A review by joaffleck
Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Beautifully written - I've never come across an author who can so fantastically write the grand scale of international relations during war time down to the intricacies of common people's relationships and loves. This book will make you want to find an objectively small town/island and completely sink yourself into all its history and make you cry and laugh your way through the endeavour! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is I do feel that the final few chapters are slightly out of character for the book. While I do adore the perspective that new generations, with equally as in-depth stories, will start to replace the old - I honestly would have preferred that Louis had spent a bit more time on Pelagia and Antonio's happiness post reuniting and not, no offense, on young Iannis' want for a girlfriend. Nonetheless I still adored this book and would love to read others by him - even if they will crush me!