Corelli's Mandolin

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But I found a nice blend of humor, drama, and romance. The movie just barely gives us a glimpse of the humor. Pelagia and Antonio's romance is, in a word, INTENSE. In the book there is much joking around before these dramatic moments. However, given the World War II setting, the movie works. I also approve of Antonio finding his way back MUCH earlier in the movie. After I read the book, I kept shaking my head and moaning "FORTY YEARS??? What a waste."

While the Italians are occupying the island, the movie varies greatly. There is a scene with a dance that was not in the book. Also, Antonio announces in front of half the town that he has written "Pelagia's Song". While this makes for a great scene, it was a private moment in the book.

As Antonio lies dying beneath Carlo, he asks Gunter "shoot me". I liked this addition. It makes Gunter's decision to leave him alive even more noble.

Carlo's homosexuality is not revealed in the movie. This makes his decision to throw himself in front of Antonio during the massacre a bit more of a puzzle. But the movie was long and involved as it was, so this omission is understandable.

Pelagia's original finace, Madras, is a much more sympathetic character in the movie. He turns into a brave leader and warrior, and treats Pelagia with kindness, even when she betrays his love. In the end, he is the one who saves Antonio. He still hopes to win Pelagia's love. In the book he rapes Pelagia, and she murders him. Quite a contrast. However, I found the movie version of this character more poignant and dramatic.

Another simplification in the movie is Lemoni. She is adopted by Pelagia and her father, where in the book, an infant left on their doorstep, and this becomes their adopted child.

While the movie differs greatly from the book on several important points, it was a decent adaptation, and in some ways made for a better story.