Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres
November 1st 2006 09:30
Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres
Louis de Bernieres' Captain Corelli's Mandolin had acquired such a strong following that when a movie was made based on the novel, the movie was trashed even before it saw the light of the day. That fact aroused my curiosity and I picked the novel a few years ago. My opinion? It is not too bad a novel. Readable and reasonably entertaining but I still fail to see any "iridiscent beauty" in it.
It is set on a remote Greek island of Cephallonia during the second world war, which is marooned with both the Italian and the German forces stationed on it. Yes, it deals with the love story of a soldier of a Fascist army. No, it doesn't demonise him. On the contrary, it humanises him and satirises Mussolini. What's not to love in it?
Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz
Well, the soldier is as you know Captain Antonio Corelli and he has a mandolin. That's sweet. He is stationed on the island with his platoon and he barges in politley but firmly into the household of a local doctor, Dr. Iannis, who fills his days by dreaming about writing a history of his island. He has a daughter called Pelagia, who is waiting for her bethrothed to come back from the war. it is not long before Corelli sings his way into Pelagia's heart.
The novel is dovetailed narrative of various elements: the history of Dr.Iannis, the confessions of a giant homosexual who is secretly in love with Corelli and the ravings of that mad cat Mussolini. The humour is standard and the romance reminds you of a Bollywood movie. In fact, it is remarkable that such a straight-laced, conventional romance should garner so much devotion. As I've said it is conveniently anti-fascist and all too pat and comes with appropriate asides on tolerance, gays and women. No wonder the Brotherhood went nuts over it.
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Comment by spain01
Juan Carlos
spain again
While your'e about it
Viva l'difference
Fire News Blog
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I remember seeing the movie and remember it not making much of an impression on me.
Comment by nagster
Cenacle
Comment by nagster
Cenacle
I haven't seen the movie myself. After reading the book, didn't find a reason.
Comment by Anonymous
Whoever wrote the above has not read to book - Carlos (the tall man) was in love with Francesco secetly but loved Corelli openly as a "brother" not as a Gay lover! Read the book and get your facts straight!!