When two teenage gangs are arrested after clashing violently in one of Venice's campi, the son of a local hero is implicated. But when Commissario Guido Brunetti is asked by a wealthy foreigner to vet this man, Monforte, for a job, he discovers that Monforte might not be such a hero after all. This seeming contradiction, and a brutal attack on one of Brunetti's colleagues by a possible gang member, concentrate Brunetti's attentions. Soon, he discovers the sordid hypocrisy surrounding Monforte's past, culminating in a fiery meeting of two gangs and a final opportunity for redemption. A Refiner's Fireis Donna Leon at her very best- an elegant, sophisticated storyteller whose indelible characters become richer with each book, and who constantly interrogates the ambiguity between moral and legal justice.
Donna Leon
Donna Leon is an American author best known for her crime novels set in Venice and featuring the fictional detective Commissario Guido Brunetti. Her most notable works include "Death at La Fenice," "Acqua Alta," and "Through a Glass, Darkly."
Leon's writing style is characterized by intricate plots, vivid descriptions of Venice, and a focus on social issues such as corruption and environmental degradation. She is praised for her ability to create complex, multi-dimensional characters and explore moral dilemmas in her stories.
Leon's contributions to literature include bringing attention to the beauty and challenges of life in Venice, as well as shedding light on important social issues facing contemporary society. Her novels have had a significant impact on the crime fiction genre, blending mystery and social commentary in a unique and compelling way.
One of Donna Leon's most famous works is "Death at La Fenice," the first novel in the Commissario Brunetti series, which introduces readers to the charming and astute detective as he investigates a murder at the famous opera house in Venice. This book set the stage for a successful series that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
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