Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (Louis de Bernieres)

I’ve been making headway through my list of 100 must read books; however, I am a bit behind on the reviews! Think I had better get busy - so here’s my thoughts on my latest read; Captain Corelli's Mandolin:

What it’s About:

The book is set on the beautiful Greek Island  of Cephallonia and follows the story of the young and humorous Italian officer, Captain Antonio Corelli, who is posted to the island as part of the occupying forces. He soon falls head over heels in love with the local doctor’s spirited daughter. Their blossoming relationship initially survives against the odds, but will it endure the years during a war so brutal?

Why Read It:

This multimillion-copy bestseller is an extraordinarily well written book and its masterful storyline will sweep you through the pages where you will encounter laughter, war, faith, loss, courage, integrity and love. Have the tissues handy though because the charismatic characters will draw you in and you’ll find yourself laughing and crying with them every step of the way.

Favourite Quotes:

“When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No... don't blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn't sound very exciting, does it? But it is!”

“Did you know that childhood is the only time in our lives when insanity is not only permitted to us, but expected?”

“Inside, the doctor filled an eyedropper with goat milk and began to drip it into the back of the marten's throat. It filled him with immense medical satisfaction when eventually it urinated on the knee of his trousers. This indicated healthy renal functioning.”