100 Diogenes authors
Leon, Donna Margaret
Donna Margaret Leon, born on September 28, 1942 in Montclair, New Jersey, is an American-Swiss writer who is best known for her crime novels. Her literary career began late in life, however, after she had worked for many years as an English teacher and tour guide. Leon lived and worked in various places around the world, including Iran, China and Saudi Arabia, before settling in Venice in the 1980s. From then on, this city was to be the main setting for her successful crime novels.
Her literary breakthrough came in 1992 with the first novel in the Commissario Brunetti series, "Venetian Finale" (originally "Death at La Fenice"). Commissario Guido Brunetti, the main protagonist of her series, which now comprises over 30 novels, is a sensitive, cultivated and morally upright police officer who seeks his way in the often gloomy, corrupt and bureaucratic world of Venice. Leon not only deals with criminal cases in her works, but also sheds light on social and political grievances such as environmental pollution, corruption and racism.
A remarkable aspect of Leon's work is that her novels were originally only published in English and have not yet been translated into Italian in order to protect her privacy in Italy. Her works are particularly popular in Germany, where they are regularly on the bestseller lists. Leon has received numerous awards for her literary achievements, including the "German Crime Fiction Prize".
In 2020, Leon was granted Swiss citizenship, a move that underlines her close ties to Europe. Despite her success in the literary world, Donna Leon remains a rather reclusive person who avoids being in the spotlight. Her love of music, especially opera, is also reflected in her books, which gives her writing style a special touch. Donna Leon has managed to attract a large international readership with her profound and captivating stories and remains a significant voice in the world of crime fiction.