Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was published in 1994 and chosen as ‘Best 100 novels in 20 century’. The author of this book, Louis de Bernieres, was born in 1954, London. He had had many different jobs, including being a mechanic, gardener and teacher before he became a full-time writer. He plays several musical instruments including mandolin.

It is 1941. It is the time of the Second World War. The protagonist is a Greek girl Pelagia. She engaged Madras. He was really nice and handsome. But after coming back from war, his appearance and personality changed. Almost a year later, Italian army invaded Greek. Pelagia met the head of the Italian army, Corelli. They fell in love. It was hard to blossom their love. After a few month, Corelli had to go back to fight away from Greek. And then…?

Theme is, of course war. This book tells us how terrible war is and how easily war can change people. Generally speaking, the victim of war is considered soldiers (men). But it tells me that women are also the victim. All they can do at that time is just to wait for their husband, father, or boyfriend. If their husband, father or boyfriend is killed, how can women live after the war? No words can describe their tears.

I do recommend you to read this book. We can learn a lot of things from this book. Or, if you don’t want to read a book, there is a movie based on the same novel. Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz star in it. Although I haven’t seen it, I am already interested in the movie! If you have ever seen it before, please tell me!

Nanako