Title: Death in a Strange Country
Author: Donna Leon
First published January 1, 1993
373 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780143034827 (ISBN10: 0143034820)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
As dawn breaks over Venice, Commissario Guido Brunetti is called to a gruesome crime scene. A young man’s body lies lifeless in the murky waters of a canal.
While it may seem like a straightforward case of a violent mugging gone wrong, Brunetti is suspicious of the motive. His instincts tell him that something more sinister is at play.
As he investigates further, he discovers a clue in the victim’s apartment that leads him to believe there is a much larger conspiracy at work. With his tenacity and sharp mind, Brunetti is determined to uncover the truth and bring the culprits to justice, no matter the cost.
About the Author
Donna Leon was born on September 29, 1942, in Montclair, New Jersey. She is a renowned American author who has written a series of crime novels set in Venice, featuring the fictional hero Commissario Guido Brunetti.
What sets Donna Leon apart is that she has lived in Venice for more than 25 years. During her time there, she worked as a lecturer in English Literature for the University of Maryland University College – Europe (UMUC-Europe) in Italy.
She later became a Professor at the American military base of Vicenza (Italy) from 1981 to 1999.
Donna Leon’s crime novels are all set in or around Venice. They are written in English and have been translated into several foreign languages, but not, as per her request, into Italian.
Her ninth Brunetti novel, Friends in High Places, was awarded the Crime Writers’ Association Silver Dagger in 2000.
Editoral Review
Donna Leon’s Death in a Strange Country immediately immerses the reader in the vividly described Venetian setting, where the mystery at the heart of the story unfolds. Leon is an American author who has made a name for herself as a writer of crime fiction set in Venice, Italy.
This novel, first published in 1993, is the second in a series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti.
The novel’s plot revolves around the suspicious death of a young American soldier stationed at a base near Venice.
As Brunetti investigates the case, he uncovers a web of political corruption, organized crime, and military misconduct. Leon seamlessly blends the personal lives of her characters with the larger issues they confront, as Brunetti’s own ideals and values are tested by the system he is sworn to serve.
One of the strengths of Death in a Strange Country is Leon’s attention to detail, both in terms of the setting and her characters. Her portrait of Venice is rich and evocative, bringing to life its sights, sounds, and smells.
She also skillfully captures the nuances of human behavior, as characters speak and act in ways that are true to their personalities and backgrounds. Brunetti himself is a fully realized protagonist, with flaws, vulnerabilities, and admirable qualities that make him a compelling figure.
Leon’s prose is clear and straightforward, with occasional flashes of wit and insight. The pacing of the novel is slow and methodical, mirroring the deliberate work of the police procedural.
The novel’s cultural significance lies in its depiction of Italy’s political and economic system, which remains riddled with corruption and nepotism. While Death in a Strange Country is set in the early 1990s, these issues continue to plague Italy today, making the novel still relevant to contemporary readers.
Leon exposes the hypocrisy and pettiness of those in power, and shines a light on the brave few who fight to bring about change.
However, one of the weaknesses of the novel is its overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and political maneuvering.
Some readers may find these elements dry or confusing, and lose interest in the plot as a result. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery feels somewhat anticlimactic, lacking the tension and excitement that a great crime novel should deliver.
Overall, Death in a Strange Country is an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel, with a compelling setting, well-drawn characters, and themes that are still pertinent today. Fans of crime fiction and those interested in Italian politics and society will find it a worthwhile read.
I would give this book a rating of three and a half stars out of five, based on its strengths and weaknesses as described above.
