Chapters 51-55 Summary

Chapter 51 is called "Paralysis." The Italian troops in Greece are under the command of General Grandin, who shows no leadership in anticipating the potential conflict with the Germans. Corelli and the other officers in his command grow impatient and frustrated at Grandin's inaction. The Italians have more numbers than the Germans, but delays are allowing the Germans to reinforce.

Chapter 52 is called "Developments." It is a series of short episodes from different aspects of the increasingly tense situation between the Germans and Italians in the area. The Italian officers fear the worst, and Corelli and Carlo give some personal items to Dr. Iannis to hide for them in case of their death. Corelli gives him his mandolin and Carlo his package of manuscripts, to be opened on his death. The final episode of the chapter depicts a British officer decoding the...