Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Arcangelo Corelli, a 17th century Italian composer famous for his Baroque concertos, is still popular today. Even if you do not know his name, you have likely heard his music. (Follow the link to nearly forty samples from Amazon.com. Selections from the second disc are much clearer.) His popular Christmas Concerto] is played every December.

The composer has been called the "New Orpheus of our Times." Who was Orpheus - and what does he have to do with Corelli's Mandolin? Turns out, this mythological character from Thrace provides a likely clue to understanding the puzzling end of De Bernieres' novel.

Bulfinch's Mythology tells the tragic tale. Eurydice, Orpheus' young love, was killed by a snake bite. Known for the beautiful music he played on his lyre (one wonders if those sounds could be mimicked by the amazing lyrebird), Orpheus convinces the gods to let him retrieve Eurydice from the underworld (Hades).

The gods agreed - on one condition. Orpheus could not turn around to look at his soul mate until after they had both left the underworld.

Turning to make sure that the love of his life was still behind him, Orpheus forgot the admonition. As soon as he looked at Eurydice, she was taken from him. Like Corelli watching Pelagia, Orpheus had a restricted view.

Did De Bernieres have this story in mind when he crafted the end of his famous novel? He probably isn't telling, but it's the only thing which really fits.