot help but be troubled by the characters as a whole, especially in light of the ending. Would two forthright, passionate and unconventional people have behaved so - or was it their great love that made them that way? I can’t answer that with any degree of certainty. The only thing I can say is that this is a bizarrely powerful book that washes over you without you even realizing it.

My only major criticism is the degree of anti German feelings the book prompted from me and as some of my best friends happen to live there I found that strangely disturbing. On the whole de Berniers presents a pleasant way to spend a few hours. Eat olives, drink chilled drinks and suspend your beliefs.

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