In "Corelli's Mandolin" by Louis de Bernières, there is a vivid description of dilapidated houses that evoke a deep sense of neglect and decay. The author paints a poignant picture of structures that have succumbed to time, suggesting they are barely standing and relying solely on gravity and the routine of their surroundings to remain upright. This imagery reflects not just the physical state of the houses but also hints at the larger themes of resilience and the passage of time within the narrative.
The use of such descriptive language emphasizes the fragility of both the buildings and the lives intertwined with them. The mention of stones losing their mortar signifies a loss of integrity and stability, resonating with the struggles faced by the characters in the story. These sagging houses serve as a metaphor for endurance in the face of adversity, showcasing how things can persist even when they seem on the brink of collapse.