Give Unto Others (A Commissario Brunetti Mystery) Paperback – 22 Sept. 2022

A lot of reviews criticise recent Brunetti novels as having insufficient action, or not being thrillers. For years now, this has not been the case, if it ever was. They are certainly not ‘police procedurals’ and have never been thrillers. What they provide is an attractive escape amongst a well fleshed out cast of characters, while providing a great sense of place and of Italian attitudes to many social issues. The added sense of post pandemic life give a certain reality to the proceedings.

I’ve read all the Brunetti books and this latest one is the first one I have struggled with.The detective side of the story was very good - I enjoyed it very much.However, I think readers of the series have come to expect that alongside the detective story there will be references to his family.I love that “side” of the books - it’s what makes a good book into a very good book.The now teenage children being “teenagers”, discussions over dinner, the wonderful food and wine they enjoy, the relationship of the couple, Paolas parents, Brunettis brother all come together to show family life in Venice.This book did not have that, apart from a small section at the end.I had looked forward to reading this latest offering from Donna Leon but sad to say it did not engage me as much as many of her other books.I see from other reviews many people have given five star reviews so maybe this one just wasn’t for me.

In times after Covid,life is returning to Venice. Brunette is asked to help an old neighbour and sets about an investigation which turns on its head.

You always know what to expect from a Brunetti novel & this one is no exception so if you like this series you'll like this book.Me, well, I find the overwhelming corruption in Italy as portrayed by Donna Leon depressing. Just once it would be nice if the good guys could win. Instead the conclusion as usual is unfinished & unsatisfying.On the plus side, the smug & annoying Paola isn't in it much!

What can I say about Donna Leon and her wonderful creation, Venetian detective Brunetti, that hasn't already been said? Each year I with patiently for the next book in the series and am rarely disappointed. The subleties in this one, based on Ms Leon's acute powers of observation and understanding of the human mind, were terrific. I loved it. Although almost nothing happens, it was an engaging read from first to last page. I hope she doesn't decide to lay down her formidable pen anytime soon. I feel I've been on vacation to Venice with an insider's guide to its people every time I read a Brunetti novel.

Brunetti 31? This must be the longest running series I have read ; because of its subject matter, the human condition, it is both nothing new and something new in its recounting of yet another form of human frailty, to which there is no end. The familiar settings are present, as are the familiar characters, some more than others. I missed Patta, present in name only and would have liked more of signorina Elettra , as ever. Raffi made no appearance and I suspect Donna Leon will soon need to develop the restricted growth of both Brunetti offspring before they resemble permanently stunted half beings, capable only of ever being obedient adolescents; I’d not wish that on them.While I continue to enjoy the annual trip to Venice , the Brunetti household and the Questura, I did spend some time in the initial stages of this novel wondering where it was going and at one point, wondering if Brunetti was going a little soft on the aristocracy; I have liked his reservations about Italian so-called high society but the ascribing of some form of innate graciousness to its members caused me to pause. I cannot take seriously any idea that fortune of birth alone somehow conveys a greater complement of life’ s positive qualities than those found in less wealthy/socially prominent individuals. However, perhaps this was balanced by his disdain for his father-in-law’s economic activities!As the story progressed, it did gather its own kind of pace and once more, I appreciated the reflections on human nature and how its propensity to criminal activity continues undimmed. As ever, no definitive ending, but that surely is as in life. Anyone looking for a typical police procedural or a high octane action packed mystery will be disappointed, but for something far more reflective, this is still so good.Despite the odd quibble, I do hope Brunetti continues in his mix of present day and time warp, but I would like some move away from their parents for those poor adolescents.

…..the Commissario Guido Brunetti crime solving books series.Hooked on the premise set, family characters, colleagues.In this instance, a certain female neighbour from yesteryear requests Brunetti’s assistance confidentially, he has to decide whether to involve his professional colleagues on an “informal basis”, or not.The potential risk of professional misconduct being reported.The story deepens, widens and eventually has initially unforeseen consequences.No spoilers here.I always appreciate the addition of the map of Venice included at the beginning of every book.The reader is able to check back with the map to understand locations, and the routes Brunetti takes when walking anywhere in the course of his working day, which he often does. Also walking with his wife, sometimes musing over his case, a “sounding board”. Brunetti reads, and Donna Leon teels the reader what he is currently reading and often why.I am a fan.

I have all the Brunetti series. This is one of Donna Leon's better. Somehow reading about how my favorite Venetians are wading through the pandemic made happy. As usual the circuitous way around the rules and the food and Guido's attitude towards the good and evil he sees is a great balance to our lives now in the US.

Wieder einen schönen und amüsanten Kommissar Brunetti Geschichte.

This is really an extended novella. Leone did the same with her last book. She is overdoing the descriptions which always made her novels interesting. More action and less description is needed, and a longer book, otherwise she is going to lose her audience.

Characters that live on the pages of life, displaying all the frailties of humans against the backdrop of a post covid Venice.A tragedy of human weakness and jealous but redeemed by Commisario Brunetti and cast.

I like her writing style, mystery story telling, and her ability to describe Venice.