Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Louis de Bernieres

Review to follow.

The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts by Louis de Bernieres

Review to follow.

The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman by Louis de Bernieres

I didn't really want to take out another book as I handed in Captain Corelli's Mandolin, but the librarian suggested it would be a good idea to keep going. She suggested another book by Louis de Bernieres, and the only one she had left was The Troublesome Offspring. Hmm, I though, could be good.

A few pages into the book and I was getting seriously worried. This was nothing like Captain Corelli's Mandolin! Where was the romance, the longing, the adventure? Instead, there was evidence of some magic realism going on, which I love, usually, but I was in the mood for love and romance! However, at some point I realised that I had stopped comparing it to CCM and had started enjoying this book for itself. It is a very quirky story, with magical characters both historical and possibly immortal, as well as plenty of drama, humour, shock, mystery, panthers. It is set in a South American country at a time when Coke is advertising on the moon, but it sounds more as if it was set during the Inquisition and time of the early missionaries.

I really recommend this book as well, although it is completely different from Captain Corelli's Mandolin!

Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres

I was loathe to read this book. The school librarian eventually had to tell me that was the one to take, so I decided I better read it to see if my fears could be proved wrong. Why did I feel so strongly against this book? I haven't even seen the film, but the reviews of the time (which were probably in the "the book is so much better" category) had put me off. Perhaps the thought that it was about a Greek island with Nicolas Cage and a pretty brunette during the war put me off.

However, making me read this book was one of the best things that my librarian has done (and, believe me, she's a pretty amazing librarian who does brilliant things and comes up with wonderful ideas all the time!). By the time I had finished, I did not want to give the book back. Nor did I want to read another book straightaway, and that's pretty much a first for me. A book I just wanted to hold on to and savour.

I don't think I'll write any more ... other than, if you haven't read this book yet, then: do, do, do! Don't be put off by the film, whether or not you've seen it. I'm sure they couldn't have managed to squeeze the whole book into the film anyway. Right. Now - go away and read!