Reading 1001 discussion

Just finished, June 2019 BOTM

Goodness, I liked this book. A lot. It is an epic story firmly rooted on a small Greek Island, with the odd foray on to the mainland. I thought de Bernieres drew all of his characters, even the minor ones, very well. The story moves from WW2, Italy invading Greece to the occupation of the island (first by the Italians, then the Germans); to after the war and a cataclysmic earthquake, and finally to the early 1970s. The greater majority of the story is during the war, which makes sense as this would have been the time when intensely felt relationships would have been forged and every detail would stand out in sharp relief. The novel is a combination of war story (the foolishness and futility of it), an examination of human relations when under dire circumstance, and a sad love story (actually more than one sad love story). 5*

I really enjoyed this book written about Greece during WWII and the post war years. The author wrote in very short chapters and from different points of view. The second chapter, Duce, was in stream of consciousness in such a fashion as to paint the picture of his insanity. Most of all this is an anti-war book and author did not favor any country or political ideology. War was all a product of megalomaniacs. War hurts nature and people. It is also a love story and a story about love. It is a story about music and because I don't know music, I missed a lot here but a lover of music would appreciate this book and it should be tagged music. It is also a story of history. I don't know why it is 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, what did it contribute to the development of the novel, but I loved it. Read in 2011

3 stars

I see this one has strong reviews that all rave about the beautiful story and writing, and although I agree that these thinks are strong and sweet and poetic, I never fully connected to the book. I love WW2 stories so I expected more, and wonder if perhaps I had expectations that were too high.

Corelli’s Mandolin transports the reader to the gorgeous Greek island of Cephallonia. I really felt I came away from the book knowing the place and that aspect of the book was actually my favorite. The first character we get the chance to know is Pelagia, a woman who is the doctor's daughter and who is engaged to marry a fisherman named Mandras. War is coming, and the author gives us a strong impression of the problems Greece suffers at the hands of Italy. And then we meet Antonio Corelli who is billeted with Pelagia and her father. He (with his mandolin) bewitches Pelagia. So of course we have have a love triangle, but the book is more than a love story. It is an anti-war book. And, it is a manual of hope.

But this book is really about war and its evils. The author exposes us to all the horrors of war. Families are separated, homes are bombed, women are harassed and abused, people are held in internment camps -- and it isn't always the enemy who is committing these acts. War affects the land, destroys the history, causes grief. It brings out the worst in people. And at times it also brings out the best. Luckily, the author also shares some of that with us, covering themes of love, support, kindness, and finding peace and hope and unity in the midst of the worst life can give us.

I probably would have given it four stars if I had liked Pelagia a bit more. I found her a bit simplistic and selfish. And ... I hated the last chapter.

Rating: 4 stars


This is a beautifully written work of historical fiction about the Acqui Division Massacre in Cephalonia, Greece, the earthquake of 1953, and the decades that followed. I loved the pervasive theme of music that acted as a counterpoint to the atrocities of war. I found it interesting that Corelli, the title character, doesn't appear until we are far into the novel. Overall, a great book that shows human relationships amidst the horrors of war.

Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres
4/5
It took me quite a while to get into this book especially since Captain Corelli does not enter the picture for quite some time but once I did I was hooked. I very much enjoyed the relationship of Corelli and Pelagia and how it reflected time and place. War brings people to together and tears them apart which was evident on this small island.

I found chapter 35 A Pamphlet Distributed on the Island, Entitled with the Fascist Slogan 'Believe, Fight, and Obey' to be informative about Mussolini.

My favorite character is the father, Dr. Iannis. He is a practical man, forward thinking, and a feminist for his time.

My favorite scene is the snail fiasco. I could picture in my mind snails everywhere.

My favorite quote: “Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.”