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A review by narflet
A Venetian Reckoning by Donna Leon
3.0
Massive step up from previous books. Not quite enough for me to say I really liked it and bump it to four stars, but I solidly enjoyed it and that's largely because it's a step up in the writing. I find this often happens when you read an author's works in order, you can watch the writing grow and improve as the author continues to learn and hone the craft. It's a really enjoyable thing to experience.
There are some brilliant, thoughtful sections in this book and I think that's what makes it interesting. I'm not really so interested in the whodunit, or working out the puzzle, but sections like the reflection on morality in chapter 13 are great. The themes of slavery and forced prostitution are done well in this book, they never felt to me like 'Now I'm exploring this hot topic in this book, having previously covered...', and they never felt crass or judgemental. Well handled. Plus,total sympathy with the murderer at the end, which is an interesting and different finish .
Another reason that the books gradually get more interesting is the gradual development of all the central characters. The progression of Elettra was particularly good. I liked her when she was introduced in the previous book, she's an interesting character, and the introduction of early internet and her use of it in this book was great. A real point in history, almost casually captured, and rather entertaining now (though I'm sure it wasn't meant to be in '95, in fact it probably was a bit 'hot topic' then!). Chiara is another great character (and Paola is getting better written too); it'll be interesting to see if there's any lasting effects for her after events in this book.
I've got the next two books from the library to read too (you reserve a book through the library system and there's no telling how long it'll take to turn up - this one took ages, then the other two followed very quickly behind it!), and I'm actually looking forward to them now.
There are some brilliant, thoughtful sections in this book and I think that's what makes it interesting. I'm not really so interested in the whodunit, or working out the puzzle, but sections like the reflection on morality in chapter 13 are great. The themes of slavery and forced prostitution are done well in this book, they never felt to me like 'Now I'm exploring this hot topic in this book, having previously covered...', and they never felt crass or judgemental. Well handled. Plus,
Another reason that the books gradually get more interesting is the gradual development of all the central characters. The progression of Elettra was particularly good. I liked her when she was introduced in the previous book, she's an interesting character, and the introduction of early internet and her use of it in this book was great. A real point in history, almost casually captured, and rather entertaining now (though I'm sure it wasn't meant to be in '95, in fact it probably was a bit 'hot topic' then!). Chiara is another great character (and Paola is getting better written too); it'll be interesting to see if there's any lasting effects for her after events in this book.
I've got the next two books from the library to read too (you reserve a book through the library system and there's no telling how long it'll take to turn up - this one took ages, then the other two followed very quickly behind it!), and I'm actually looking forward to them now.