874. Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Captain Corelli's Mandolin
Louis de Bernieres
1994
Around 545 pages

After a string of middling novels, I am happy to run into the arms of arguably the most romantic novel on this List. I can't bring myself to watch the movie version, and I can't say the experience would have been as enjoyable if I had been picturing Nicolas Cage as our titular character.

In the 1940s, Dr. Iannis practices medicine on the island of Cephalonia, aided by his daughter, Pelagia. When the Italians invade, the officer in command of the Italian garrison is Captain Antonio Corelli, whose most precious possession is his mandolin.  Corelli and Pelagia become involved in a passionate affair, even though she is engaged to a young fisherman, Mandras, who has gone off to join Greek partisans.

This is a lyrical and beautifully written novel. I can see why some people might find it overly sentimental, and de Bernieres paints a very romanticized, outsider portrait of Greece, but I think it worked. All great romances are over the top. Our central metaphor of the mandolin was implemented so well; it's a masterclass in how to use an object in your story to convey theme. 

Great historical backdrop as well. I feel like we hardly ever spend time in this region during this time, which is odd considering how many lives were lost there. A perfect read for when you are in the romantic and non-cynical mood.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Adapted into the film 2001.

UP NEXT: How Late It Was, How Late by James Kelman

829. Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord

Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord
Louis de Bernieres
1991

Around 350 pages

I am surprised when the List novels have sexual scenes that are genuinely erotic. Around here, you're lucky if the participants aren't related, or if their kinks don't involve various forms of excrement. But I guess it's not so shocking that Louis de Bernieres is the one to break this cycle. He's a romantic guy, after all.

Set in an undisclosed South American country, the novel follows philosophy lecturer Dionisio Vivo who becomes the enemy of the ruthless coca lord El Jerarca after publicly criticizing the drug trade. El Jararca is most likely based on Pablo Escobar, and the country is likely Colombia, due to geographical and political hints and the fact that de Bernieres lived there. By not naming this invented country, he can form an amalgam that highlights the prominent issues of the entire continent. Also, it's probably a much safer choice for him personally.

I guess the sex scenes aren't what is most important here. But damn. Okay, I'm ready to move on. I appreciated de Bernieres' homage to magical realism. Obviously a depressing story but de Bernieres is a sentimental enough writer that I didn't leave completely hopeless. I can't get enough of this guy.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Second of his Latin American trilogy.

UP NEXT: Downriver by Iain Sinclair