Welcome to the world of Donna Leon, a celebrated American author known for her compelling crime novels set in Venice, Italy. With her keen eye for detail and intricate plots, Leon has captivated readers worldwide with her beloved series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti. Through her writing, Leon not only immerses us in the labyrinthine streets of Venice but also delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, and justice.
As we journey through the pages of Donna Leon’s works, we encounter richly drawn characters, from the astute Commissario Brunetti to the enigmatic figures populating Venice’s diverse neighborhoods. Leon’s prose effortlessly transports us to this timeless city, where shadows lurk in every corner and secrets abound. With each novel, she weaves a tapestry of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Donna Leon quotes that encapsulate the essence of her storytelling. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, reflection, or simply a glimpse into the world of Venetian crime fiction, these quotes offer a window into Donna Leon’s evocative narrative
I know you shouldn’t spit in your own soup but I think most crime writing is like TV and doesn’t make enormous demands on one’s intellect. Donna Leon
I don’t go to the movies because I don’t like films. Donna Leon
My father read ‘The New York Times,’ my mother did secretarial work, we had a dog, we had a garden, I had a brother. Donna Leon
A story begins and it always passes from the subjunctive to the declarative. And Italians don’t seem to care about making a fine distinction between that which is speculation and that which is fact. Donna Leon
I was at La Fenice opera house back in 1991 with friends, and we started talking about a conductor whom none of us liked. Somehow there was an escalation, and we started talking about how to kill him, where to kill him. This struck me as a good idea for a book. Donna Leon
I just go to lunch. And I never know when something is going into the file and something is not. Donna Leon
I never know what’s going to happen in a novel. I don’t have a plan or an outline. Donna Leon
The character I created, ‘Commissario Brunetti,’ who appears in all my books, shares similar reading, artistic and musical tastes with me. Subconsciously, I knew that if I was to spend however long it would take to write this book with him, this man would have to be someone I’d like to have dinner with. Donna Leon
I have no memory for what happens in what books. I don’t know when I might remember a scene, but beats me what book it’s in because there are 14 of them now. Donna Leon
I have always had a particular antagonism for the military. Donna Leon
I was extraordinarily lucky. I wrote a book because I wanted to see if I could write a mystery. Someone nagged me into sending it to a contest, which it won, after which I was offered a two-book contract, thus requiring the writing of a second book. Donna Leon
The ending is one of my blackest, utterly without hope of any sort. Donna Leon
I find the idea of vigilante justice very attractive. I like the idea that the murderer decides that this person has gone too far, and nothing will happen to him unless she does something to stop him. Donna Leon
I came to Venice for the first time in 1968 and was lucky enough to make the acquaintanceship, and then the friendship, of two Venetians, Roberta and Franco, who remain my best friends here after almost 50 years. Donna Leon
I admire Dickens beyond words. He is one of the greatest plotters of all times. Didn’t have a clue about women, but he sure could plot. Donna Leon
All through graduate school, instead of having a television I read murder mysteries: Hammett, Chandler, Ruth Rendell, P. D. James. Donna Leon
The Germans and Austrians are very polite, the Swiss are very reserved and the Spanish usually kiss me. The Brits write me letters. Donna Leon
Italians know about human nature – they understand human nature perhaps better than anyone else does. They know that people are weak and greedy and lazy and dishonest and they just try to make the best of it; to work around it. Donna Leon
And I don’t want to live anywhere where I am famous. It makes me very, very uncomfortable, because it conveys an advantage over people, and I don’t like that. Donna Leon
Italians tend to be less rigidly moral and law-abiding than do Anglo-Saxons. They also have a profound suspicion of the state and most of its agencies. Donna Leon
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the most liberal and illumined of the nine Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. Donna Leon
I listen to Handel’s vocal music, almost exclusively. Donna Leon
So much of contemporary crime fiction is painful to read and obsessed with violence, particularly against women, and I can’t read that. Donna Leon
I’m involved with a baroque opera company here in Italy. I write some of their booklet material, comments on operas. I also write for some baroque opera festivals because this music is my real passion. Donna Leon
Venetians feel affection and loyalty to their city, rather than to the Italian state. Donna Leon
I never wanted to be rich or successful or famous. I just wanted to be happy and have fun. Donna Leon
I love music. But I’ve never owned a TV in my adult life, and I’ve never lived in a place with a television. Donna Leon
I do not take any pleasure whatsoever in being a famous person. Donna Leon