Setting

Corelli's Mandolin unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, during the early 1940s, as the Axis powers extend their reach across Europe and into the Mediterranean. It primarily takes place on Cephalonia, an idyllic Greek island that suddenly finds itself thrust into the midst of war as Italian and German forces occupy its shores.

The novel vividly portrays life on Cephalonia, a place where ancient myths and local superstitions blend seamlessly with the harsh realities of war. Louis de Bernières paints a rich picture of the island's rugged landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, and close-knit communities. The author's detailed descriptions transport readers to a world where the factual and fantastical coexist, creating a unique and enchanting setting for the unfolding drama.

While the story is centered on Cephalonia, it also touches on events occurring in other parts of Greece and Italy. The narrative occasionally shifts to the Greek mainland, where characters become involved in partisan activities, and to Italy, as the political landscape shifts and allegiances change. These broader geographical references serve to contextualize the events on Cephalonia within the larger tapestry of World War II, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of the conflict on even the most remote corners of Europe.

Characters

• Dr. Iannis: The island's physician and Pelagia's father. A cultured and wise man who narrates parts of the story.
• Pelagia: Dr. Iannis's strong-willed and intelligent daughter who falls in love with Corelli.
• Captain Antonio Corelli: A charming Italian officer and skilled mandolin player who is billeted with Dr. Iannis and Pelagia.
• Mandras: A local fisherman who becomes Pelagia's fiancé before leaving to fight in the war.
• Carlo Guercio: A gay Italian soldier who saves Corelli's life and harbors unrequited love for Francesco.
• Drosoula: Mandras's mother, who becomes close to Pelagia after her son's death.
• Velisarios: A villager known for his physical feats.
• Father Arsenios: The local priest who opposes the Italian occupation.
• Lemoni: A young girl in the village who befriends Corelli.
• Günter Weber: A German officer who becomes conflicted about his duties.

Quick facts

• Corelli's Mandolin was originally published in 1994 and became an international bestseller.
• The novel is set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during World War II.
• The title refers to the mandolin played by one of the main characters, Captain Antonio Corelli.
• In 2001, Corelli's Mandolin was adapted into a major motion picture, starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz.
• The novel has also been adapted into a radio play and a stage production.
• Author Louis de Bernières was inspired to write the novel after visiting Cephalonia.
• Corelli's Mandolin blends historical events with fictional characters and magical realism elements.
• It explores themes of love, war, music, and Greek culture and history.
• The novel earned the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book in 1995.
• Corelli's Mandolin was listed as #19 on the BBC's survey “The Big Read” of Britain's best-loved books.

About the author

Louis de Bernières is an English writer best known for his 1994 novel, Corelli's Mandolin. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this acclaimed work of historical fiction won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book and became an international bestseller, with translations into nearly a dozen languages.

Born in 1954 in London, de Bernières briefly served in the army and worked as an English teacher in Colombia before focusing on writing. His Latin American trilogy, which consists of The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts, Señor Vivo and the Coca Lord, and The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman, draws heavily from his time in Colombia and the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez. Music frequently plays a significant role in his works, with references to composers and instruments peppered throughout his novels.

In addition to novels, de Bernières has written short story collections, poetry, and a play. His book Red Dog, inspired by a statue he saw in Western Australia, was adapted into a successful film. De Bernières's more recent works include the Daniel Pitt Trilogy, which follows the life of a World War I flying ace and was inspired by his grandfather's experiences.