My Venice and Other Essays

By: Donna Leon

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Insightful essays on Italy and the arts from the New York Times bestselling author

Donna Leon’s wildly popular novels starring Venetian Commissario Guido Brunetti have often been praised for their insight into culture, politics, family life, and the history of Venice, one of the world’s most treasured cities and her home for over thirty years. My Venice and Other Essays collects over fifty of Leon’s funny, charming, and passionate essays on subjects that range from battles over garbage in the canals to troubles with rehabbing Venetian real estate. Leon shares episodes from her life in Venice, explores her love of opera, and reflects on the Italian man. With poignant observations and humor, My Venice and Other Essaysis a treat for lovers of Italy and La Serenissima.

©2013 Donna Leon and Diogenes Verlag AG Zurich (P)2023 Recorded Books

I was hoping for local stories, not politics and government

Did not capture my attention. I don’t care about the bureaucracy of Venice and Italy. I was hoping for real life stories of people and places.

Disappointed

I gave up on this collection of mean-spirited “get of my lawn” rants about halfway through. I LOVE the Brunetti books and naively thought these essays would carry over the charm and humor. Instead, it’s a catalogue of politics, people, and things that the author dislikes — except for Maria Callas and Handel. Mrs. Leon loves them. The narrator does a professional job on weak material.