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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Brunetti's wife Paula has a fairly large role in this book - an aspect of the story that, of course, makes it all the more interesting. Talk about marital stress! The plot, as is to be expected, is solid and engaging. But the inter-play between Guido and Paula is what really makes this book as they stubbornly stick to their (opposing) views, while at the same time sustaining their love and respect for each other. Great read.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Goood murder mystery. The characters in this series continue to develop. A very enjoyable read, though unfortunately has me wanting a European vacation with some good food and wine.
This wasn't my favorite in the series. I didn't really get where it was going for awhile. Still lots of good Donna Leon.
I've read several of the Guido Brunetti mysteries now, and other than the one before this one, I've really liked them all. It's so wonderful to have a flawed yet compassionate, honest, witty character who holds on to his integrity and has great relationships with his family. I also like that Leon introduces global issues, such as human trafficking and environmental pollution, into her books.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was worried by the opening of the book, which shows Paola being very determined about a particular cause -- but that worry dissipated as I continued to read. Once again, a lovely, insightful, slow-moving investigation that reveals as much about Brunetti and Venice as it does about the case. It does take quite a different turn from the "case" presented at the beginning -- one I wish Brunetti had investigated!
I loved getting to see more of Brunetti's relationship with his wife and her strong opinions. This time they get her in deeper trouble. I like this series, in spite of its gritty subject matter.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
In some ways this book was a welcome change - something a bit different happened at the start and Leon found a new form of corruption to rail against. However, while I wouldn't say Paola's vandalism was out of character exactly, it was illogical, which I do find quite out of character, and I find it hard to believe that she would have done it without considering the consequences in a bit more detail.
Moving onto everything that isn't mentioned on the cover:I can't decide if Brunetti's own little foray into corruption was believable or not. I think he's actually a more complex character than he's perhaps meant to be, or Leon doesn't quite do his complexities justice. In some ways he's very liberal in his thinking (this is written in the nineties and he's a policeman, but he's shown compassion for trans people, prostitutes and gay people). However, his campanilismo (I've tried to find the right English word, but this Italian word seems best suited) and prejudice against people from other areas of Italy (and sometimes foreigners) is beginning to grate.
I was annoyed that the domestic dispute between Brunetti and Paola was settled in such a lacklustre way (sees flowers, remembers he's angry with Paola, remembers that Paola exists, buys flowers). It also made me laugh that Brunetti has apparently learnt from experience that there's no point reflecting on mistakes to see how things can have been done differently - what a different world the 90s was.
I will continue eventually, if for no other reasons than a) I want to know if Brunetti ever learns to use a computer, and b) I want to know whether the kids age (because I'm sure Chiara has got two years younger since four books ago). Overall, I think this series is much better if you don't read too many in close proximity.
Moving onto everything that isn't mentioned on the cover:
I will continue eventually, if for no other reasons than a) I want to know if Brunetti ever learns to use a computer, and b) I want to know whether the kids age (because I'm sure Chiara has got two years younger since four books ago). Overall, I think this series is much better if you don't read too many in close proximity.