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THE SHAPE OF WATER
by Andrea Camilleri
Penguin, November 2003
240 pages
$5.99
ISBN: 0142002399


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Silvio Lupanello is found dead in the 'pasture' -- a field where prostitutes are picked up and employed for the hour. It has the largest selection regarding nationality, specialty and gender. Understandably it is not the location in which Lupanello would have preferred to be found. Lupanello is a high-ranking party member of the government and his party does not seem interested in his death. Since they are not going to get a reward for their troubles, the two garbage men who found Lupanello call the police.

This case is handed to Inspector Salvo Montalbano. Montalbano loves a good meal and books. In addition, he is short tempered and needs to be in control of any situation. Something about this murder feels off to him and he is deeply suspicious of the suspect that is being set up for him. Even if it threatens Montalbano's own success, he will find the true murderer and right the wrongs played out by society.

THE SHAPE OF WATER deals with the ideas of politics, a corrupt government and/or corrupt officials. Italy is the home of the Mafia; hence, the government has a reputation as being easily swayed and misled. Having a single independent voice is a common practice when confronting corruption and THE SHAPE OF WATER is no exception.

Montalbano is a loner and has no respect for those who allow others to control them. In this murder, almost all of the players have some connection to the government and its corrupting powers. Unlike some protagonists in similar situations, such as Donna Leon's Guido, Montalbano is not very sympathetic or likeable. Yet there is something almost appealing about him and his situation. Regardless of his personal appeal, there is always something intriguing about the underdog.

THE SHAPE OF WATER is the first book in the Inspector Salvo Montalbano series.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, December 2003

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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