Ann M. (deya) reviewed The Girl of His Dreams (Guido Brunetti, Bk 17) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 9 more book reviews
Its an exceptional BBC audio
Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
It is difficult to write a review of this glimpse into the life of Venetian detective Guido Brunetti without providing any spoilers. Suffice to say, as always, I enjoyed looking at the world through the eyes of this detective and family man.
However, there were some unsatisfying aspects to this book ... and ironically, I fully believe that this is the way that author Donna Leon WANTED me to feel. Life is not always a Larry Levinson-stamped Hallmark Channel movie where the guy always gets the girl and the bad guy is always exposed and punished and ... and the author clearly understands that. Somehow, though, she manages to paint what could be a truly depressing thought in its best light. And THAT, is a great gift - from G-d to the author, and from the author to her readers.
I give the Girl of His Dreams a solid 4 stars.
WARNING: One subplot clearly reflects an anti-Catholic bias. (However, a careful reading of this aspect of the book will reveal that the author DOES allow for a silver lining in a pessimistically dark, dark cloud.)
However, there were some unsatisfying aspects to this book ... and ironically, I fully believe that this is the way that author Donna Leon WANTED me to feel. Life is not always a Larry Levinson-stamped Hallmark Channel movie where the guy always gets the girl and the bad guy is always exposed and punished and ... and the author clearly understands that. Somehow, though, she manages to paint what could be a truly depressing thought in its best light. And THAT, is a great gift - from G-d to the author, and from the author to her readers.
I give the Girl of His Dreams a solid 4 stars.
WARNING: One subplot clearly reflects an anti-Catholic bias. (However, a careful reading of this aspect of the book will reveal that the author DOES allow for a silver lining in a pessimistically dark, dark cloud.)
jjares reviewed The Girl of His Dreams (Guido Brunetti, Bk 17) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 3273 more book reviews
This is a fascinating story of the European prejudice against gypsies. Guido Brunetti and Inspector Vianello answer a 911 call and find a blond child with light eyes in a side canal of Venice. They have no idea who she was and no parent has reported her missing.
The child has some jewelry in her possession and Brunetti tries to determine her name through the watch and ring. As the days tick by, Brunetti becomes more concerned that no parents have come forward. Finally, he finds her name through information on child crimes. She is the third child of a gypsy family, who are camped on the mainland.
The solution highlights the reality of Italian politics and prejudices. This is not a 'Leave it to Beaver' kind of ending. However, it is certainly thought provoking.
The child has some jewelry in her possession and Brunetti tries to determine her name through the watch and ring. As the days tick by, Brunetti becomes more concerned that no parents have come forward. Finally, he finds her name through information on child crimes. She is the third child of a gypsy family, who are camped on the mainland.
The solution highlights the reality of Italian politics and prejudices. This is not a 'Leave it to Beaver' kind of ending. However, it is certainly thought provoking.
