The Potter's Field

The Potter's Field by Andrea Camilleri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The title of the novel refers to the land that was purchased by the priests with the thirty pieces of silver that Judas returned to them before attempting to hang himself. This time Camilleri deals with the subject of betrayal—personal, professional, and even self-betrayal—in a book that is jam-packed with references—biblical, artistic, literary, culinary…the list goes on and on. Quite how Camilleri manages to cram them all into a story that seems painted so lightly is a tribute to his ability as a writer—and to Stephen Sartarelli’s, as his English translator. So what’s it about?
A body is found in a precipitous clay field; it’s been cut into thirty pieces, which Montalbano recognizes as an old Mafia sign. A beautiful Columbian woman reports that her husband has gone missing, whilst Mimi is acting unusually. To say any more would spoil the plot, but I suspect you’ll find yourself wondering (as did I) why the characters take so long to piece things together. I found it impossible to suspend my disbelief.
As for the food references, I’ll just say this…I’ll have what he’s having.

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