Give unto Others (Commissario Brunetti Book 31)

The year was 1993 and on a visit to Ansbach, (West) Germany, in yet another literary conversation with learned colleagues, we were introduced to Donna Leon. “You will love this author,” Emily Van Sweden stated, lending me the first book in the series (“Death at La Fenice”). “The setting is in Venice and the central character is quite smart, is good at solving mysteries, loves to eat well, and knows the best places to travel, when he has time. She also taught with the in Aviano and Vicenza (Italy) with the U.S. military’s education centers there.” And for 31 novels, Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti (and his family and associates) have captured our attention. In No. 31,"Give Unto Others,” Ms Leon doesn’t disappoint. "Her latest book is a captivating story in the Brunetti series,” writes Marvin Lyle (of our Oklahoma City literary and art bureau). “One can live vicariously through Guido as he ambles through Venice investigating his newest mystery. Thoroughly enjoyable and I found it hard to put the book down until the end. I look forward to next year's mystery.” In Venice, Covid 19 has not gone unnoticed and its affects hover throughout the book. Social protocols, fewer tourists, lower crime rates, and a general subdued atmosphere permeates La Serenissima, as it has throughout the world. Brunetti is confronted by a long time acquaintance (from his childhood) who has sought him out to help with a personal matter. She is fearful that her daughter is in danger from her husband—the friend has come to Brunetti “as a friend and not as the police.” Brunetti says he will look into it. Of course, from this point on, the “inquiry” starts to multiply in events that are of great concern. The snowball effect swiftly takes over and Brunetti expands his inquiry/investigation to include some of his co-workers, all working as volunteers. Once again, Brunetti relies upon the clever Signorina Elletra, co-worker Claudia Griffoni, and his very intelligent wife Paola. This time there is no murder to solve—but other issues are at the front. Ms Leon’s books always carry—and triumph—certain socially significant issues that are connected to the murders to be investigated. In this one, it’s more about fraudulent international charities and charity work and the financial temptations therein. In another touching story line, one of the characters is well into Alsheiimers and Ms Leon’s sensitive approach is more than a little touching, as Gazette readers know of friends or family members who have suffered. “I love reading Donna Leon because it feels like I’m walking through Venice,” notes Nancy Van Sweden of our Grand Rapids, Mich., literary, travel, and gourmet bureau. “Give Unto Others” is not “just another Donna Leon novel,” but an extension of her literary talents, which have not diminished in all 31 of this series. Long may she wave (and write).

Great series. Donna Leon has wonderful descriptive skill and weaves a complex and interesting plot into the fabric of Venice. Every book. The characters in her books are all well-drawn. They become friends, respected acquaintances, and sometimes, unpleasant people you occasionally observe. Donna Leon’s books continue to be exceptional. In addition, her use of food and wine as integral parts of the character’s lives and life in the city perfectly complement every book.

Give Unto Others is written by Donna Leon.“What role can or should loyalty play in the life of a police inspector? It’s a question Commissario Guido Brunetti must face and ultimately answer in Give Unto Others, Donna Leon’s splendid 31st installment of her acclaimed Venetian crime series.” (Amazon)A brilliant philosophical puzzle.Every title in this highly acclaimed series focuses on a general malady/issue/problem/crime and in every title Guido Brunetti uses logic, reason and philosophy to ‘solve’ the problem and find some sliver of justice or accountability.We are on Book #31 now (31 out of 32 titles with #33 to be published in July 2024).Issues/problems/crimes include, but are not limited to, stalking, the treatment of women, senility & dementia, medical issues, criminality, deceit, pollution, the environment, theft, corruption, wealth, water, safety, human trafficking, fishing, greed, jealousy, academia, opera, immigrants, military academies, religion, accounting, charity scams, police & policing methods, & computer hacking.a superb title and superb series *****

As usual, Donna Leon captures the reader with a simple snare. Almost as an aftrethought, similar to the detective Colombo, one is entertained and made to follow the Commission through a series of worm holes to a rational conclusio

This was not my favorite Brunetti book and seemed far less interesting, suspenseful and intriguing. Maybe it reflects the time during which it was written - a painful, full of loss and isolation filled period we hope to forget but are angry that it happened. The story seemed as unresolved as the pandemic with our recovery dragged out over months. I look forward to the next installment that might not be as dark and gloomy.

"Give Unto Others" is about charities fraud. The inspector becomes involved when a friend from his youth asks for his help. There is one excellent chapter where Brunetti and his associates get together to discuss what each of them has learned. Officer Vianello tells them about his research and is justifiably proud when Signorina Elettra praises his thoroughness; it provided a nice human touch. Although the mystery is mostly straightforward, there is an unexpected twist towards the end. Because it is about fraud, the story does not have the tension that a murder mystery usually conveys. However, it is about recent events in Italy, and the story covers the "boy gangs" that sprang into being during the Covid-19 outbreak. If you are a fan of the Brunetti mysteries, you may or may not like it. On the other hand, this should not be the title to select, as a first time selection of Donna Leon's work.

This latest of the Brunetti novels is one of Leon’s best in some time. The plot revolves around greed, vanity and vengefulness rather than Italian government and society shortcomings, as many of her latest novels have focused on. The usual cast of characters is present, and the main protagonist is an interesting one with many of humans’ less appealing but all too common characteristics. There are no surprises here, but the narratives moves along nicely, the writing is exceptional and the glimpses of Venice are, as always, welcome. I am from Trieste but have spent much time in Venice. Leon’s grasp of Italian and Venetian culture are superb, and her delving into the Venetian dialect is a pleasure as it is very similar to my native Triestino.

I have read all the Venice novels. I enjoy Donna Leon's comments on the workings, or non-workings, of the Italian bureaucracy

Once a year in March, like clockwork, a "gift" arrives at my metaphorical door from Ms Leon. I open it immediately and spend a few days unwrapping it with wrapt delight. Again this year's offering has provided me with hours of enjoyable reading for which I wish to heartily thank Signora Leon and I look forward to more "gifts" to come.

I like the cover photo and the font size which makes it easy to read. I gave this book to my mom for her birthday because she is a big fan of Donna Leon.

Donna Leon is always worth reading, but she has outdone herself. This book takes what is happening in the world … and makes it readable.

This is one of the best and most mature of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it.