Unto Us a Son Is Given by Donna Leon
Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Library Volunteer
Genre: Mystery
Suggested Age: Adult
What is the book about?: The central character of Donna Leon’s Venetian series, Commissario Guido Brunetti, is asked by his wealthy, elderly father-in-law, Count Orazio Falier, to intervene in a proposed adoption. Falier’s longtime friend, retired art gallery owner Gonzalo – unofficial uncle to Brunetti’s wife – is poised to ease the loneliness of his retirement by adopting an adult man to be his son. This adoption would prevent Gonzalo’s sister and brothers – his current heirs – from inheriting Gonzalo’s massive estate when he dies. Brunetti is unwillingly drawn into looking into the adoptee, and matters soon take a serious turn.
My Review: Donna Leon is a master at character development. I haven’t read every book in the series, but picking up a new one is like greeting a loved family member that you haven’t seen in a long time. The culture and setting play a big role in this book, yet a reader can identify with the problems that are thoughtfully considered within the plot. For example: How can Brunetti possibly refuse his wealthy father-in-law’s request, or how can he refuse his supervisor’s request to intervene in a problem with the supervisor’s neighbors? Brunetti is intriguingly, perennially caught between duty to family and work, navigating delicate family and work matters as easily (or with as much difficulty) as he navigates the streets and canals of Venice. You will enjoy this highly interesting mystery!
Three Words That Describe This Book: Venice, surprising, families
Give This a Try if You Like… mysteries set in countries outside the U.S.; books by Magdalen Nabb or Christobel Kent
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
