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Commissario Brunetti #31
Give Unto Others
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First published March 15, 2022
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About the author
Donna Leon
107 books2,921 followersDonna Leon (born September 29, 1942, in Montclair, New Jersey) is an American author of a series of crime novels set in Venice and featuring the fictional hero Commissario Guido Brunetti.
Donna Leon has lived in Venice for over twenty-five years. She has worked as a lecturer in English Literature for the University of Maryland University College - Europe (UMUC-Europe) in Italy, then as a Professor from 1981 to 1999 at the american military base of Vicenza (Italy) and a writer.
Her crime novels are all situated in or near Venice. They are written in English and translated into many foreign languages, although not, by her request, into Italian. Her ninth Brunetti novel, Friends in High Places, won the Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger in 2000.
Series:
* Commissario Brunetti
Donna Leon has lived in Venice for over twenty-five years. She has worked as a lecturer in English Literature for the University of Maryland University College - Europe (UMUC-Europe) in Italy, then as a Professor from 1981 to 1999 at the american military base of Vicenza (Italy) and a writer.
Her crime novels are all situated in or near Venice. They are written in English and translated into many foreign languages, although not, by her request, into Italian. Her ninth Brunetti novel, Friends in High Places, won the Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger in 2000.
Series:
* Commissario Brunetti
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 733 reviews
February 6, 2022
Donna Leon's latest in the Commissario Guido Brunnetti series is an intelligent, slow burn, meandering unofficial investigation led by Brunnetti, in which he ropes in fellow Questura colleagues, Claudia Griffoni, Lorenzo Vianello and the woman from whom very little can be hidden, secretary Signorina Elletra Zorza. Venice is depicted in detail, a beautiful city emerging from the damaging pandemic, with the morgue of closed down shops, the suppression of tactile human contact that so characterises the Italian manner of relating to people, and the bored youngsters forming 'baby gangs'. Elisabetta Foscarini, Guido knew her as a child, they were neighbours, who he has occasionally glimpsed on the streets through the years, asks him to look into her son-in-law, Enrico Fenzo, an accountant married to her daughter Flora.
Guido is given very little to go on, only that Fenzo told Flora that they could be in danger. Feeling that he owes loyalty to Elisabetta's mother, who had been kind to him, he agrees to help and that there will be no police records kept. The smart close knit police team hone in Fenzo's accountancy business, thinking that it's good place to start, looking at his clients, but they hear little but praise for him. They move onto a South American charity that Fenzo had helped Elisabetta's husband set up, the Belize nel Cuore, providing a hospital and medical services to the poor, a charity that was founded with a retired, ex-naval Vice-Admiral suffering from dementia. When Flora's veterinary clinic is vandalised and her dog hurt, the police are called to the scene, putting their team inquiries for the first time on a formal police footing.
Leon gives us a glimpse into Brunneti's past, his memories of events and people that are not what they appear to be, and which his brother is to throw a far different perspective on. Some of the highlights of this addition to the series are the insightful pictures provided of class, dementia, the way that charities can be seen and utilised in society and the parallels to be found of the experience of Covid and the police investigation. I found this to be an engaging and engrossing read, I particularly liked the way it dawns on Brunetti that he would have been better served if he had looked through the eyes of a police officer and been more questioning, rather than accepting matters at face value, which leaves him and his team open to being manipulated. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Guido is given very little to go on, only that Fenzo told Flora that they could be in danger. Feeling that he owes loyalty to Elisabetta's mother, who had been kind to him, he agrees to help and that there will be no police records kept. The smart close knit police team hone in Fenzo's accountancy business, thinking that it's good place to start, looking at his clients, but they hear little but praise for him. They move onto a South American charity that Fenzo had helped Elisabetta's husband set up, the Belize nel Cuore, providing a hospital and medical services to the poor, a charity that was founded with a retired, ex-naval Vice-Admiral suffering from dementia. When Flora's veterinary clinic is vandalised and her dog hurt, the police are called to the scene, putting their team inquiries for the first time on a formal police footing.
Leon gives us a glimpse into Brunneti's past, his memories of events and people that are not what they appear to be, and which his brother is to throw a far different perspective on. Some of the highlights of this addition to the series are the insightful pictures provided of class, dementia, the way that charities can be seen and utilised in society and the parallels to be found of the experience of Covid and the police investigation. I found this to be an engaging and engrossing read, I particularly liked the way it dawns on Brunetti that he would have been better served if he had looked through the eyes of a police officer and been more questioning, rather than accepting matters at face value, which leaves him and his team open to being manipulated. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
April 4, 2024
In Venice, the first wave of the pandemic is beginning to wane, with lockdowns and curfews at last being wound down. For months the city has seen a significant downfall in the number of crimes the police have been called upon to investigate, so when an ex-neighbour of Commissario Guido Brunetti calls on him to request a favour he is inclined to offer his assistance. It’s a small matter and she’s certainly not reporting something that would normally involve the police, it’s just that she’s worried that her son-in-law may be experiencing some troubles and would Guido mind digging around a bit and hopefully set her mind at rest. Such is the way with this series that it seems natural he’d help.
Brunetti enlists some of his colleagues in his quest for information – yes, four officers of varying ranks (plus a secretary, the wily Elettra Zorzi) form a brain trust to crack this particular challenge. As information stacks up, a picture slowly starts to emerge, but is there a crime here? In truth, it hardly matters. The puzzle will be solved, of that we are sure, but the pleasure here is principally in the journey to its resolution. Along the way, I particularly enjoyed the chemistry between Brunetti – a born and bred Venetian – and his fellow Commissario, Claudia Griffoni, a Neapolitan by birth. Griffoni has played an increasing part in these tales of late, and I think she offers an interesting counterbalance to the Venetian’s rather staid approach. They get on well, respecting each other’s skills, but they are very different people, and I believe the perceptible tension between them adds something to the mix.
I’ve been following Brunetti for over twenty years (this is book number 31) and whenever I sit down with the latest episode I feel that I’m reacquainting myself with a group of old friends: Guido, his wife Paola and their children and also Brunetti’s colleagues at the Questura. The crime itself – if you can actually identify one – is often inconsequential to my enjoyment of these books, what I most enjoy is the verbal jousting that takes place between the various players and the frequent tangential musings on art, food, literature and history, or simply on the overt bureaucracy that is an inescapable component of life in this country. If this makes the books sound somewhat muddled or confused, then I can only assure you that they don’t read this way.
The author’s stories do, though, paint a warts and all picture of the city of Venice, showing us the underbelly of a place replete with high culture and wealth. Often, the spotlight is on a specific crime that’s been committed, but on other occasions, its focus can feel somewhat nebulous. And at times it’s clear to see how the issue(s) being addressed might easily be transferrable to another place and another time, but at other times it feels that the problem really is specific to this place and its unique environment. I’ve only visited Venice once, but those few days made a huge impression on me. For now, my re-visits are through Donna Leon’s annual slice of thought provoking fiction: her brilliantly observed characters; her highly tuned eye spotting things most casual observers would walk straight past; her intelligent insight into problems both modern and timeless.
It’s another classy episode from one of my very favourite writers. I’m always sad to reach the conclusion to one of these books as it means I’ll have to wait a further twelve months for the next one. Maybe I’ll have to go back to the start and read through the series afresh – I need to find a way of bridging that gap.
My thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Brunetti enlists some of his colleagues in his quest for information – yes, four officers of varying ranks (plus a secretary, the wily Elettra Zorzi) form a brain trust to crack this particular challenge. As information stacks up, a picture slowly starts to emerge, but is there a crime here? In truth, it hardly matters. The puzzle will be solved, of that we are sure, but the pleasure here is principally in the journey to its resolution. Along the way, I particularly enjoyed the chemistry between Brunetti – a born and bred Venetian – and his fellow Commissario, Claudia Griffoni, a Neapolitan by birth. Griffoni has played an increasing part in these tales of late, and I think she offers an interesting counterbalance to the Venetian’s rather staid approach. They get on well, respecting each other’s skills, but they are very different people, and I believe the perceptible tension between them adds something to the mix.
I’ve been following Brunetti for over twenty years (this is book number 31) and whenever I sit down with the latest episode I feel that I’m reacquainting myself with a group of old friends: Guido, his wife Paola and their children and also Brunetti’s colleagues at the Questura. The crime itself – if you can actually identify one – is often inconsequential to my enjoyment of these books, what I most enjoy is the verbal jousting that takes place between the various players and the frequent tangential musings on art, food, literature and history, or simply on the overt bureaucracy that is an inescapable component of life in this country. If this makes the books sound somewhat muddled or confused, then I can only assure you that they don’t read this way.
The author’s stories do, though, paint a warts and all picture of the city of Venice, showing us the underbelly of a place replete with high culture and wealth. Often, the spotlight is on a specific crime that’s been committed, but on other occasions, its focus can feel somewhat nebulous. And at times it’s clear to see how the issue(s) being addressed might easily be transferrable to another place and another time, but at other times it feels that the problem really is specific to this place and its unique environment. I’ve only visited Venice once, but those few days made a huge impression on me. For now, my re-visits are through Donna Leon’s annual slice of thought provoking fiction: her brilliantly observed characters; her highly tuned eye spotting things most casual observers would walk straight past; her intelligent insight into problems both modern and timeless.
It’s another classy episode from one of my very favourite writers. I’m always sad to reach the conclusion to one of these books as it means I’ll have to wait a further twelve months for the next one. Maybe I’ll have to go back to the start and read through the series afresh – I need to find a way of bridging that gap.
My thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2021
Brunetti's pace had slowed as he thought about the similarity between this disease and Elisabetta's story. Get told what seems a simple event, and soon it's expanding out of control; understand the basic facts, until a new variant appears. Believe you've found the source, only to stumble upon new information that changes everything. Conclusions vanish, explanations fail. Stop being attentive, and the next day there are new victims.
It's only on reaching this statement at 93% that it becomes clear that this is Leon's Covid novel. Sure, she's noted how social distancing has been particularly emotionally stressful in a culture that takes kissing, hugging and touching even strangers and bare acquaintances for granted; and reported the small personal tragedies of independent bars, restaurants and shops closing across Venice. But this is one of the slower, least satisfying of a series I usually love and it seems that the story has been purposefully created in order to get to this analogy with Covid which feels rather pompous and is not particularly accurate ('the source'? 'explanations fail'? 'new information that changes everything'?)
It's potentially an interesting story based on not a legal crime, but a moral and ethical one. And one of the victims offers up a hard-hitting portrait of a family dealing with the consequences of dementia that is as emotionally powerful as Leon has ever been.
But otherwise this is both more of the same (the Falieris, as usual, know everyone) with Brunetti's little team of Elettra, Vianello and Claudia rallying round to do an off-the-books investigation, and not enough of the ingredients we have come to love. Sadly, Paola hardly appears and says very little and we don't even see Brunetti's family, usually a source of much warmth and light-heartedness.
So overall this felt rather slight to me even though the 'crime' speaks volumes - and I found the plotting rather holey, not least the perpetrator and their actions. Still, it's always fun to be in Brunetti's company even if this isn't a showcase book in the series.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley.
December 21, 2021
I have enjoyed the Brunetti books I have read, but for me this one wasn’t all that good.
Brunetti is approached by a woman who knew him and his family long ago, asking his “advice”; she is worried about her daughter because of the behaviour of the daughter’s husband. Brunetti allows old loyalty to draw him into an “unofficial” investigation, which slowly - very slowly - begins to uncover possible malfeasance.
Frankly, I found it something of a slog, certainly for the first two-thirds. It seems to take Brunetti an age to spot some pretty obvious pointers, there is almost no Brunetti family life and even Venice itself didn’t seem the essential character it usually is and I found the descriptions of it a bit laboured and familiar. Donna Leon has always been good at character depiction and rounded description, but there’s a difference between that and a lot of superfluous verbiage; here there is far too much of the latter, I think. There are some long, tortured metaphors, likening the case to a pinball machine and then to the pandemic, for example, which I found frankly absurd, and I think if I'd read just once more about Brunetti waiting for answer in silence with yet another laboured explanation of why he didn’t speak, I might have said some rude words. Later, things picked up a little as Elettra, Vianello and Claudia become more involved in the off-the-books investigation, but in the end the denouement didn’t convince and relied on what I thought was some pretty thin psychology.
I did finish the book, with a little skimming, but I found it a disappointent. It’s not bad, but it’s not that great either, I’m afraid.
(My thanks to Hutchinson Heinemann for an ARC via NetGalley.)
Brunetti is approached by a woman who knew him and his family long ago, asking his “advice”; she is worried about her daughter because of the behaviour of the daughter’s husband. Brunetti allows old loyalty to draw him into an “unofficial” investigation, which slowly - very slowly - begins to uncover possible malfeasance.
Frankly, I found it something of a slog, certainly for the first two-thirds. It seems to take Brunetti an age to spot some pretty obvious pointers, there is almost no Brunetti family life and even Venice itself didn’t seem the essential character it usually is and I found the descriptions of it a bit laboured and familiar. Donna Leon has always been good at character depiction and rounded description, but there’s a difference between that and a lot of superfluous verbiage; here there is far too much of the latter, I think. There are some long, tortured metaphors, likening the case to a pinball machine and then to the pandemic, for example, which I found frankly absurd, and I think if I'd read just once more about Brunetti waiting for answer in silence with yet another laboured explanation of why he didn’t speak, I might have said some rude words. Later, things picked up a little as Elettra, Vianello and Claudia become more involved in the off-the-books investigation, but in the end the denouement didn’t convince and relied on what I thought was some pretty thin psychology.
I did finish the book, with a little skimming, but I found it a disappointent. It’s not bad, but it’s not that great either, I’m afraid.
(My thanks to Hutchinson Heinemann for an ARC via NetGalley.)
March 16, 2022
Give Unto Others is the thirty-first book in the Commissario Brunetti series by award-winning American-born author, Donna Leon. Venice, in the pandemic’s tail end, and the Questura is not overrun with criminal cases, so Brunetti agrees to look into a private matter, off the books, for a former neighbour.
Elisabetta Foscarini is concerned for her daughter Flora when her son-in-law, an accountant, begins acting out of character and mentions possible harm to people who know what is happening. Brunetti and Commissario Claudia Griffoni (because he brings her in without hesitation) quickly conclude that Enrico Fenzo’s remarks must refer to one of his clients who, on initial examination, seem innocuous, not ringing any alarm bells.
But Brunetti also decides to look into a charity that Enrico helped his father-in-law set up pro-bono, something that seems to have potential when his colleague Ispettore Lorenzo Vianello explains how little official oversight there appears to be on these entities. Of particular interest are the two other principals of the charity.
Before long, Brunetti has enlisted Officer Pucetti for a little undercover nosing about, Signorina Elettra Zorza (who has a certain bug concern of her own) to gather information, and his mother-in-law, Contessa Donatella Falier to broker introductions, all without official sanction. Each of them would understand the inherited debt of kindness behind it.
Weather and tides and looting by “baby gangs” require a bit of real police work, but then the vandalism of Flora’s veterinary clinic on Murano, which might be linked to their enquiries, gives their work official standing. What they ultimately uncover presents them with a dilemma, which is then taken out of their hands by others. But the deeper truth, when Brunetti uncovers it, admonishes him for forgetting to be a policeman when he most needed to.
Leon gives the reader a very appealing protagonist who is ready to admits his faults and failings. His inner monologue is often engaging, and his philosophical musings, for example about the similarities between pickpockets and those claiming pandemic handouts, are insightful.
The dialogue is often entertaining:
‘Do you think you can do this?’
‘It might take a day or two,’ Signorina Elettra answered, tapping the erasered end of her pencil against the paper. ‘If it’s a small project, then it’s unlikely they’ll have adequate protection.’
‘Against what?’ Brunetti asked.
‘Me.’
and there is a certain Netflix conversation with a colleague that cleverly disguises the real subject of their discussion from unwanted listeners. Leon throws in distractions and red herrings and leads the reader not at all where they thought they were going. Bound to appeal to those who love Venice, this is intelligent crime fiction at its finest.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Grove Atlantic.
Elisabetta Foscarini is concerned for her daughter Flora when her son-in-law, an accountant, begins acting out of character and mentions possible harm to people who know what is happening. Brunetti and Commissario Claudia Griffoni (because he brings her in without hesitation) quickly conclude that Enrico Fenzo’s remarks must refer to one of his clients who, on initial examination, seem innocuous, not ringing any alarm bells.
But Brunetti also decides to look into a charity that Enrico helped his father-in-law set up pro-bono, something that seems to have potential when his colleague Ispettore Lorenzo Vianello explains how little official oversight there appears to be on these entities. Of particular interest are the two other principals of the charity.
Before long, Brunetti has enlisted Officer Pucetti for a little undercover nosing about, Signorina Elettra Zorza (who has a certain bug concern of her own) to gather information, and his mother-in-law, Contessa Donatella Falier to broker introductions, all without official sanction. Each of them would understand the inherited debt of kindness behind it.
Weather and tides and looting by “baby gangs” require a bit of real police work, but then the vandalism of Flora’s veterinary clinic on Murano, which might be linked to their enquiries, gives their work official standing. What they ultimately uncover presents them with a dilemma, which is then taken out of their hands by others. But the deeper truth, when Brunetti uncovers it, admonishes him for forgetting to be a policeman when he most needed to.
Leon gives the reader a very appealing protagonist who is ready to admits his faults and failings. His inner monologue is often engaging, and his philosophical musings, for example about the similarities between pickpockets and those claiming pandemic handouts, are insightful.
The dialogue is often entertaining:
‘Do you think you can do this?’
‘It might take a day or two,’ Signorina Elettra answered, tapping the erasered end of her pencil against the paper. ‘If it’s a small project, then it’s unlikely they’ll have adequate protection.’
‘Against what?’ Brunetti asked.
‘Me.’
and there is a certain Netflix conversation with a colleague that cleverly disguises the real subject of their discussion from unwanted listeners. Leon throws in distractions and red herrings and leads the reader not at all where they thought they were going. Bound to appeal to those who love Venice, this is intelligent crime fiction at its finest.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Grove Atlantic.
December 3, 2021
A woman Brunetti knew from his childhood seeks him out, allegedly to help figure out what is happening with her adult daughter. Is there really a need for Brunetti's assistance or is Elisabetta manipulating him for her own selfish reasons? And is her husband's charity to help the needy of Belize legitimate, or is there something less altruistic going on? Brunetti has all of the facts, but if there is no proof will it be another case where the guilty go unpunished.? Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 22, 2022
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
Brunetti and the rest of Donna Leon’s characters have accompanied me for more than half my life, so reading her new novel has become a kind of yearly ritual to meet back some old friends and catch up with their lives. From a few installments back, for me the series stopped being about the crimes and more about the characters and seeing how they adapt to the new times, and this time Brunetti and company are in a post pandemic Venice that is slowly going back to its old self.
I think it would have been much more interesting to read about Venice during the pandemic, as it would have made great contrast to the usual descriptions of the city, plagued by tourists. Aside from some small details about masks, people keeping social distance or some hospital restrictions, it was all business as usual, and I feel like it was some missed opportunity to do something different.
It pains me to say that the mystery (if you can call it that) was not gripping at all this time. It’s usual in Leon’s latest books to have different kinds of crime, but I always find blood crime much more entertaining, and this time around there was a not a single dead body in sight. Also, it felt like it kept going round and round the same points for a very long time.
One of my favorite parts of the series is reading about Brunetti and his family life, and here that was moved to the very back with just a couple of appearances from Paola, so it was a bit disappointing. Also, where were those mouth watering food descriptions?!
Not even the city of Venice felt as vividly described as in previous books.
On the positive side, the ending was closed and it did not leave any loose threads, which have not always been the case in some of the latest books in the series.
Was Give Unto Others a bad book? Not at all, but when you’ve read the whole series, it’s just not on the same level as some of the early titles. Although not my favorite, I will definitely keep reading the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Brunetti and the rest of Donna Leon’s characters have accompanied me for more than half my life, so reading her new novel has become a kind of yearly ritual to meet back some old friends and catch up with their lives. From a few installments back, for me the series stopped being about the crimes and more about the characters and seeing how they adapt to the new times, and this time Brunetti and company are in a post pandemic Venice that is slowly going back to its old self.
I think it would have been much more interesting to read about Venice during the pandemic, as it would have made great contrast to the usual descriptions of the city, plagued by tourists. Aside from some small details about masks, people keeping social distance or some hospital restrictions, it was all business as usual, and I feel like it was some missed opportunity to do something different.
It pains me to say that the mystery (if you can call it that) was not gripping at all this time. It’s usual in Leon’s latest books to have different kinds of crime, but I always find blood crime much more entertaining, and this time around there was a not a single dead body in sight. Also, it felt like it kept going round and round the same points for a very long time.
One of my favorite parts of the series is reading about Brunetti and his family life, and here that was moved to the very back with just a couple of appearances from Paola, so it was a bit disappointing. Also, where were those mouth watering food descriptions?!
Not even the city of Venice felt as vividly described as in previous books.
On the positive side, the ending was closed and it did not leave any loose threads, which have not always been the case in some of the latest books in the series.
Was Give Unto Others a bad book? Not at all, but when you’ve read the whole series, it’s just not on the same level as some of the early titles. Although not my favorite, I will definitely keep reading the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2023
I had started listening to the audiobook on Thursday, then on Friday I had a free evening, so I decided to go on listening through my activities, enjoying a quiet night in. I listened for hours remaining engaged the entire time. I appreciate how Donna Leon skillfully builds the story slowly, adding new characters and laying out the state of play.
Talking of the state of play, I loved how Leon described the task of plotting out the characters to unravel the mystery. She likened it to a pinball machine. The characters were like the balls careening about, seemingly unconnected and in all directions.
In this volume, as in all the other volumes in this excellent series, I learned something more about Venetian culture and what it is to live in Venice.
David Colacci's narration is excellent. I truly recommend listening to the audiobook.
Standout quotes:
Regarding the symptoms of dementia, which may go on for a long time before a diagnosis is reached: "In his mother's case the symptoms had been snaking around in their lives for years before either he or his brother Sergio took notice of them."
The value of friendships that last into old age: "I thank heaven for your mother-in-law every day, I think it's her loyalty that helps my grandmother keep going."
""So, she thinks he's involved in something bad, but she still considers him a good person who could not be involved with anything dishonest?" She asked permitting herself sarcasm but keeping anger in reserve."
""People who have animals tend to be calmer, especially if they are dog people." Then, reflecting on this she added, "it's cat people who can be strange sometimes.""
Apparently, "Venetians often use [irony] when acknowledging the beauty of their city."
"Revenge, that deformed child of justice, fed itself with blind desire incapable of seeing what was ahead, caring nothing about means or method and about what it destroyed in its wake."
Talking of the state of play, I loved how Leon described the task of plotting out the characters to unravel the mystery. She likened it to a pinball machine. The characters were like the balls careening about, seemingly unconnected and in all directions.
In this volume, as in all the other volumes in this excellent series, I learned something more about Venetian culture and what it is to live in Venice.
David Colacci's narration is excellent. I truly recommend listening to the audiobook.
Standout quotes:
Regarding the symptoms of dementia, which may go on for a long time before a diagnosis is reached: "In his mother's case the symptoms had been snaking around in their lives for years before either he or his brother Sergio took notice of them."
The value of friendships that last into old age: "I thank heaven for your mother-in-law every day, I think it's her loyalty that helps my grandmother keep going."
""So, she thinks he's involved in something bad, but she still considers him a good person who could not be involved with anything dishonest?" She asked permitting herself sarcasm but keeping anger in reserve."
""People who have animals tend to be calmer, especially if they are dog people." Then, reflecting on this she added, "it's cat people who can be strange sometimes.""
Apparently, "Venetians often use [irony] when acknowledging the beauty of their city."
"Revenge, that deformed child of justice, fed itself with blind desire incapable of seeing what was ahead, caring nothing about means or method and about what it destroyed in its wake."
December 24, 2021
Donna Leon’s I latest Brunetti novel was a Christmas gift I gave to myself. Although not to be published until March, I received a copy from NetGalley early. I was saving it until closer to the publication date, but on a particularly bleak day leading up to Christmas. I just had to read it.
I love this series…the writing, the characters, the setting, the Venetian idea of justice.
What a joy to read such a literate writer; and I think this may be her best. Yes, this is her 31st, and I have looked forward to and read all of them.
In this story, an old family acquaintance of Brunetti seeks his assistance. Leon writes in such a vividly descriptive manner that you feel you are actually in the room with characters. Interwoven throughout the story is the pandemic, along with Leon’s typically sharp observations. An illustration: Brunetti’s musing as to whether this “disease” infects all of our thoughts.
It was so nice to visit again with all the familiar players, stroll past familiar Venetian landmarks, stopping for a coffee along the way. For anyone new to Brunetti, this can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself? Go back to the beginning of the series and enjoy getting to know all of these memorable characters.
I love this series…the writing, the characters, the setting, the Venetian idea of justice.
What a joy to read such a literate writer; and I think this may be her best. Yes, this is her 31st, and I have looked forward to and read all of them.
In this story, an old family acquaintance of Brunetti seeks his assistance. Leon writes in such a vividly descriptive manner that you feel you are actually in the room with characters. Interwoven throughout the story is the pandemic, along with Leon’s typically sharp observations. An illustration: Brunetti’s musing as to whether this “disease” infects all of our thoughts.
It was so nice to visit again with all the familiar players, stroll past familiar Venetian landmarks, stopping for a coffee along the way. For anyone new to Brunetti, this can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself? Go back to the beginning of the series and enjoy getting to know all of these memorable characters.
October 6, 2024
I read “Give Unto Others”, #31 in Donna Leon’s Guido Brunetti series immediately after I read “Transient Desires”, #30, but because I wasn’t feeling well, I never reviewed it. I thought it was not quite as good as “Transient Desires”, but I have given them the same rating. “Give Unto Others” is a 3.5, upped to 4.
Venice is still slowly emerging from the pandemic, with many of its shops closed, and it is in this respect, the description of how the city is changing, that the novel excels:
… the dusty windows and dead plants, the sun-bleached posters, the general scream of drought and misery that slipped through the windows every time he walked past …
Otherwise, the story is simple, with the usual cast of characters—Brunetti, his wife Paola, his children Chiria and Raffi, his colleagues Claudia Griffoni and Signorina Elletra Zorza, plus the underhanded Lieutenant Scarpa. Paola still cooks wonderful food and Brunetti still keeps eating it. Nothing has changed about his family life:
Brunetti got up and went to the kitchen to see if there was anything to nibble on to sustain him until dinner time.
In this novel, we get a bit about Brunetti’s childhood background. He has a brother who I can’t remember appearing in previous books (the brother may had been mentioned before, but seldom). Also, it appears that his mother developed dementia in her later years.
The story revolves around an acquaintance from Brunetti’s past, an ex-neighbour from his childhood neighborhood, asks him for a favour in his role as Commissario. What appears to be a small favour turns into a larger police inquiry as the story unfolds.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the ebook that I read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for an earlier book in the series:
Transient Desires (Commissario Brunnetti, #30)
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Venice is still slowly emerging from the pandemic, with many of its shops closed, and it is in this respect, the description of how the city is changing, that the novel excels:
… the dusty windows and dead plants, the sun-bleached posters, the general scream of drought and misery that slipped through the windows every time he walked past …
Otherwise, the story is simple, with the usual cast of characters—Brunetti, his wife Paola, his children Chiria and Raffi, his colleagues Claudia Griffoni and Signorina Elletra Zorza, plus the underhanded Lieutenant Scarpa. Paola still cooks wonderful food and Brunetti still keeps eating it. Nothing has changed about his family life:
Brunetti got up and went to the kitchen to see if there was anything to nibble on to sustain him until dinner time.
In this novel, we get a bit about Brunetti’s childhood background. He has a brother who I can’t remember appearing in previous books (the brother may had been mentioned before, but seldom). Also, it appears that his mother developed dementia in her later years.
The story revolves around an acquaintance from Brunetti’s past, an ex-neighbour from his childhood neighborhood, asks him for a favour in his role as Commissario. What appears to be a small favour turns into a larger police inquiry as the story unfolds.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the ebook that I read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for an earlier book in the series:
Transient Desires (Commissario Brunnetti, #30)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 25, 2022
This one was painfully slow - not in the usual way of many mysteries in which the case takes time to get going. The dialog was a disaster. Obviously, good detectives spend a lot of time interviewing people so necessarily there's a lot of dialog. Plus, good character development has dialog. In this book, every dialog was horribly drawn out and included a lot of meta-observation. Between almost every 2 sentences, Leon explains that the speaker has paused or looked away or had such and such an expression, etc. etc.....and often explained why they did it. Consequently, the dialog was choppy and slow.
I have read all 31 stories so far, but I really can't read another.
I have read all 31 stories so far, but I really can't read another.
May 8, 2022
Enjoyed time with Brunetti & his colleagues as covid is loosening its grip on Venice. Crime and tourists are way down in the city, of course, but now there are shuttered shops and empty streets.
This book gives a glimpse of Brunetti's backstory, of his parents and brother, of his mother's death from Alzheimer's as a childhood acquaintance asks a favor of him, an investigation into "something upsetting and threatening her son-in-law". Working out that things are not as they seem leads Brunetti to several interesting characters and families.
The crime itself and plot didn't always seem very likely but always a pleasure to follow Brunetti around Venice. Paola and children only make very brief appearances in this installment but are as charming as ever.
This book gives a glimpse of Brunetti's backstory, of his parents and brother, of his mother's death from Alzheimer's as a childhood acquaintance asks a favor of him, an investigation into "something upsetting and threatening her son-in-law". Working out that things are not as they seem leads Brunetti to several interesting characters and families.
The crime itself and plot didn't always seem very likely but always a pleasure to follow Brunetti around Venice. Paola and children only make very brief appearances in this installment but are as charming as ever.
March 25, 2022
Superb addition to the wonderful Brunetti series! This book features a person from Brunetti's youth coming to ask a favor that results in the exposure of a financial scam, though Brunetti is not the one to expose it. It is carefully woven to keep the reader on edge as various individuals are put under his careful scrutiny with the help of his friends. Is the effort to raise funds for a hospital in a poor country legitimate or a tax fraud, and should the investigation be handed over to the financial arm?
The descriptions of Venice are beautifully rendered and deliver a very satisfying read. Some experiences from Brunetti's childhood are revealed that I do not recall having learned in the previous 30 books. We also get just enough literary references and exchanges with his wife. Perfect.
[I just might be selfish enough to read this one again before returning to library.]
Library Loan
The descriptions of Venice are beautifully rendered and deliver a very satisfying read. Some experiences from Brunetti's childhood are revealed that I do not recall having learned in the previous 30 books. We also get just enough literary references and exchanges with his wife. Perfect.
[I just might be selfish enough to read this one again before returning to library.]
Library Loan
April 3, 2022
Donna Leon has lost her fizzle. The pace of this one is an exercise in how slowly you can reveal ANYTHING. Six chapters and 50 pages and the first situation is not set up what with everyone pausing to look out the window with their fingers to their throats!
July 21, 2022
La novela que hace número 31 en la saga Brunetti mantiene el alto nivel de las últimas entregas, en este caso nos muestra la debilidad de Brunetti por los personajes que poblaron su desfavorecida infancia, hijo de una familia pobre pero digna. Una de las personas que favorecieron a sus padres aparece entre la niebla de la memoria adolescente. La trama policial transcurre entorno a una ONG que no es todo lo limpia que anuncia, entre respetables venecianos de grandes familias que viven en preciosos palazzos . En esta novela aparece el hermano médico de Bunetti con un papel corto pero fundamental, recuperando la memoria de la familia. Los incondicionales de Donna Leon queremos que siga muchos años.
September 22, 2022
While I can understand why Leon preferred to write about a mostly post pandemic time, I think she missed out on a golden opportunity. As I mentioned in my review of last year's book, I really wanted to know how these characters were managing during the pandemic, and a Brunetti book about 2020 in Venice could have been really fantastic. Leon has written a good deal in recent years about how Venice has been drowning literally and figuratively due to tourists and climate change, and seeing Venice during this period would have been a wonderful contrast.
Instead she chose to write of a sort of post pandemic time. Some people are still wearing masks, there is talk about the lack of tourists and closed businesses, people hesitate to touch other people the way they would in normal conversations, the hospitals have restrictions, but other things are business as usual. Brunetti's family gets very little text time, as do most of the regular cast of characters. On the bright side, Leon does give this one far more satisfying finish than some of the other books in the series.
Enjoyable, but still not as good as she can do.
Instead she chose to write of a sort of post pandemic time. Some people are still wearing masks, there is talk about the lack of tourists and closed businesses, people hesitate to touch other people the way they would in normal conversations, the hospitals have restrictions, but other things are business as usual. Brunetti's family gets very little text time, as do most of the regular cast of characters. On the bright side, Leon does give this one far more satisfying finish than some of the other books in the series.
Enjoyable, but still not as good as she can do.
March 26, 2022
Dear Commissario,
Why, oh, why can't I meet a man like you? You know, we're about the same age. You are well read in philosophy and the classics, are devoted to your beautiful wife, Paola--the daughter of a count and a professor of English literature with an emphasis on Henry James--and your teenaged children, Raffi and Chiara. You're a good man without dangerous vices, have a kind heart, adore your beloved and historic city (despite the annoying tourists, especially those Americans with their white tennis shoes), and have the citizens and safety of visitors in mind as you do your job. Though you are skeptical of the Church (as are many these days, Italian and non-Italian alike), you treat everyone with respect and kindness, including your co-workers (Signorina Elettra, Claudia Griffoni--though she is from Naples--Lorenzo Vianello, and even your pompous boss Patta and that worm of a lieutenant, Scarpa). I hope to visit Venice someday and wonder, are there other men like you in this world?
Ciao,
Maria
Why, oh, why can't I meet a man like you? You know, we're about the same age. You are well read in philosophy and the classics, are devoted to your beautiful wife, Paola--the daughter of a count and a professor of English literature with an emphasis on Henry James--and your teenaged children, Raffi and Chiara. You're a good man without dangerous vices, have a kind heart, adore your beloved and historic city (despite the annoying tourists, especially those Americans with their white tennis shoes), and have the citizens and safety of visitors in mind as you do your job. Though you are skeptical of the Church (as are many these days, Italian and non-Italian alike), you treat everyone with respect and kindness, including your co-workers (Signorina Elettra, Claudia Griffoni--though she is from Naples--Lorenzo Vianello, and even your pompous boss Patta and that worm of a lieutenant, Scarpa). I hope to visit Venice someday and wonder, are there other men like you in this world?
Ciao,
Maria
February 24, 2023
I have read one or two in this series before and so had some vague knowledge of the characters, however, you don’t really need to have read any of this series before there’s enough character info included to get the picture.. unfortunately, I know why after reading this book that I haven’t read more of this series. It lacked any real pace and felt like a very sluggish read, almost like I’m wading through every page. I didn’t enjoy the fact that the whole book is peppered with Italian sentences and not always with a translation- so either the reader is left to wonder (and maybe look up the words) or is expected to know Italian or Venetian. There seems to be two different dialects but it’s not clear within the book.
The whole ‘mystery’ itself lacked any excitement and was obvious and extremely drawn out.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
The whole ‘mystery’ itself lacked any excitement and was obvious and extremely drawn out.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
It’s a long time since I read a Donna Leon, whose Inspecttor Brunetti books seemed to get darker and darker as they dealt with horrific crimes like people trafficking, child sex abuse and making snuff movies.
This one, new on the library shelf, caught my eye as the blurb didn’t mention murder.
Money laundering and fraud are the criminal activities here, but the real interest is in the social and family dynamics of the characters, one of which, as always, is Venice itself.
I read it straight through when I should have been doing other things.
This one, new on the library shelf, caught my eye as the blurb didn’t mention murder.
Money laundering and fraud are the criminal activities here, but the real interest is in the social and family dynamics of the characters, one of which, as always, is Venice itself.
I read it straight through when I should have been doing other things.
June 16, 2022
Paromjit recaps this novel perfectly. Since I cannot say it better, I refer readers to that review!!
I found the “slow burn” of the plot development frustrating. Fortunately, the ending added depth to this novel as well as insightful details of Brunetti’s childhood.
Thus, 4 ⭐️ for me.
I found the “slow burn” of the plot development frustrating. Fortunately, the ending added depth to this novel as well as insightful details of Brunetti’s childhood.
Thus, 4 ⭐️ for me.
March 28, 2022
Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti novels are an absolute treasure and perhaps my favorite mystery series. Her characters are extremely relatable, and each entry seems to deal with a different ethical or moral issue. In GIVE UNTO OTHERS, we have a number of them, varying from charity to loyalty to trust. In the end, all of these feelings will be tested, some in a very personal way for Brunetti.
One day, Elisabetta Foscarini, an old friend of Brunetti’s mother, shows up at the Questura seeking his assistance. Her son-in-law, Enrico Fenzo, is an accountant, and she is alarmed over his concern that their family might be involved in some very shady financial dealings --- specifically a charity established by Elisabetta’s husband that might not be completely legitimate.
Brunetti promises Elisabetta that he will use his own time to look into the matter. Of course, we all know this will involve his colleagues Claudia Griffoni, Lorenzo Vianello and Signorina Elettra Zorzi. The team will split up to tackle different parts of the story, from people to financial and building records, and then reconvene before producing answers to Elisabetta’s concerns.
When reading a Brunetti novel, you expect to get more than just the story with which to immerse yourself. There are the sights, sounds and foods of Venice and the surrounding area. There is also Brunetti’s family: his wife Paola, an academic, and their two college-age children. One night at dinner, Chiara asks for her father’s help with an assignment --- they are to choose their favorite Greek play and scene. For Brunetti, it’s “Oresteia” and Clytemnestra’s first speech. When she asks why, he says, “Because she is so much stronger than I am.”
For Brunetti’s part of the investigation, he utilizes his mother-in-law, the Contessa, as she knows some of the people involved with the charity in question. Their conversation is quite eye-opening as to the legality of that venture. Meanwhile, he is alerted to an attack on the veterinary hospital where Elisabetta’s daughter, Dottoressa, works. Much damage has been done, and some animals are harmed. It is clear that this is a warning against Brunetti looking into the situation that was brought to his attention.
Of course, Brunetti and his team will wrap up everything but not without some big surprises and revelations that were never meant to see the light of day. It also will make him question the very definition of loyalty. He sums it up best to Paola when he says, “I’m not sure I’m clever, my dear, but I am always faithful to the side I fight for.”
Reviewed by Ray Palen
One day, Elisabetta Foscarini, an old friend of Brunetti’s mother, shows up at the Questura seeking his assistance. Her son-in-law, Enrico Fenzo, is an accountant, and she is alarmed over his concern that their family might be involved in some very shady financial dealings --- specifically a charity established by Elisabetta’s husband that might not be completely legitimate.
Brunetti promises Elisabetta that he will use his own time to look into the matter. Of course, we all know this will involve his colleagues Claudia Griffoni, Lorenzo Vianello and Signorina Elettra Zorzi. The team will split up to tackle different parts of the story, from people to financial and building records, and then reconvene before producing answers to Elisabetta’s concerns.
When reading a Brunetti novel, you expect to get more than just the story with which to immerse yourself. There are the sights, sounds and foods of Venice and the surrounding area. There is also Brunetti’s family: his wife Paola, an academic, and their two college-age children. One night at dinner, Chiara asks for her father’s help with an assignment --- they are to choose their favorite Greek play and scene. For Brunetti, it’s “Oresteia” and Clytemnestra’s first speech. When she asks why, he says, “Because she is so much stronger than I am.”
For Brunetti’s part of the investigation, he utilizes his mother-in-law, the Contessa, as she knows some of the people involved with the charity in question. Their conversation is quite eye-opening as to the legality of that venture. Meanwhile, he is alerted to an attack on the veterinary hospital where Elisabetta’s daughter, Dottoressa, works. Much damage has been done, and some animals are harmed. It is clear that this is a warning against Brunetti looking into the situation that was brought to his attention.
Of course, Brunetti and his team will wrap up everything but not without some big surprises and revelations that were never meant to see the light of day. It also will make him question the very definition of loyalty. He sums it up best to Paola when he says, “I’m not sure I’m clever, my dear, but I am always faithful to the side I fight for.”
Reviewed by Ray Palen
April 4, 2024
Donna Leon is the Venetian queen of crime fiction; this latest book in the Commissario Guido Brunetti series is somewhat more understated than previous because as with with current novels it is set in the current pandemic world. However, the global situation is subtly dealt with and does not dominate. The book focuses on a seemingly unimportant argument between a couple but a mother-in-law is determined to know what is going on…and so unfolds the story and an intriguing premise of corruption and deceit. As ever Brunetti approaches his crimes with an incredibly calm approach and brings forth his knowledge of the human condition and the world of the classics in literature. Another great addition to a highly enjoyable series
April 7, 2022
2.5 rounded down to 2 stars. Not much depth to the plot. It was very obvious from early in the book what the crime was, and it was also obvious who was setting up the fall. Not quite sure how Brunetti missed it! Which leads me to this thought: I think Donna Leon is bored with her characters. She isn't writing Brunetti with the same moral/ethical depth, or even soul-searching, as in the earlier books. She didn't write about his family dynamics so if you have no frame of reference on his wife or kids, they were just ancillary characters in this book. Leon has also gotten quite snarky about Venice and the tourists. If there is a #32, I'm sure I'll read it. But I'll be hoping that Brunetti is back to pondering the classics as he sorts through ethical dilemmas.
April 5, 2022
Another walk through the now quiet streets and canals of Venice with Brunetti. A very welcome walk for me.
Quiet because covid has taken away the tourists. Beloved and hated at the same time. It's a strange Venice without them.
Leon takes a look at the 'memory of kindness' done to us especially when we are young. How this kindness than colours how we think of those associated with us and how we have to rethink what we've built our past on when we are much older and have more pieces to the puzzle.
An ARC gently given by author/publisher via Netgalley
Quiet because covid has taken away the tourists. Beloved and hated at the same time. It's a strange Venice without them.
Leon takes a look at the 'memory of kindness' done to us especially when we are young. How this kindness than colours how we think of those associated with us and how we have to rethink what we've built our past on when we are much older and have more pieces to the puzzle.
An ARC gently given by author/publisher via Netgalley
July 12, 2022
I didn't like this novel by Donna Leon as much as I have enjoyed many other books in the Commissario Brunetti series. There wasn't much excitement in it. I did like learning how the Venetians reacted to the Covid virus and how it affected the country. I have always enjoyed the Venetian setting, the Venetian foods, and the Venetian customs found in Ms. Leon's books. Unfortunately, those elements are missing in this book. I would warn anyone reading this book not to judge this author's work by it.
September 20, 2023
Donna Leon seems to be back on track, in my humble opinion, after a very disappointing novel (Commissario Brunetti #30).
I enjoyed "Give Unto Others", despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that there was no murder and very little crime. Brunetti holds forth on philosophical meandering about friendship, loyalty, dementia etc and I enjoyed the slow-paced investigation in his and his colleagues' company.
I enjoyed "Give Unto Others", despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that there was no murder and very little crime. Brunetti holds forth on philosophical meandering about friendship, loyalty, dementia etc and I enjoyed the slow-paced investigation in his and his colleagues' company.
April 19, 2024
I quite enjoyed reading another of Commissario Brunetti’s inquests. I skipped the previous one but am definitely looking for the following instalment.
April 29, 2022
A woman from Brunetti’s childhood requests a favor. One that leads down a puzzling road with a tale that becomes more a psychological thriller crossed with fraudulent aspiration than a straight criminal procedural. Once again I’m struck by the inner workings of Brunetti’s mind. Post pandemic Venice is a haunted place. Leon’s vision of closed restaurants and failed businesses adds to the general air of the city’s malaise. Perhaps a novel for our times.
May 1, 2022
it must be me because every other reviewer appeared to like this book. i hated it! it was slow, convoluted and trivial. there is no real mystery here. the author wasted good characters (as shown in previous novels) as bumbling, not-sure-what-to-do-next police officers. skip this one!
June 13, 2022
Started skimming, so decided not to waste anymore time. DNF
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