FantasyWelt

Si . . . Si . . .

5 von 5 Punkten
This review is of the unabridged audiocassette version of The Vendetta Defense as performed by Ms. Barbara Rosenblat.

Warm, rich, rewarding, and engaging are all adjectives that jump to mind about this masterly story of the clash of cultures, egos, and generations. Ms. Scottoline has a rich imagination, love of her characters, and warm feelings for her readers that make this story come alive with passion, tension, and revealing emotions.

The character of Anthony "Pigeon Tony" Lucia is one of the most interesting and appealing that I have come across in many years. He may be the most interesting defendent ever in a fictional case. Mr. Lucia is essentially a simple man of peace, with a great respect for nature, beauty, and honesty. Yet his natural goodness has brought him into conflict with the literal forces of darkness in the form of an ex-fascist black shirt, Angelo Coluzzi. The two men's lives have moved in parallel orbits for over 60 years, and this story recounts how all that occurred and what the implications are for all of us. Pigeon Tony has always sought to turn the other cheek, and has paid a large price for his acceptance of his tormentor's attentions. Did he do the right thing?

The Vendetta Defense sets up many interesting conflicts to build on the basic one of good versus evil. These contrasts include the law versus taking action as ways to solve problems, the perspectives of different generations, the views of the native-born Americans versus immigrants, Italian-Americans versus those of other national backgrounds, and seeking pleasure versus seeking goodness. The plot is even more complicated than that, including flashbacks over Pigeon Tony's life, a complex set of legal maneuvers, physical and mental battles, and a developing relationship for Ms. Judy Carrier, Pigeon Tony's attorney, and Pigeon Tony's grandson, Frank.

For those who like top-notch legal conflicts in their fiction, you will like the many twists and turns of this case. It also has a comedic flair to offset the many moments of darkest despair. You will be reminded of the gravedigger's scene in Hamlet at several points in the book.

Ms. Rosenblat's performance is superb. She easily makes the transition between male and female voices, people of vastly different ages, alternative accents, and a wide range of emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her read this outstanding book. I strongly urge you to listen to this version of the book. You will undoubtedly enjoy the book even more than if you simply read it.

After you finish The Vendetta Defense, ask yourself what you would have done at each step in the life of Pigeon Tony. What did you learn about yourself in the process?

Let your actions show who you are!

Scottoline at her best!

5 von 5 Punkten
Dass die Anwaltskanzlei fuer die fast alle Lisa Scottodale-Anwaelte arbeiten samt allen ihren Anwaelten ein absoluter Renner und Traum fuer jede angehende Anwaeltin waere, duerfte jedem, der nicht zum ersten Mal Lisa Scottodale liest, bekannt sein. Doch in diesem Buch ist nicht nur der Charakter der Anwaeltin Judy Carrier hervorragend, humorvoll und detailgetreu herausgearbeitet - hier kann man auch gar nicht anders, als den Angeklagten, ?Pigeon Tony", voll und ganz ins Herz zu schliessen, mit all seinen Macken und Eigenheiten. Abwechselnd Schmunzeln und Augenwischen bei Erzaehlungen seiner Lebensgeschichte - herrlich