Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by British author Louis de Bernieres is a love story set on the idyllic Greek Island of Kefalonia during a not so idyllic time in the island’s history – the Italian and German occupation of the Second World War.
This passage from the book beautifully outlines what love truly is, long after the passion and excitement of ‘new love’ passes. It is a perfect analogy for the commitment and common values required for a truly happy and successful marriage.
From Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
by Louis de Bernieres
Love is a temporary madness,
it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.
And when it subsides you have to make a decision.
You have to work out whether your roots have 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 promulgation of eternal passion.
That is just being “in love” which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,
and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground,
and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches,
they find that they are one tree and not two.
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