I was a little wary of this book as the movie was so disappointing, but I shouldn't have let that put me off as it is very rare that movie lives up to the promise of the book. (I thought 'The English Patient' was an exception, but I know some will disagree).
I'm about a quarter of the way in I think and still haven't met the eponymous character, but instead have been charmed (and occasionally disgusted) by a host of characters related to the story from different angles, including Metaxes, and Mussolini himself in a very funny stream-of-consciousness monologue. I love the way de Bernieres uses such a variety of styles and viewpoints, from letters, internal monologues and first person perspective, to more traditional 3rd person, omniscient narrator. The characters are vivid and interesting and even though they present some very different perspectives, they are all sympathetic in their own way. My personal favourites at the moment are Lemoni, a small and mischievous 6 year old girl, and the drunken, obese priest.
I am looking forward to meeting Corelli, as I hope to expel the vision of Nicholas Cage permanently from the role! Especially that appalling accent!
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