A Question of Belief

A Question of Belief (2010) Donna Leon

It’s summer in Venice, and Brunetti wishes that all criminals would take a vacation with the rest of the country, to allow them to escape the oppressive heat. But even if the criminals were to take a break, two different problems that may or may not be crimes come to Brunetti.

First, Vianello’s aunt is worrying her family, because she seems to be giving her money to an astrologer of some sort. It’s her money, and she can do as she pleases, but Vianello doesn’t want her to be taken advantage of, so he asked Brunetti to help him–unofficially–look into what is happening. Meanwhile, an old schoolmate of Brunetti’s appears with questions that may or may not be related to a judge or might, possibly, be behaving in an unethical manner, and the clerk who may or may not be involved in what may or may not be bribery.

Sadly, the possible corruption of a judge is the least surprising thing to Brunetti; this is, after all, Venice, where bribery is a way of life, and Brunetti has to manipulate the Vice-Questore to effectively solve crimes. Despite this political and social commentary, the Venice described by Donna Leon–even in the heat of summer–is a place I want to visit. A place of beauty and timelessness, a city that goes on despite the fact it is slowly falling into the sea.

I want to visit that Venice.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Atlantic Monthly Press

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