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Captain Corelli's Mandolin cover art

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

By: Louis de Bernieres
Narrated by: Michael Maloney
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Summary

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 soldier, whose main aim is to have a peaceful war, he proves in time to be civilised, humorous - and a consummate musician. When the local doctor's daughter's letters to her fiancé go unanswered, the working of the eternal triangle seems inevitable. But can this fragile love survive as the war gets closer and the lines are drawn between invader and defender?

©1994 Louis de Bernières (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Captain Corelli's Mandolin

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Gripping, interesting and passionate

I truly loved this book, the characters, setting, events and relationships were all well written and beautifully narrated. I was wrapped up in it, taking every chance I could to listen.

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Beautifully written and read

This was an unexpected pleasure; having seen the unmemorable film a few years ago, I only bought this because of the high ratings. They were totally deserved. De Bernieres’ use of language and knowledge of the Greek society were impeccable, as was Michael Maloney’s performance. This was an utter gem which will leave an impression on me for years.

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Superbly vivid and evocative

Great narration and wonderful characters keep this love story moving along nicely. The war scenes are suitably gruesome. Going into my favourites.

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STRUMMING HEARTSTRINGS

If you could sum up Captain Corelli's Mandolin in three words, what would they be?

Dying to live.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Captain Corelli's Mandolin?

The death of Carlo.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Greek fire..

Any additional comments?

A good book well performed with reminders of the real horrors of war.

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Wonderfully narrated - the most beautiful story

I adored every minute of reading this the first time, and enjoyed it even more to hear it performed/narrated perfectly. I laughed out loud and cried. It’s a masterpiece

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A beautiful love story set against the backdrop of little known world war 2 history in Greece

Like other readers I tried and failed to read this book when it first came out but listening to it as an Audio book was a joy and I would advise anyone to stick with it. It frequently made me laugh out loud, it is wise and contains beautiful philosophies on love, marriage, politics, war and death. The unflinching descriptions of the soldiers who fought in the war and the civilians who starved because of it are heartbreaking. If I have any minor criticism it is that women are described unfairly as they get older as hags and too much emphasis is placed on their appearance in the book. Having said that, there is no doubt the female characters are all feisty and ahead of their time however I felt that whilst everyone had a story of loss Pelagia’s loss in particular was not really redeemed at the end.

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Beautiful & lie affirming

Beautifil. I'm a cynical middle aged man and this had me blubbing on many occasions. I can't imagine my life without it now.

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I loved this book-amazing!

If you could sum up Captain Corelli's Mandolin in three words, what would they be?

Greece, love, war

What was one of the most memorable moments of Captain Corelli's Mandolin?

The firing squad, the kiss with the snails, her finance's return - so many memorable parts to choose from!

Which character – as performed by Michael Maloney – was your favourite?

Pelagia

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lots of moments it's a really nice love story and lots of moments were moving- but maybe most is Carlos and his letter?

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Really good story, very well read

What made the experience of listening to Captain Corelli's Mandolin the most enjoyable?

Michael Maloney's acting. I read the book some years ago and really enjoyed the story, but it's even better having a proper actor read it.

What about Michael Maloney’s performance did you like?

I liked the way he acted each character, rather than just reading the words out loud, even to the point of doing elderly voices as the main characters aged. Nice attention to detail.

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great book

loved the book, the setting and the narration... perfect! Funny, sad and very thought provoking.

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