Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring, Lyrical, Superb
Review: I bought this book after much badgering from a female friend of mine and to be honest I wasn't really looking forward to it much, thinking 'girly love story' yuk!.....WOW! was I wrong. This is one of those rare books that had me snorting with supressed laughter one minute (very embarrassing on a crowded train) and plunging into the deepest despair the next, so skillful and beautiful is the writing. If you buy one book this year, get this one, the experience will remain with you for a long, long time.
Rating:
Summary: Flawless prose
Review: Corelli's Mandolin is a captivating tale, rich with eloquent observations on the human condition. I ordered it at the end of September along with the highly acclaimed new WWII novel The Triumph and the Glory for my husband and the phenomenal Harry Potter books for my sons. We are one happy reading family right now. Thanks amazon.
Rating:
Summary: Easily the best book I've read in years.
Review: Although I agree the last 50 pages would have been better ommitted, there is no denying the true greatness of this novel. Every character is painted in so many dimensions you truly believe they are real people- and wish you knew them. At times heart breaking, inspiring, shocking and hilarious- i just hope they dont make a mess of the inevitable Holywood adaption.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have written on my home island...
Review: My husband and I have a home on the island of Kefallonia (Cephalonia). It is quite an idyllic place, with a difficult past. Louis deBernieres is a fine writer. He transported me from my northern Virginia home back to the place I'd rather be more than anywhere on earth - Kefallonia. The historical detail, his capturing the spirit of the Greek people -- it is amazing that this man does not live among the Greeks, for I could not believe (as I have heard) he only visited the island once before writing this book. I learned a lot about men and war by reading this book. And the love story between Pelasgi and Corelli was perfect (although he hurried the ending, I believe). Now, when I am back on the island, I look for pine martens wherever I go (and I've yet to see one!). The little creature was a comical touch. If you want to know the history of this lovely place and get a sense of what the islanders have endured over the years, this book is a *must* read.
Rating: 
Summary: Childish
Review: I want to write something constructive to explain why this book was such a waste of money and time, but find myself sitting dumbfounded that I listened to someone who told me it was good. Watch a cartoon if you want characterizations and plot befitting a 10-year-old--it's shorter and cheaper. Factual errors are the least of many troubles. It distresses me that people are taking this as a well researched book.
Rating:
Summary: Louis de Bernieres is the finest author I have ever read.
Review: This book is a masterpiece. I could smell the thyme. I choked on the dust. The characters remain with me and disturb my sleep. My own Grandfather's mandolin has been gathering dust in my closet. Perhaps I'll learn to play it.
Rating:
Summary: An Emotional Journey
Review: M. DeBernieres has a talent for beautiful language, well-developed characters, and superb plot-development. Expect to laugh. Expect to cry. Above all, expect to enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: I did not want the book to end.
Review: Although the violence of the war was difficult to digest, it only bolstered my commitment to see the story through. The richness of the characters remains clear more than a year after completing the book. I wait impatiently for more from this author.
Rating:
Summary: A New Classic
Review: Usually when I find a book I enjoy, I can't wait to get to the last page; I quite literally can't put the book down. But Corelli's Mandolin was a different story altogether. For the first time, I dreaded the end of the tale. This is truly one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is a rare book indeed that can make me laugh out loud and bring me to tears.
Rating:
Summary: 24 hours of my life not wasted.
Review: What an amazing book, Ive just lived through all of the characters experiences on a small greek island during WW2. I laughed, I then had my heart ripped out from my chest, I then cried, And then when I thought that my emotions could not take another battering I laughed. That all happened within 3 sentences of this book.A Truly remarkable piece of fiction. All I can say is if you dont enjoy this book, then go and see a doctor.
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