Louis de Bernieres is
the author of the novel “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. He is also the
author of “The War of Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts”, “The Troublesome
Offspring of Cardinal Guzman” and “Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord”.
In 2001, a movie based on the novel was made by John Madden, starring
Nicholas Cage and the beautiful Penelope Cruz…
John Madden also directed “Shakespeare in Love”.
The story takes place on the quiet island of Kefalonia, during the
World War II, while Benito Mussolini invaded Greece.
Legions of Italian soldiers
landed on the island of Kefalonia.
One of them is the officer Captain Antonio Corelli, a jovial personage
whose most precious possession is his mandolin.
Doctor Iannis practices medicine on the island, accompanied by his
daughter, Pelagia, an educated and strong-willed woman.
Captain Corelli initially alienates a number of the villagers, including
Pelagia. First offended by Corelli’s behaviour, she slowly falls under
his charms.
Corelli
and Pelagia are involved in a heated affair despite her engagement
to a young fisherman.
The young fiancé joins the Greek Partisans and the feelings
between the officer and the young woman grows. Corelli’s affection
to Pelagia and his fondness to the village’s community cause him to
question his reasons for fighting.
As the war grows, Corelli and Pelagia must choose between the fidelity
to each other and the allegiance to their countries…
