CAPTATIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN

It’s over twenty years since this historical epic novel, ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’, was made into a film starring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz. Although it received mixed reviews at the time, disappointing the novel’s popular and literary success, this wonderful island story is a perfect book club choice for summer time, whether you are yearning for that Greek island getaway or simply want to lose yourself in a beautifully written classic.

Written by Louis de Bernières ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ is the English author’s best-known novel, written in 1995. Appreciated today as a modern classic you can expect to see this novel being studied in schools and on top 100 must read book lists.

Set in war-time Greece, it’s 1941 on the island and Captain Antonio Corelli is a young Italian officer and part of the occupying forces. After a frosty reception from the islanders it soon becomes apparent that Corelli prefers to have a peaceful war and far from being a fanatical soldier proves in time to be a civilised, humorous and consummate musician.

The central love story revolves around Pelagia, the local doctor's daughter, who finds her letters to her fiancé go unanswered. Antonio and Pelagia are drawn together. But can this fragile love survive as a war of bestial savagery gets closer and the lines are drawn between invader and defender?

There are several stories and voices in the novels, perfectly pitched by de Bernières and woven beautifully into this rich epic drama. Whilst you will fall in love with the plethora of characters, reimagining island life in war-time, you can also enjoy the political and darker backdrop with cameo scenes and storylines featuring Mussolini and the Greek dictator, Mataxos.