Infinite Books

Comissario Brunetti is one of my favorite mystery characters, and for years I enthusiastically followed him on the streets of Venice. So when I learned that Donna Leon wrote a memoir, I got excited to learn more about the woman who created not only Brunetti but also Paula, Signorina Elettra, Vianello, and Patta. I knew she was an American living in Venice, and she had been living my dream. Venice is one city that enchanted me the first time I went there. Even with crowds of tourists, I could easily imagine myself wandering the streets, drinking coffee, checking the hidden places, getting lost in narrow streets only to finally get to the Grand Canal and look at its beauty again. And then… the history. What can be told of a city that brought us Casanova?

Donna Leon starts her memoir fondly recalling one year when her family moved to a small house on the farm, then proceeds to the next phase of her life: the university years, first studying, then teaching. She was a curious, adventurous young woman who loved exploring new places and countries, not as a tourist but as a temporary resident. She spent almost four years living and teaching in Iran and then moved to China to teach English. And then, Donna happily agreed when her Italian-American friend Anita suggested she join her to go to Italy because she would study there. It’s important to know that Donna Leon’s roots are Irish, Latin American, and German. Her blood shows no trace of Italian heritage; her love for Italy is evident.

This is a memoir for people who don’t want to read long, chronological stories about someone’s life, no matter how interesting the person can be. “Wandering Through Life” consists of essays, and such a format reads almost like a friendly conversation with the author. I especially enjoyed the story about the challenges of going to the Italian post office and another describing the older women at Italian stores “waiting” in a queue. They offered me a glimpse into everyday Italy and did it better than lengthy descriptions.

And then, after the charming and often touching pieces, Donna Leon addresses the subject of getting old at the end of her beautiful memoir. The last pages are filled with wisdom, as only “wandering through life” with one’s eyes – and heart – open can bring.

WANDERING THROUGH LIFE by Donna Leon, Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press, 2023