In The Waters of Eternal Youth, the twenty-fifth instalment in the bestselling Brunetti series, our Commissario finds himself drawn into a case that may not be a crime at all. Brunetti is investigating a cold case by request of the grand Contessa Lando-Continui, a friend of Brunetti's mother-in-law. Fifteen years ago the Contessa's teenage granddaughter, Manuela, was found drowning in a canal. She was rescued from the canal at the last moment, but in many ways it was too late; she suffered severe brain damage and her life ...
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In The Waters of Eternal Youth, the twenty-fifth instalment in the bestselling Brunetti series, our Commissario finds himself drawn into a case that may not be a crime at all. Brunetti is investigating a cold case by request of the grand Contessa Lando-Continui, a friend of Brunetti's mother-in-law. Fifteen years ago the Contessa's teenage granddaughter, Manuela, was found drowning in a canal. She was rescued from the canal at the last moment, but in many ways it was too late; she suffered severe brain damage and her life was never the same again. Once a passionate horse rider, Manuela, now aged thirty, cannot remember the accident, or her beloved horse, and lives trapped in an eternal youth. The Contessa, unconvinced that this was an accident, implores Brunetti to find the culprit she believes was responsible for ruining Manuela's life. Out of a mixture of curiosity, pity and a willingness to fulfil the wishes of a loving grandmother, Brunetti reopens the case. But once he starts to investigate, Brunetti finds a murky past and a dark story at its heart. The Waters of Eternal Youth is awash in the rhythms and concerns of contemporary Venetian life, from historical preservation, to housing, to new waves of African migrants, all circling the haunting story of a woman trapped in a perpetual childhood.
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Guido Brunetti starts his 25th case with a unique request from a Contessa who is a good friend of his mother-in-law. Her granddaughter was almost drowned 15 years before. Because of the long time she was underwater, Manuela suffered brain damage. Although she has the body of a 30 year-old, she has the mind of a child of about 7.
Manuela was rescued by a drunk. The next day, when questioned, the drunk had no memory of the event. There were rumors that Manuela was pushed into the water by a shadowy man. The Contessa is nearing her death and wants to know the truth before she dies. The consequences of this accident destroyed a family.
This is an elegantly told story with incredible pathos. Venice serves as the backdrop. Current concerns in Venice are included; such as 'How can we help the young people stay in Venice by offering them reasonably priced housing?'
This is one of those stories that will stay with me a long time.
