Rounding the Mark (The Inspector Montalbano Mysteries Book 7)

I've read all eight of Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano novels currently available in English translation and preordered _Patience of the Spider_, so I guess I'm a fan. Salvo Montalbano is an enviable character--he may be bummed at getting old, but in the meantime he has gorgeous women crawling all over him and eats like a king--yet never gets fat! The carefully described meals are just one example of the many details that make readers feel at home in the wacky imaginary Sicilian city of Vigàta. This is definitely fiction with a strong sense of place, like that by Carl Hiaasen. In using his knowledge of the local ways (and thus passing them on to the reader), Montalbano is a little like the Joe Leaphorn of Hillerman's earlier novels (like _Dance Hall of the Dead_)._Rounding the Mark_ is maybe a little less integrated than some of the novels--the novel begins with Montalbano's disgust at the corruption of his fellow cops to the point where he is about to resign, and it seems that corruption and the resignation will be a big deal, but they are pretty much forgotten as the plot gets underway. Other reviewers have complained that there's not enough fast-paced action in Camilleri's works, but this one heats up better than most by the end.Camilleri is a master at characterizing people through their dialects. I wouldn't have thought that could come out in translation, but Sartarelli gets it across. And the endnotes are a godsend, especially in making clear just how much money is involved so as to clarify its motivating power. Then, too, there are lovely local customs like "goat-tying" explained. Sicily is a scary place!

Book 7 is a wonderful book, and yet at the time I read it the story is also very pertinent. There is as I write this a terrible crisis in Europe over immigrants and so it is very bittersweet to read this sad story about the little boy who is desperate to escape his awful fate. Salvo takes it upon himself to be an avenging angel once he figures out the little boy's back story. But at what cost? The inspector continues to take terrible risks when he goes out alone; his clever men show up in the nick of time but how long can we count on such luck? Meanwhile Montalbano worries about getting older. Are these related? The risk taking and the confrontation with mortality? You think?Reading this sort of makes me miss the movies, which are (at least in my memory) lighter. Sunnier. Funnier. This is a sad story about a dreadful event.

Good but not Andrea Camilleri’s best Montalbano book by any means. The use of the journalist to provide the didactic background on immigrant child smuggling is especially awkward. The chest pain which sounds like coronary insufficiency is left without a resolution. Despite such shortcomings, Rounding the Mark is a good read by the late Sicilian master.

I've read them all....all the Montalbano mysteries by Andrea Camilleri that is, and Inspector Montalbano's penchant for justice, his appetite for homespun Sicilian cuisine, and his argument with the ever present absurdities and corruption of modern Italian/Sicilian life are exquisite. While his subject matter is often brutal I always feel that I'm in the company of a humanitarian champion. Camilleri makes me laugh out loud and I cheer him on with his wildly improbable plots because they take on the issues of the gravest importance. Child abduction and slavery, immigration, and bribery, are only a few of the issues that Camilleri tackles. If you're a mystery fan, Camilleri is not to be missed. I've read several of his books twice for the shear joy of the language. These mysteries are the best and the translations by Stephen Sartarelli are top notch. Go for it!

Cameleri - or should I say his translator- continues his portrayal of an Italian Police Inspector fighting to stay human in world that becomes more complex daily. One doesn't really mind his cardboard charechters because they never cease to stop acting as cookie cutter people somewhere during the plot. One could get annoyed at the way Cameleri has his protaganist treat women -basically he's a cowardly tease- but after the third time, you know its going to not happen and, well, I suppose we all want to remain faithful to Livia. One hopes that Cameleri's next book is written from her point of view. And we always look forward to his next book.

My husband and I have read all sixteen of the Inspector Montalbano mysteries. We are keeping all of the novels to read again. The main character, Inspector Montalbano, is a quirky guy. His interactions with the community and his co-workers are hilarious. If you like a lighthearted, humorous mystery full of the ins and outs of a tight knit Sicilian community this is the series for you. The author, Andrea Camilleri, is 88 years old. We selfishly fear that there will be no more new Inspector Montalbano mysteries to brighten our future. However, the joy we have already received from this wonderful author will be lasting.

Camilleri has the annoying habit of ending some of his stories by dropping everything. It's the new fad in novels and very convenient for the writer. A few problems: you can't swim or dive in a wet suit and not use lead weights, you float too much, neutral buoyancy must be achieved. Also fins should be used for better maneuverability in the surf. Camilleri being ninety obviously doesn't do much diving. And who would be so stupid as to walk around in the water with thigh high boots which get filled with water when a pair of rubber sandals gives you better traction and protection.

Like the usual characters but his ability to do some of his exploits a little far fetched.

I am reading the Montalbano novels in order of publication and Rounding the Mark is certainly the best of them to date. It is also the one that has affected me most emotionally. This is for two reasons; firstly, the plot with its focus on some awful crimes one of which only comes to light in the latter part of the novel; and secondly, the subject of aging, watching how Montalbano copes with the effects that various factors are having on his mind and body. All these matters are handled in a sensitive, yet direct way, and had a greater impact on me than any of the previous stories in the series.Overall I found this is an extremely well written (or perhaps I should say well translated?) crime thriller with a plot that kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. The cast of supporting characters are vividly portrayed and so I felt as if I was a fly on the wall watching these various individuals as they struggle to solve the crimes they are investigating. There are some well placed humourous scenes that lighten the mood of what is otherwise a slightly melancholy story, but like all good crime thrillers it has a very dramatic ending.

Andrea Camilleri's Montalbano series is a recent discovery for me. I have been reading the Nordic noir books but become fed up with the extreme violence, inhumanity, and craziness. Montalbano books are the absolute opposite. Very little violence, but a realistic picture of the Italian society, its failings (corruption, stupid bureaucracy, politics) and its fantastic side (history, life, food), both graphically presented. The first books in the series were perhaps a little extreme, but the newest installments are becoming more mature and realistic. This 7th book is really good and enjoyable. Montalbano eats well, is sorely tempted but does not succumb (or perhaps just once), succeeds getting round his stupid superior officer who tries to put him out of work, and solves the case. Thoroughly enjoyable, although a little sad.

Montalbano goes for a swim and bumps into a body which he tows back to shore. Later he witnesses the arrival of illegal immigrants. A small boy breaks away from his mother and Montalbano grabs his hand so his mother can retrieve him. Montalbano's unofficial investigation reveals the connection between the two incidents. But the plot is almost incidental. So what is it that makes this such an enjoyable read?Firstly, it is the character of the eccentric Montalbano himself. The story is told entirely from his point of view. He is in every scene, yet he remains unpredictable; neither his thinking about the investigation nor his plans are revealed. We, like his men, are observers who can be surprised, perplexed and frustrated by what he does. We do, however, see more of his private thoughts, about his girlfriend, Livia, for example, or the glamorous and talented Ingrid who is called upon as a sort of assistant to his nefarious activities. His moods are revealed, too, partly through his thoughts and partly through the reactions of other people, particularly his men who find him bad-tempered and unpredictable. But, for all his weaknesses and irascibility he is respected and held in affection by those who know him, and by the reader, too. He is a gifted detective who follows his instincts rather than a logical analysis of clues. He has the sort of courage that means he puts himself in danger but overcomes his genuine fears. He has a strong moral code, which is unusual, possibly unique, in the highly corrupt society of Sicily - a corruption that is always near the surface and clearly articulated, though sometimes in a tongue-in-cheek style.Secondly, it is the portrayal of the minor characters. Cataralla, for instance, lights up every scene with his blundering enthusiasm and comical mispronunciations. Or Montalbano's superior, Dr Lattes, who always asks about Montalbano's non-existent family, and Montalbano always replies as though he has one. There are many others, too.Thirdly there is the style, described perfectly by The TLS as `cunning yet curiously gentle'. It is witty, economical and permeated with a sardonic view of life. If you haven't read the Montalbano stories, you must, and you would be better starting at the beginning of the series. But beware, once started you will be hooked, and there are plenty to go at. If you are already familiar with the detective, this novel will not disappoint.

The underlying themes of this book are dark - Montalbano's frustration at his aging, and also - but I won't spoil the story - the nature of the crime that he comes to realise that he is investigating. As one witness tells him, the world has become too evil. No wonder the man doesn't want to face up to what he saw. What could be unbearably grim, however, is leavened by the humour and by the interplay of character especially among the police. By the way, does anyone know Mimi actually does to justify his rank and his salary; he rarely seems to come into the office or have any crimes of his own to solve. Although Montalbano is, as always, the hero in terms of his thought processes, and through his attempt to emulate James Bond (or should that be the Man from the Milk Tray advert?) , for me the honours in this book go to Fazio, who displays far more than mere professional loyalty. It is interesting that on one occasion Montalbano refers to Fazio as being middle-aged; in the television series he is portrayed as a young man, and that strikes me as more appropriate to the character Camilleri has created and who is, for me, the most likable of all the regular cast. Surely it's about time he got promotion! It is also about time that Montalbano and Livia parted for their own sanity and that of the reader.

Having been late in discovering Montalbano on TV the initial books are ideal for completing my knowledge of the series. That said the books themselves are somewhat different from their TV fellows, with the irascible inspector coming over as harder. A brilliant author, I look forward to the remainder of the series.