Books Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres

Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières is a historical novel set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during World War II, focusing on the lives of Pelagia, the daughter of a local doctor, and Captain Antonio Corelli, an Italian officer stationed there. Pelagia is initially engaged to Mandras, a local fisherman who goes off to fight with the Greek partisans. When the Italian army occupies the island, Corelli is billeted with Pelagia’s family, and despite initial tensions, Pelagia and Corelli gradually fall in love. The novel explores their relationship amid the complexities of war, including shifting allegiances, the brutality of the German occupation, and the massacre of Italian soldiers by German forces after Italy surrenders. Corelli survives a firing squad thanks to a comrade’s sacrifice and escapes with Pelagia’s help. The story spans decades, touching on themes of love, war, loyalty, and the impact of history on personal lives. Pelagia adopts a daughter named Antonia, after Corelli’s beloved mandolin, symbolizing enduring love and legacy. The novel combines romance, tragedy, and rich character portraits against the backdrop of historical events and cultural life on the island1346.

1 BOOK