This book tells the story of Pelagia (a greek girl) and Captain Correlli (an Italian soldier) who met each other during War World II and despite being enemies they love each other.
It is a book highly recommended at least from me!I so much love it.It is easily read and highly enjoyed.Although it looks so huge I read in only four days.I literally couldn't put it down.We get to hear the story fomr various accounts not only from Pelagia and this is so refreshing it just gives you a more completed view.
The characters are well described and the writer seems to know only too well the nature of the Greeks.This is not an easy thing, I assure, being Greek and all.One character of particular interest is Pelagia's father, old, educated, open minded, full of winsdom and understanding.There is Drosoula , Mandra's mother that comes to love Pelagia as a real mother would love her own daughter a true survivor of life, knows only too well of war, people's unexplained malice but has a loving heart.
Pelagia is beautifull, educated, tempestuos, a real greek fighter.Antonio is a musician, an artist.Too kind hearted, too sweet, too much in love with Pelagia what a real artist ought to be.
It is so much than a simple love story.It describes the love-lust love between Pelagia and Mandras, the love between father and daughter, the love of history even the love between men.Carlos is a gay italian soldier and through his own mouth we learn that he is homosexual and in love with Corelli.
The writer condemns every sort of abusing power by fasists or communists.I love his historical view and his way of interpreting history with a fresh eye and a clear heart.
Some might find the ending somewhat sad, but I especially liked it because it was more close to reality than fairy tal endings we encounter in a lot of books but it was not without a note of happiness.
Now, the movie.I have seen that too of course and although as a movie freak I realise that it was not something special I did enjoy the movie.The fact that i have read the book after the movie didn't heart neither the fact that I have a thing for the beauty and the talent of Penelope (if you feel like screaming please shut up and watch Volver and then we can talk about my talented Pe) and Nicolas Cage (I am so in love with the way he moves his fingers and he is such a brilliant actor he was heartbreaking at Leaving Las Vegas).A big part of the book is either altered or totally missing and so is the ending, but I think it is impossible to make this book a movie and not miss or alter anything, maybe a mini series but not a movie.
What I mean to say is that although I liked the movie and adored the book I do understand why people are not so fond of it.So if by any chance you have seen the movie, hate it and didn't give the book achance you are so utterly robbed of something so beautiful as this amazing book.An excellent choice and a must read for everyone who loves good literature.
Some photos from the movie.Sorry I couldn't resist.
