In the end I really enjoyed this book, but the sort of campy/folksy start had me wondering if I really wanted to continue this book or not. The early stages of the book set the time frame in history, and tries to show the irreverent and odd characters that make up the population of the Greek island.
But once we get through this, the story takes its time and tells a story from many points of view. The writing felt lyrical and focused on the beauty of life on the island, and unfortunately later it is contrasted with the lifestyle of the residents during war time.
The story arc of Madras, the young fisherman, and how he turned out after the war was especially heartbreaking, but this book is filled with heartbreaking moments. Scenes from the Second World War related by various characters are absolutely brutal. The character of the goatherder was used for laughs now and then, but reading about his lifestyle had me reconsidering mine.
I like stories like this that span lifetimes, and we see how small things connect to others later in life, and how decisions turn out for better or worse.
Personally I thought the ending of this one, and what eventually happened between Corelli and Pelagia felt sort of unnecessary or tacked on, but I can see how some might feel it was a necessary full circle.
Although the book was a little preachy at times I enjoyed reading it, and was surprised to find that it was written so recently. I’m not sure I want to read it again in the future – so much heartbreak is hard to take.
Next I am reading The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo.
