Aurelio Zen: Dead Lagoon

By: Michael Dibdin

Narrated by: Cameron Stewart

Aurelio Zen returns to his native Venice to investigate the disappearance of a rich American resident but he soon learns that, amid the hazy light and shifting waters of the lagoon, nothing is what it seems. As Zen is drawn deeper into the complex and ambiguous mysteries surrounding the discovery of a skeletal corpse on an ossuary island in the north lagoon, he is also forced to confront a series of disturbing revelations about his own life.

©1994 Michael Dibdin (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

I miss Michael Kitchen...

Cameron Stewart did well enough, except for the elderly portrayals—his falsetto is godawful. The story itself is interesting, as Zen returns to ancestral home, runs into old acquaintances, solves a couple mysteries, and makes new political enemies. Unfortunately, it runs out of steam towards the end, and seems like its main purpose is to set up following novels. I’ll move onto the next Zen book, and really hope this was a one-off.

The past is another country, you can only visit.

I am sure I wrote a review earlier. This is one of Michael Dibdin best. Aurelio returns to Venice on a little detour to what perhaps he should be doing. Things have changed and although Aurelio gets to the root of it all, he isn't wanted. He loses, he wins, he is nowhere. Just goes to show you can't go back, it isn't there anymore. This book puts it so nicely. As Aurelio puts it at the end of the book speaking to some tourist, "I'm sorry, I can't help you, I'm a visitor here myself", or something like that. Cameron Stewart isn't Michael Kitchen, but does an adequate job. Love the book, love the series. Worth the listen too.

Entertaining Story.

I enjoyed the story and the character "Zen". I did have issues with the performer's rendition of female voices. He manages male voices very well with each character having a distinct voice of his own, but the female vocalizations are reminiscent of a vaudeville act or a British pantomime male character who is obviously playing a female. It is too bad as it does detract from the enjoyment of the audio novel.

Language is great

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes the story is good and the ability of the author to communcate with exciting vivid language is excellent.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plt was not up front, Therefore the plot was a surprise.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of who people and places were were all enthralling.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I read this book mostly because of the language.

Any additional comments?

It is a must read.

interesting but not great

not a super compelling story or characters but it kept my interest (just). probably would recommend something else.

The Wrong Narrator

I came to Zen via the short- lived television series, so try as I might, I couldn't warm to this narrator. I wanted to hear Rufus Sewell. Among the twists and turns in the ingenious plots are
imbeded the rollercoaster of Zen's life and the carnival of Italian politics, all described with a wicked sense of comedy. This narrator totally misses the humor, something the screenwriter and director of the three Zen films did NOT leave out. I wouldn't have liked this audio book if I had not known, from the excellent screenplays, to detect and appreciate the delicious ironies.

If new to Audible.com, get this book free!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love the Dibdin books. The version of this book says it is Michael Kitchen speaking, but it is not. Even so, this is a superb listen. In fact, I have already been through the three other Zen books and thought there were no more. Suddenly, I find this one.

This book is rich. It is like listening to flan with a very subtle caramel sauce dripping off of the edges. There is this rich mixture of Italian mixed in with passionate swear words. There is the elegant analogies. I found myself going back and listening to sections 2-3 times to pick up on the changes in the plot.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Aurelio Zen: Dead Lagoon?

Hey, I am not going to spoil it for you. Aurelio is not really Italian. He is Venetian!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. The problem with sitting for 13 hours would be blood collecting in your legs and getting deep vein thrombosis. I'd suggest savoring this listen. Do it 45 minutos a night. You'll enjoy it.

Any additional comments?

Laguna Morto è delizioso!

What's with the British accents?

The narrator portrays all of the Italian characters in a variety of British accents. To me, this totally ruins the Italian flavor of the book. The story is dark and nasty. Aurelio Zen is not a nice guy.

Disappointing

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

After reading three other Aurelio Zen books, I had developed a fondness for Zen (with all his faults and quirks). In Dead Lagoon, I found him to be both dumb and kind of a jerk. The plot and the writing in this book are not nearly as good as the preceding ones in the series.

Has Aurelio Zen: Dead Lagoon turned you off from other books in this genre?

I might try one more to see if the quality improves.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The voices this narrator uses for the characters are dreadful, especially for the women in the story.

What character would you cut from Aurelio Zen: Dead Lagoon?

Zen?

Any additional comments?

Pass on this one.

We have found the perfect narrator for Zen and...

.... the publishers who really should know better, think any good narrator will do.


Cameron Stewart may be an OK straight reader and he totally fails to capture Michael Dibdin's Zen.

Especially as this is Zen returning to Venice.

It is not a more complicated plot, it is not a darker view of the world.

It is the total failure of Cameron Stewart to capture the nuance, the humour, the niavety of our world weary chauvinist, the blatent hypocracy and corruption that flatens the story and characters.

What would he do to 'Cosi Fan Tutti' ( I shudder to think).?

So far no one can best Michael Kitchen as narrator for Dibdin's Zen.