Current Giveaway: “Violet in Private” by Melissa Walker- ends 10/31/08
Title: “The Lost Diary of Don Juan”
Author: Douglas Carlton Abrams
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-1416532521
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Date of Publication: (Reprint) July 1, 2008
3 stars: Okay, but not my thing
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“I looked at her smiling face, and her black hair, disheveled by our earlier desire. Her clear brown eyes reflected the flames of the candles that encircled the altar of her bed. How could I refuse her?”
(The Lost Diary of Don Juan pg 3)
“The Lost Diary of Don Juan” by Douglas Carlton Abrams is the story of Don Juan, a man raised by nuns who has to flee after having an affair with one of them. He’s guided by a Marquis who teaches him ‘swordplay and seduction’. Don Juan is essentially a libertine or a Casanova- a lover of all women. The story is a bit predictable, in that of course he will eventually fall in love (real love) with one woman.
It’s meant to be a diary, although there are very few moments when you will be able to tell. Each entry is certainly not started, “Dear Diary.” There’s plenty of dialogue along with the action, so really it just seems to be a story told in the past tense.
I couldn’t help but think, as I read, that certain parts of the book simply made me think of Zorro. Specifically the Marquis guiding Don Juan- it just made me picture (the somewhat-recent movie verion of) Anthony Hopkins molding Antonio Banderas into the new Zorro! I also found little love for the womanizing Don Juan. Despite the author’s goal to display Don Juan’s ‘love’ of all women, all I could see was Don Juan’s ‘lust’ for all women.
Those who enjoy Spanish historical fiction may enjoy this story, or perhaps those who enjoy romance. I couldn’t really get into it though which is why it’s only getting three stars from me. If you’d like to get your hands on a copy, you’re in luck. I’m giving away a copy to one commenter. Simply leave me a comment telling me your favorite historical fiction or romance book and author. For another entry, blog about this contest and tell me about it. The winner will be picked randomly October 31rst (the same day my current giveaway ends). And as usual this contest is open to anyone.
Visit the author at www.DouglasCarltonAbrams.com or www.LostDiaryofDonJuan.com.
Missed my last post? It was SOME CONFUSION
Missed my last review? It was REVIEW: “SWORD” BY DA CHEN
Kathleen's Book Reviews... 
I love love love Nora Roberts. I am the first one in my library to pick any new book of hers. I don’t read historical fiction much, not that I don’t like it, but I haven’t come across many books.
Please enter me.
I’d like to enter – even though you didn’t like it, it still sounds interesting.
this looks like a very intersting book would be honored to win it.
A wonderful job. Super helpful inafomotirn.
i would love to have this book. Don Juan’s life is very interesting for me.
My favorite romance/historical novel is by an author I recently “discovered”, her name is Ginger Garrett and her book is “In the Shadow of Lions”. Wondrful book about Anne Boleyn and how involved she was with the church in a religious way……totally different from others views of Anne.
I’m interested in reading this book, for I have heard good things about it even thou it may not of been for you
Thank you,
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
I love Nora Roberts too! and I really wish to win this book. It seems so fabulous
Would like to read this book. Thanks!