“Donna Leon is . . . a practiced writer of sharply observed commentary. . . . Leon clearly loves her adopted city, but she is not so pie-eyed as to overlook–and report to often hilarious effect–its idiosyncratic imperfections. . . . Savoring these short and engaging pieces is akin to sharing a latte at a Venetian café with an entertaining, opinionated, intelligent friend.” —Robert Weibezahl, BookPage

“Entertaining [and] unapologetically opinionated.” —Suzanne MacNeille, The New York Times

“Leon . . . is literate, witty and contentious, with a ready sense of humor and an eye for the absurd. I’d love to have a cappuccino with her.” —Kathy Weissman, Bookreporter.com

“Absorbing. . . . My Venice and Other Essays . . . provide[s] morsels of wit and sharp observations.” —Janice Floyd Durante, New York Journal of Books

“Well known as the author of the Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery novels, American Donna Leon has lived in Venice for 30 years and knows its vagaries and delights in and out. The essays in My Venice are filled with her pointed observations, humor and insight. . . . Leon’s great intelligence and wit come through in every one. . . . A lively collection.” —Shelf Awareness

“So keenly observed that they almost make me homesick for a city I’ve only visited . . . [Leon’s essays] have the kind of friendly intimacy of a letter from a friend far away” —David Lyon, Boston Globe

“Leon . . . is synonymous with Venice.” —The Sunday Times (London)

“[Leon] never fails to explore the periphery of her topic, deepening her theme and giving it context and nuance.” —Booklist