serous's review against another edition
2.0
Sehr entspanntes Buch, zieht sich bisschen zu sehr aber ich mag es wie Donna Leon Dinge und Menschen umschreibt. Nicht unbedingt mein Genre, deshalb nicht so begeistert
5/10
5/10
roshk99's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as some of Leon's other books, but still an enjoyable read in which you experience the vibrant culture of Venice
judyward's review against another edition
3.0
I probably shouldn't have come into this series on the 18th book, but once I got all of the characters sorted out, it wasn't a problem. I like books where the location becomes one of the characters and this is never more true than in a Donna Leon book. Venice is the setting and the history, culture, and corruption of the city are evident on every page. Comissario Guido Brunetti is the main character of Leon's books and in this story, the environmental problems of Italy take center stage. In the southern part of Italy, incinerators are burning trash, that includes toxic waste and who knows what else, that is releasing unacceptable levels of pollutants into the atmosphere. In Naples, garbage is being brought into the area from all over Italy and the garbage is piling up in the streets, and in Venice the canals are polluted and toxic waste is being stored on islands close to the city. Enter Guido Brunetti, a man who loves to read, adores his close-knit family, is respectful to his co-workers--many of whom would try the patience of a saint--and who is totally in tune with the pace of life in Venice. Not a quick read, but a satisfying one. I'm going to go back and start at the beginning of the series and get to know these characters better.
verenafritzsche's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
coolfisch_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
richardpierce's review against another edition
5.0
All the Brunetti novels are, in effect, examinations of the minutiae of the human condition. This one ponders beauty, and its destruction, the oppression of women by violent men, and the hunger for love and respect. The only reason these stories don't become depressing is the superb writing, and the fact that there's always hope, somehow, hope that we will make the world a better place.
the_bee_writes's review against another edition
4.0
Again I have read this one some time ago. But I can remember that it did not encourage me to go on holiday to Italy. Too much toxic waste for my taste. Donna Leon lets you experience Brunetti's fascination with Franca Marinello (and now I rememeber who that name reminds of: Patricia Cornwells Marinello of course :-) )which gives the book a special touch. All in all well written as usual.
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Auch dieses Buch habe ich vor einer Weile gelesen. Aber ich kann mich daran erinnern, dass es mich nicht unbedingt dazu bewogen hat, nach Italien in den Urlaub zu gehen. Zuviel giftiger Muell fuer meinen Geschmack. Donna Leon jedoch laesst einen Brunetti's Faszination mit Franca Marinello (und nun kann ich mich auch endlich daran erinnern, woher ich den Namen kenne: Patricia Cornwells Marinello natuerlich :-) ) wirklich spueren, was dem Buch eine gewisse Atmoshpaere gibt. Im Grossen und Ganzen gut geschrieben wie immer
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Auch dieses Buch habe ich vor einer Weile gelesen. Aber ich kann mich daran erinnern, dass es mich nicht unbedingt dazu bewogen hat, nach Italien in den Urlaub zu gehen. Zuviel giftiger Muell fuer meinen Geschmack. Donna Leon jedoch laesst einen Brunetti's Faszination mit Franca Marinello (und nun kann ich mich auch endlich daran erinnern, woher ich den Namen kenne: Patricia Cornwells Marinello natuerlich :-) ) wirklich spueren, was dem Buch eine gewisse Atmoshpaere gibt. Im Grossen und Ganzen gut geschrieben wie immer
cheryl6of8's review against another edition
4.0
October's Genreland prompt is "in a city you have never been to" which made me immediately think of a book from this series. Someday I hope to make it to Venice, but it hasn't happened yet. I had started another mystery set in Denver - haven't been there either - but it is not keeping my interest. I impulsively pulled this off the shelf and dove right in.
I am very fond of this series and of Commissario Brunetti and his friends and family. He wages an endless and tiresome war against the entropic forces of corruption and indifference which underlie more of the work of government around the world than we want to admit. This book involves a discussion of Italian literature -- Ovid and Cicero in particular -- which would, I am sure, appeal to those interested in these works. And, of course, Paola is always immersed in Henry James. I am not attached to any of those writers, but I am aware of the influence of my favorite literature in my own life. Here, it influenced Brunetti's investigation into the smuggling of hazardous waste and the murders associated with that issue. The entire story takes place in 10 days or less, but involves intricacies and intrigues that remind you, as always, of the dark underbelly of so much of the world. Nonetheless, Brunetti finds a path of honor and optimism through the darkness -- I think that is why I like him.
I am very fond of this series and of Commissario Brunetti and his friends and family. He wages an endless and tiresome war against the entropic forces of corruption and indifference which underlie more of the work of government around the world than we want to admit. This book involves a discussion of Italian literature -- Ovid and Cicero in particular -- which would, I am sure, appeal to those interested in these works. And, of course, Paola is always immersed in Henry James. I am not attached to any of those writers, but I am aware of the influence of my favorite literature in my own life. Here, it influenced Brunetti's investigation into the smuggling of hazardous waste and the murders associated with that issue. The entire story takes place in 10 days or less, but involves intricacies and intrigues that remind you, as always, of the dark underbelly of so much of the world. Nonetheless, Brunetti finds a path of honor and optimism through the darkness -- I think that is why I like him.
nyllia's review against another edition
1.0
J'ai nettement moins aimé que l'autre Brunetti que j'ai lu et j'ai eu énormément de mal à finir ce livre, à cause de l'intrigue pas assez mouvementée à mon gout. Néanmoins j'ai beaucoup aimé le développement de la fameuse "Femme au masque de chair" bien traitée, touchante et plus profonde qu'il n'y parait.