War
War is the main theme of the book since the book js about World War 2. War is seen throughout the novel, for example when the Italians are marching down the roads of Pelagia’s village. Another example is how Carlos brought the Italian soldiers from Albania to Greece and the conditions that they had to survive in; starvation, exhaustion, cold weather and the white death that many soldiers died from. Another important event is when Mandras, Pelagia’s love interest before Antonio, went to fight at mainland Greece, but joined a communist group called ELAS (and later EAM) that taught its members how to torture, kill, steal and rape women with cold blood. They were also taught reading and writing if they didn't already know how to do it. The effect of war is shown on the citizens and soldiers (ex. Mandras insanity and injuries). Lastly an example of the horror of war is when the Germans betrayed the Italians by bombing Cephalonia and killing all the remaining soldiers including Carlo and Captain Antonio Corelli that didn’t die.
Love
The book displays three kinds of love: romantic love, family love and love towards friends. Romantic love is seen in the relationship between Carlo Guercio and Francesco, his true love, that he never revealed his feelings to. Francesco died during their trip to Greece through Albania. Another example is Pelagia kissing Captain Corelli, and spending time with him. Family love is seen when the Germans bombed Cephalonia while Pelagia and Dr. Iannis were sitting in the kitchen, snuggling. Dr. Iannis needed to refill the pipe he had in his mouth but he failed to do so because he didn’t want to let go of Pelagia. Lastly, love towards friends is seen when Captain Antonio Corelli wanted to spend time with the rest of his soldiers before they got killed by the Germans. Love is seen in the book in different forms and is unique in every situation.
