Aurelio Zen
About the Series
The first of the stories, Ratking, won the 'Gold Dagger' award of 1988. This series of detective novels provide a penetrating insight into the less visible aspects of Italian society over the last twenty years. The earlier books have a lightness of touch that gradually becomes much darker. The character of Zen himself is anti-heroic, which adds much to the books' irony and black humour. Dibdin died in 2007 shortly after finishing the last book in the series, End Games, which appeared posthumously in July 2007.
Series Details
- Author:Michael Dibdin
- Started:1988
- Books:10
- Status:Ongoing
Genres
Themes
No themes available
Books in Order
Ratking
1988Vendetta
1990Cabal
1992Dead Lagoon
1994Così Fan Tutti
1996A Long Finish
Blood Rain
1999And Then You Die
2002Medusa
2003Back to Bologna
2005Frequently Asked Questions
**What is the starting point of the Aurelio Zen series?**
The series begins with the book "Ratking," which was published in 1988 and won the Gold Dagger award. This introduction sets the stage for the character of Aurelio Zen, a detective deeply intertwined with the intricacies and darker sides of Italian society.
**How many books are there in the Aurelio Zen series?**
There are a total of 10 books in the Aurelio Zen series, culminating with the posthumously released "Back to Bologna," which was published in July 2007 after author Michael Dibdin's death in 2007.
**What themes can readers expect to explore in the Aurelio Zen novels?**
While specific themes aren't outlined, the series offers a penetrating insight into the complexities of Italian society over the last two decades, blending elements of irony, black humor, and the anti-heroic nature of its protagonist, Aurelio Zen, to reveal deeper societal issues.
**How does the tone of the series evolve as it progresses?**
The early books maintain a light touch, incorporating humor and wit, while the tone darkens as the series progresses. This shift reflects the complexities of Zen's character and the increasingly serious themes he encounters in his investigations.
**Is Aurelio Zen a conventional hero?**
No, Aurelio Zen is portrayed as an anti-hero, which adds a layer of irony and complexity to the stories. His character often navigates moral ambiguities and personal flaws, enhancing the narrative with a unique blend of humor and realism.
**Can you recommend a starting point in the series for new readers?**
It is best to start with "Ratking," the first book in the series, as it introduces Aurelio Zen and establishes the tone and themes that will continue in the following novels.
**What can readers expect from the final book, "Back to Bologna"?**
As the last book in the series, "Back to Bologna" provides a fitting conclusion to Zen's journey. It encapsulates the darker, more complex themes woven throughout the series, offering insights into both the character of Zen and the Italian society he navigates.
You Might Also Enjoy
1Night Stand
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
200 Harley Street
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
24 Declassified
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
3 Babies For 3 Brothers
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
A Blossom Valley Mystery
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
A Cotten Stone Mystery
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
A Dance of Dragons
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
A Delilah Dickinson Literary Tour Mystery
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
A Galaxy Unknown
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction
A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery
• Similar genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction