MEMOIR

Wandering Through Life: A Memoir

Atlantic Monthly. Sept. 2023. 208p. ISBN 9780802161581. $26. MEMOIR
COPY ISBN
In her latest book, novelist Leon (“Guido Brunetti” mysteries; So Shall You Reap) shares her own adventures through a series of humorous nonfiction vignettes. Now 80, Leon grew up in New Jersey and spent most of her adult life living and working in Europe. She now lives in Switzerland. Her memoir invites readers into her world of adventures, and she’s certainly had plenty. To name a few, she taught English in Iran during the early part of the 1979 revolution and conducted classes in China and Saudi Arabia. She also went to Italy, where she created a life that outdoes her mysteries’ protagonist. She vividly and engagingly describes her love of crime, Venice, and opera, her dream of finding the perfect cappuccino (more difficult than one might imagine), and the games she created with friends throughout the world.
VERDICT Leon's wit and life well-lived will draw in varied audiences, who can live vicariously through her. Fans of her series will certainly enjoy this memoir and the brief letter she includes to dissuade them from trying to find Guido Brunetti at the Questura.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?