Rating: 
Summary: A masterpiece
Review: Yes, like many people I struggled with the first few chapters, however do persevere, because you will be richly rewarded. I know a lot of people have criticised the ending but I found this book to be so refreshing and uplifting. Extremely well researched it is an essential read. I beseech you to ignore the pseudo intellectuals who have somewhat smugly mocked this book (they are probably jealous) read it, you will laugh, cry and learn about the inhumanity of war.
Rating: 
Summary: a great, informative read -- but again, oy, that ending!
Review: This book definitely does live up to a great deal of its hype - it is moving, funny, very human and certainly gave me a real insight into the lives and tragedies of `ordinary' civilians during the Second World War. But ... did anyone else have trouble with his women characters? I know a lot of people were displeased with the ending (me too; I think Corelli should have come back sooner or not at all -- as someone says earlier, the last 80 pages are fairly dire -- but even early on in the book, the way Pelagia dumps Mandras because he comes back all skanky - are we supposed to be on her side? And isn't it a disappointment that after Pelagia raises `her' Antonia to be such a free thinking independent woman she winds up some bourgeouis, seemingly empty-headed trophy wife? I had a REALLY hard time with the women in this book, I'm afraid. Still, it feels like nit-picking when, honestly, overall, I'd recommend it very highly.
Rating: 
Summary: Probably the second best novel I have ever read.
Review: Second only to Hugo's "Les Miserables" and that for plot only. De Bernier's use of English is exquisite, what a beautiful language it is at the pen of a master. His expression of the characters' feelings is compelling and the feelings he evokes in the reader, swing from bliss and unbridled joy to devastating sorrow, with almost everything else in between. I had tears in my eyes most of the time, one way or the other. The ending does stretch one's credibility, but the book as a whole is an absolute must.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books written -- almost
Review: Man, this was one great book. I can't remember the last time a novel invoked such passion. But that ending -- humph, it's like de Berniers just got tired of writing. Don't get me wrong, I love a tragedy as much as the next, but the author's reasons for Antonio's actions in the book's final 80ish pages are wholly unbelievable and bordering on insulting. AND to expect us to believe he had trouble excepting Carlo's secret -- give me a break! This truly is one GREAT book, but I'd like to think the last 80 pages were written by someone else.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, except for the bit where Corelli fails to return
Review: It was all exceptionally well written. But in all honesty a man who had fallen so much in love with Pelagia and who had gone through so much with her and with her family and friends etc, would not have returned just for a glimpse of her only to disappear for 30 years...that was unrealistic. If it had been me I would have run over to her and embraced her!!
Rating:
Summary: A fatal flaw ruined it all
Review: Captain Correli's Mandolin could have been one of the best novels to come out of England this decade. De Berniers' characterisation, humour and plot structure are nearly flawless, and the compassionate humanity of this awesomely talented writer held me spellbound from the first. De Berniers does not flinch from setting his story with a hard, political edge - rather, he embraces the opportunity to excellent effect. The terrible sufferings endured by the Cephalonians during - and more shockingly after - the Second World War, were as frightening as they were believable, and I am glad to have been given some education in the history of the region. Characters, also, were confidently drawn, and De Berniers did them the service of portraying them as real, flawed human beings. In short De Berniers had it all: plot, humour, politics, injustice, tragedy, resolution. Then, for a reason forever unknown to this correspondent, Mr De Berniers ruined (I do not use the word lightly) an! otherwise excellent book. The cause of the separation of Correli and Pelagia is unquestionably the most implausible and laboured scene I have ever read: I was left gasping with disbelief when I realised the demands the author was making on my credulity. Another problem with the last pages is that the reader is taken on a tiresome whistle-stop tour of the sixty years following the end of the war. It is clear that the dreadful ending does ruin an otherwise excellent book, so I must advise anyone who has been turned off the idea of reading it: please do read it: it is an excellent novel. Just put it firmly on the bookshelf when you're eighty pages from the end!
Rating:
Summary: Moving, funny - brilliant
Review: In England this book is being passed hand to hand and gathering fans at every turn. It is as good a read as I have had since I finished all the Robertson-Davies books.
Rating:
Summary: A great book which will turn you inside out...
Review: This is a great book with strong characters and a riveting story which evokes thought about life's rich, historical context. The characters are so real and well-developed they seem like you truly know them. Some are lovable, some are charming, and some may be detestable, but all are unique and interesting. The story is fascinating... set in a small village on a greek island where the reader experiences the village's sleepy existence, its turbelent military occupation, and the outcome of those (and other) events. The history of the island and characters evoke thought about life's rich, historical context. It shows how history shapes nations and races and how personal experiences shape individuals. Importantly, it also illustrates how each individual plays an important role in defining both the present and influencing the future.
Rating:
Summary: Characters so real and so lovable
Review: This book was, quite simply, one of the most enjoyable and enduring I've read for a long, long time. Like a lot of people, I keep thinking there's a book inside me just waiting to get out but I don't think I'll ever be capable of such a masterpiece. Indeed, I don't think I can find the superlatives to express how good I felt it was. I think what makes it so beautiful is that there are so many lovable characters - people that are developed so well in the text that you know them inside out. I felt as if I had lived among them. The circumstances that befall the small Greek island and its inhabitants are so sad and, at the end, it was almost enough to make me weep. Not sadness borne out of the cruelty of the war but of the sadness that came with the love of the central characters. I've lent this book to two friends who both said it was brilliant. A little note for new readers - I found there was a part of the book near the beginning where I had to "stick with it". It's the narrative that explains the Italian/Greek roles in the Second World War. But it's essential (at least it was for me) to fully enjoy the whole book. Read it, you'll love it!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, warm, witty and sad
Review: This novel has it all - great characters, the folly of war, humour, sadness and a pine marten! It is also about a very sad time that I (a fanatic history buff) knew so little about - the Italian occupation of the Greek Islands in World War Two. Take some time to lock yourself away for an all in one read - it is well worth the effort.
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