Author: |
Andrea
Camilleri |
Title: |
The Shape of Water |
Published: |
1994 |
Genre/Sub-Genre: |
Police
procedural |
Plot
summary: |
A senior
political figure is found dead in his car in an area notorious for use by
prostitutes. Although the man died of natural causes, Inspector Montalbano
suspects all is not what it appears. Every one else involved wants Montalbano
to close the case rapidly - family, his superiors, other dignitaries - but
Montalbano chips away with insight and persistence, slowly unravelling the
truth but unable to reveal it in all its tragic detail. |
Overall: |
I found it
complex but written with humour. The plot demonstrates Montalbano’s integrity
and compassion but also his excellent judgement about other people. |
Plotting: |
Complex - I
had to go back and re-read a large part of it so I could connect all the
dots. In the end it made sense. Part of the challenge is that Montalbano
declines to reveal the whole truth, in order to protect certain people - the
only one he reveals the whole story to is his girlfriend. Political intrigue
threatens to triumph over justice. |
Characterisation: |
Very clear
and convincing, I developed a strong image of the key characters. |
Dialogue: |
Fresh and
entertaining, often humorous. Montalbano never takes himself or others too
seriously. |
Setting and
Description: |
It leaves
one with a strong sense of place as required though it’s not overtly
Sicilian, more Italian. |
Readability: |
Very easy
to read. |
Sub-plots: |
They didn’t
really add anything to the story. |
Read
another by same author? |
Definitely. |