I have no memory for what happens in what books. I don't know when I might remember a scene, but beats me what book it's in because there are 14 of them now. Donna Leon More Quotes by Donna Leon More Quotes From Donna Leon I never wanted to be rich or successful or famous. I just wanted to be happy and have fun. Donna Leon rich successful fun The Germans and Austrians are very polite, the Swiss are very reserved and the Spanish usually kiss me. The Brits write me letters. Donna Leon kissing letters writing A story begins and it always passes from the subjunctive to the declarative. And Italians don't seem to care about making a fine distinction between that which is speculation and that which is fact. Donna Leon care stories facts I just go to lunch. And I never know when something is going into the file and something is not. Donna Leon files lunch knows All through graduate school, instead of having a television I read murder mysteries: Hammett, Chandler, Ruth Rendell, P. D. James. Donna Leon murder-mysteries television school Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the most liberal and illumined of the nine Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. Donna Leon ruth nine justice I love music. But I've never owned a TV in my adult life, and I've never lived in a place with a television. Donna Leon adults tvs television Italians tend to be less rigidly moral and law-abiding than do Anglo-Saxons. They also have a profound suspicion of the state and most of its agencies. Donna Leon than suspicion moral profound I came to Venice for the first time in 1968 and was lucky enough to make the acquaintanceship, and then the friendship, of two Venetians, Roberta and Franco, who remain my best friends here after almost 50 years. Donna Leon best friends time friendship I'm involved with a baroque opera company here in Italy. I write some of their booklet material, comments on operas. I also write for some baroque opera festivals because this music is my real passion. Donna Leon festivals passion music real The character I created, 'Commissario Brunetti,' who appears in all my books, shares similar reading, artistic and musical tastes with me. Subconsciously, I knew that if I was to spend however long it would take to write this book with him, this man would have to be someone I'd like to have dinner with. Donna Leon me man dinner character I listen to Handel's vocal music, almost exclusively. Donna Leon almost listen vocal music I admire Dickens beyond words. He is one of the greatest plotters of all times. Didn't have a clue about women, but he sure could plot. Donna Leon beyond words admire women