First Line: Since the first light of dawn, the morning had shown itself to be erratic and whimsical.
The weather is causing the irascible Inspector Salvo Montalbano to have strange dreams, and his mood is further hampered by the appearance of a beguiling art gallery owner. In fact, he's so bewitched that his relationship with the fiery Livia may be in danger. Personal life aside, Montalbano has to deal with the assault and robbery of a merchant's young wife and a search for arms traffickers. It's no rest for the weary.
~
A Beam of Light is vintage Camilleri. From the inimitable Catarella's knowledge of Latin to Montalbano's "friendship" with a crab down at the end of the jetty, Camilleri knows how to make readers laugh. Food also plays a mouthwatering part in the proceedings. One of Montalbano's most important indulgences is food. The man breaks into a cold sweat when someone else chooses the restaurant. It's true!
But before you think everything is played for laughs, think again. The meaning of the book's title is so poignant that it may make a tear come to your eye. There are three cases that Montalbano and his team must solve, and-- as always-- it is so enjoyable to watch the inspector's mind work as he investigates and begins to put everything together.
I've been slowly savoring each book in this series, knowing that it would inevitably come to an end. If you haven't read a Montalbano mystery, grab one. The purist in me suggests that you start at the beginning with The Shape of Water, especially if you're in the market for a long-running, high-quality series that will keep you laughing, keep you guessing, and keep your mouth watering. Worried about books in translation? Don't be. Stephen Sartarelli is a master of his craft. You're in good hands with Camilleri and Sartarelli. Come on... take a trip to Sicily!
A Beam of Light by Andrea Camilleri
Translated from the Italian by Stephen Sartarelli.
ISBN: 9780143126430
Penguin © 2015
Paperback, 288 pages
Police Procedural, #19 Inspector Montalbano mystery
Rating: B+
Source: Paperback Swap
I couldn't agree more about this series, Cathy! It's fantastic, and I think you're right that it's best to start it at the beginning. It's a richer experience that way. I've always liked the way Camilleri addressed really serious, even heartbreaking topics at the same time as he wove wit all through the books. Oh, and that food!! And can I add a word about Sartarelli's translations of this series? I've always thought they just added so much to it.
ReplyDeleteYes, Sartarelli's translations are brilliant. Someone published an anthology of Montalbano short stories a few years ago that was not translated by Sartarelli and they just fell flat for me.
DeleteYou can learn so much by reading fiction. It dawned on me last week that I've been answering a lot of "Jeopardy!" questions, and the only reason why I knew those particular answers was that I'd read the information in a mystery.
Yet another new series to me...and it sounds really good. I think I'm going to have to quit reading anything but series books at the rate I'm adding them to my TBR. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Sam. I'm so far behind in my series reading that it's pathetic. I think the only hope I would have of ever catching up is to stop accepting ARCs. (But the magpie in me protests...)
DeleteSounds very good.
ReplyDeleteI love this series, Mystica.
DeleteI like International mysteries. This is s Latin one? I am very curious about the title. You bought my interest. The first title is magnetic too. I have never heard of these mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I could introduce you to this excellent series that takes place in Sicily, an island off the "boot tip" of Italy.
DeleteWonderful when you can find a series to savor! I forget about so many books the moment I've finished.
ReplyDeleteYou're not the only one!
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