The Snack Thief, Audio Edition

The Snack Thief, Audible Version (1996/2003/2007) Andrea Camilleri translated by Stephen Sartarelli narrated by Grover Gardner

The third Inspector Montalbano book.

Montalbano’s relationship with Augello is quite antagonistic. Catarella is still an idiot, and although he argues with Livia, their relationships isn’t quite as hostile as it has gotten in later books.

When the spaghetti arrived, Montalbano had fortunately finished his hake. Fortunately, because Mimì proceeded to sprinkle a generous helping of Parmesan cheese over his plate. Christ! Even a hyena, which, being a hyena, feeds on carrion, would have been sickened to see a dish of pasta with clam sauce covered with Parmesan!

But Montalbano is also unexpectedly kind and understanding as well, especially with Francois and Aisha.

(H)e remembered that for years and years the Tunisians had been mixed up with the French. He gave it a try. “Frère?”

The old woman’s eyes lit up. “Oui. Son frère Ahmed.”

“Où est-il?”

“Je ne sais pas,” said the woman, throwing up her hands.

After this exchange straight out of a French conversation manual…

This is one of the sadder Montalbano stories, but its very good, and several things here set the stage for books later on (primarily the commissioner retiring, to be replaced with one who hates Montalbano).

I do like the audio books, and I think that Michael may finally be starting to keep the characters straight.
Rating: 8.5/10

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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