"When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No... don't blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away"
(In 2008 as part of my A-Level English Lit curriculum I studied this book, and instantly I fell in love. Who wouldn't, when it comes to a story of love that endures and survives all odds - but this book is so much more. Its about faith, hope, bravery and dreams. I will visit Cephallonia someday, and I will carry the autograph of Louis de Bernieres that I have. And I will have my highlighted, annotated copy of the novel that will always be one of my favourites. Must read.)
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