About the book
It is 1941 and Captain Antonio Corelli, a young Italian officer, is posted to the Greek island of Cephallonia as part of the occupying forces. At first he is ostracised by the locals, but as a conscientious but far from fanatical soldier, whose main aim is to have a peaceful war, he proves in time to be civilised, humorous – and a consumate musician. When the local doctor’s daughter’s letters to her fiancé – and members of the underground – go unanswered, the working of the eternal triangle seems inevitable. But can this fragile love survive as a war of bestial savagery gets closer and the lines are drawn between invader and defender?
Reviewed by Museum Book Group:
A good read. Shows the effect of war on a small community. The relationship between the German and Italian occupiers. The effect on the occupied Greek community. The love story between Captain Correlli and Pelagia. The futility of war and the waste of two lives.
Star rating: ***
Review by Rivermead Book Club
The flow of the prose was excellent. The story grips you with well-defined characters. We learned a lot about the history of the period and place.
Star rating: ****
Review by The Tuesday Crew Reading Group:
Fine historical novel – detailed but well described so maintains the flow of the story, rich characters. A good read but a bit slow to start.
Star rating: ***
Review by Circuits Reading Group:
A challenging read – quite long and slow to get going, with some difficult vocabulary. However, all felt it was a really good insight into wartime Greece with some very realistic and sympathetic characters. A really good and enjoyable book.
Star rating: ***plus