Dr. Iannis and his daughter, Pelagia, live a peaceful life on the Greek island of Cephalonia. While not technically a doctor, Dr. Iannis is the healer for those in their village and is teaching Pelagia the art and science of his practice. Pelagia has become engaged to Mandras, the local fisherman, and all she dreams of is a happy married life, tending to the health needs of her neighbors. Then Mussolini’s decision to invade Greece brings the Italian army to their island, with Captain Antonio Corelli commadering a bedroom in their home. Mandras has joined the Greek resistance, and in his absence Pelagia and Captain Corelli soon find themselves in a forbidden love. First, she is engaged, and second, Captain Corelli is the enemy. This is an epic tale of love, war and everything in between. I will admit that it took about 100 pages or so until the story totally engrossed me, and then I just couldn’t put it down.
The writing is good, even with the author’s ostentatious vocabulary. Satire and humor are interspersed to break-up the sometimes vivid atrocities of war. The characters are delightful, most especially Captain Corelli. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending left me a little flat. It certainly wasn’t how I envisioned it and while it seemed contrived, perhaps the author was trying to convey the bitter-sweetness of life. The book is so good it deserves to be on one of the lists of 100 Books, and I was very surprised it wasn’t.
“When loved ones die, you have to live on their behalf. See things as though with their eyes. Remember how they used to say things, and use those words oneself. Be thankful that you can do things that they cannot, and also feel the sadness of it.”
candysplanet 