Captain Corelli's Mandolin
AS SEEN ON BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Vintage Publishing
Published:1st May '95
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£10.99(9780099540861)
Set in 1941 on the Greek island of Cephallonia, a young Italian officer, Captain Antonio Corelli, navigates love and conflict amidst the chaos of war, leading to unexpected connections and challenges.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin is a poignant novel set against the backdrop of World War II, specifically in 1941 on the picturesque Greek island of Cephallonia. The story follows Captain Antonio Corelli, a young Italian officer who arrives as part of the occupying forces. Initially met with suspicion and hostility by the local inhabitants, Corelli gradually reveals his true character, showcasing his charm, humor, and exceptional musical talent.
As the narrative unfolds, Pelagia, the daughter of the local doctor, finds herself in a difficult situation when her letters to her fiancé go unanswered. In this atmosphere of uncertainty and longing, a bond forms between Pelagia and Corelli, leading to a complex love triangle that challenges their loyalties and desires. The novel deftly explores themes of love, war, and the human spirit, raising questions about the nature of relationships in times of conflict.
Through rich character development and vivid storytelling, Louis de Bernières captures the essence of life during wartime, blending elements of comedy and tragedy. The narrative reflects on the impact of war not only on individuals but also on the fabric of society. Celebrated for its depth and emotional resonance, Captain Corelli's Mandolin remains a beloved tale of love and heroism, inviting readers to reflect on the resilience of the human heart amidst adversity.
A true diamond of a novel, glinting with comedy and tragedy * Daily Mail *
A tall tale and a serious work of literature…its reputation suggests that one “should” read it, and so far I would have to agree -- Nigel Rodenhurst * Times Higher Education *
Stunning... A high-spirited historical romance...remarkable. * New York Times Book Review *
An emotional, funny, stunning novel which swings with wide smoothnes s between joy and bleakness, personal lives and history...it's lyrical and angry, satirical and earnest * Observer *
A wonderful epic novel...it has made him a name to conjure with. Both on the large and the small scale it is an absorbing and memorable book...the sweep, invention and warmth of the novel carries one effortlessly along -- Derwent May * The Times *
Hypnotic...a vast tapestry woven in tiny, colourful, intricate detail...a graphic and moving commentary on the futility of war. This magical book stayed in my head long after I had finished it -- Marian Keyes
Captain Corelli's Mandolin achieves that rare feat of saying something new about war...fusing with remarkable felicity the cosmic and the tragic, the lyrical and the epic... And without offering easy answers, it poses difficult questions about love and suspicion, trust and betrayal, faith and despair, creativity and destruction -- André Brink * Times Literary Supplement *
Louis de Bernières is in the direct line that runs through Dickens and Evelyn Waugh...he has only to look into his world, one senses, for it to rush into reality, colours and touch and taste * Evening Standard *
A master of haunted realism. His best novel yet. He deals with death and love and tragedy... This is a novel to be prized * Daily Mail *
Captain Corelli's Mandolin is a wonderful, hypnotic novel of fabulous scope and tremendous, iridescent charm - and you can quote me -- Joseph Heller
- Winner of Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book 1995
ISBN: 9780749397548
Dimensions: 199mm x 130mm x 29mm
Weight: 410g
560 pages