A review by Rozemah Ali, MyVoice, Gateshead Central Library

Revolved around the island of Cephallonia during World War Two, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a novel that discovers the true meaning of love and its fitting comparison to the fragile nature of war.  The chaos of the war leaves the characters fighting to reclaim their island and survive, unaware of the impending horrors still awaiting them.

 The plot follows the lives of the inhabitants of a small Greek island before and after Italy and Germany invade Greece. Beginning with an amusing story of a doctor removing a pea from an elderly patient who thought he was deaf (for the patient later to ask for it to be put back because all he can hear is his wife going ‘on and on, driving him crazy’, the book views the upcoming war from several different perspectives, including the Prime Minister, the doctor’s daughter and a homosexual Italian solider named Carlo Piero Guercia. The context of their narratives takes into account their own personal circumstances; Dr Iannis is busy constructing a ‘History of Cephallonia’, the Prime Minister’s worries for his country intermingle with concern for his wayward daughter’s rebellious ways, the Doctor’s daughter (Pelagia) loathes the war as it has taken her betrothed husband-to-be Mandras, Carlo sees the war as the perfect opportunity to be with the man he loves as ‘Love will make men dare to die for their beloved’  and Mandras begins to see the lure of the darker underbelly of the Fascist groups opposing anti-War opinions.

Despite the numerous historical references and harsh reality of war, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin ingeniously manages to instil humour and love into this account of life in a warzone, depicting the slow yet clear nature with which Pelagio falls in love with the Italian captain Antonio Corelli. Louis de Bernières paints a picture of the island perfectly, epitomising romance and passion in his representation of Pelagio’s love for Corelli and capturing unrequited love with Carlo’s passion for Francesco. My favourite character has to be Corelli, after he calls Pelagio ‘bella bambina’ and has his men all jokingly swoon after her in various ways after standing to attention and turning in her direction.

Most importantly, this book tells the story of ordinary people during the war, and the extraordinary determination with which they persevered after the devastation they suffered. An inspiring account of life on a secluded island, prepare for unexpected twists and surprises along the way.

Reviewed by Rozemah Ali, MyVoice, Gateshead Central Library

Nowadays, a classic love story is considered to involve a 105 year old vampire and his teenage human soul mate or a mediator falling in love with a nineteenth century ghost. In comparison, surely a novel about morality and education won’t contain drama, right? Jane Austen’s timeless classic contains more than its fair share of excitement; six unexpected marriage proposals (two of which are rejected), five squabbling sisters, four potential husbands, three villainous characters, two sisters united in seemingly unrequited love and one scandalous elopement, to be precise.

Elizabeth Bennett is the second eldest of the Bennett sisters, aware that the fact herself and her older sister remain unmarried while her younger sisters are now eligible for marriage poses an issue. Although this issue isn’t relevant in the 21^st century, Lizzy’s humorous approach to the matter means the reader immediately warms to her and characters they can identify with, whether it be her laidback father or her easily excitable mother prone to ‘anxiety fits’. The novel opens with Mrs Bennett nagging her husband to visit a potential suitor for their eldest daughter, opening the floor throughout the entire book to many sarcastic jibes and remarks from Mr Bennett to his wearisome wife: ‘You have no compassion on my poor nerves. ‘You mistake me dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.’

No book would be complete without a partner for our heroine, with an intriguing twist; despite the fact Lizzy is described to be ‘tolerable’ compared to her beautiful sister Jane, Lizzy is spoilt for choice when it comes to a man in her life. Clergyman Collins is eager for her hand in marriage, the mysterious Mr Darcy seems unable to keep his eyes off her and Mr Wickham form the trio of men that bring their own set of problems into Lizzy’s life. ‘First impressions aren’t always the best’ – could Lizzy be mistaken in her verdict of who’s the right man? Is pride clouding her judgement? And most importantly, will love prevail prejudice?
It’s no surprise there are various television and film adaptations of this book; opt for the book and enjoy the uncut version of a truly brilliant unravelling of revelations at the turn of every page.