Donna Leon Honored with Bavarian Book Prize for Lifetime Achievement

The celebrated crime novelist reflects on the allure of fiction over truth during her acceptance speech.

Donna Leon, renowned for her Commissario Guido Brunetti series, received the honorary Bavarian Book Prize.
During her acceptance speech, Leon suggested people prefer fiction to truth, referencing the U.S. presidential elections.
Leon humorously described herself as a 'liar and thief' for creating fictional characters that captivate readers.
Her novels, set in Venice, have made her a chronicler of the city, bringing its allure to life through crime stories.
The Bavarian Book Prize, now in its eleventh year, has previously honored authors like Cornelia Funke and Tomi Ungerer.