The Lost Diary of Don Juan

by Douglas Carlton Abrams

It was a time of discovery and decadence, when life became a gamble and the gold that poured endlessly into the port of Sevilla devalued money, marriage, and love itself. In the midst of these treacherous times, Juan Tenorio is born and then abandoned in the barn of a convent. Raised secretly by the nuns, he learns to love and worship all women and wants nothing more than to be a priest, until he falls in love with one of the sisters. When their affair is discovered, Juan leaves the Church forever. He is soon recruited to be a spy by the powerful Marquis de la Mota, who teaches him to become the world's greatest libertine and seducer of women. But when he crosses swords with the most powerful man in the Empire, Don Juan must escape the murderous fury of the Inquisitor who battles all forms of debauchery, deviance, and heresy.

It is after knowing countless women that he is convinced by the Marquis to keep a diary, and it is here within its pages that Don Juan reveals his greatest adventures and the Arts of Passion he mastered. But what finally compels him to confess everything and risk losing his life, livelihood, and honor is the most perilous adventure of all -- the irresistible fall into the madness of love with the only woman who could ever make him forget all others.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Spain, Historical, 16th Century, Audiobook

322 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Bandit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh Don Juan. The legendary lusty libertine. The astoundingly amorous adventurer. The dashing dream man of damsels' desires. Stay with me...these alliterations are the only fun to be had out of this book. Apparently Don Juan was also a loquacious chronicler of his exploits, because here is his diary, soggy silly cheesy mess of it. Granted one should expect a certain amount of shall we say romance in diaries of such a character, but it's just so tediously corny. Thought it would redeem itself as a work of historical fiction, but the corniness always won out. And I'm no prude by any means, I can appreciate a well done love scene for its aesthetics or as a plot device, but this was beyond that. This was just ignominiously froufrou and overwritten, fifty shades of something sort of thing. There were some scenes... like the seductive dining scene, for example, listening to which was like getting ear raped. Scott Brick, a seasoned audio book reader of primarily action, tried in his best watered down Antonio Banderas accent...but one can only do so much with a turd like this. Normally I'm pretty forgiving of audio books, but this has to be the worst one yet encountered. Cue in the passage on Don's supreme seed control. Yes, seriously. He is a considerate man above all. On and on went this story about an irresistible lover who finally fell in love with the one woman he really wasn't suppose to. Apparently in the end the old ticker proved tougher to control than seed. Somewhere there must be a horny lonely lady of a certain age who'll think this to be the greatest thing since Christian Gray, but for a more discerning reader this is just an embarrassing to behold inanity. Selected purely due to lack of choices at the library at the time. Lesson learned. More discernment shall be shown from now on.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading The Lost Diary of Don Juan, the infamous title character was nothing more than a name to me. From a mere caricature, Abrams has skillfully created a character who is richly complex and multi-layered. As I read the eloquently written pages of Don Juan's diary, it was impossible not to be drawn into his libertine life and the intrigues of the city of Seville in 1593.

With beautiful, readable prose, Abrams paints a vivid picture of late 16th century Spain. The descriptions have a very cinematic feel. I could visualize the walled courtyard of a nobleman's home, and the dark, dank interior of Don Juan's favorite tavern. I could feel the velvet fabric of his maroon doublet. I could smell the faint, seductive orange-apricot scent of a woman's perfume. The prose tends to feel a little flowery and euphemistic when describing Don Juan's many and varied sexual encounters, the upside of this being that the subject matter is thus handled in a manner that is inoffensive to a broader audience.

The Spanish Inquisition was going strong in 1593, creating a sinister atmosphere in Seville which Abrams conveys well. His Inquisitor is a cruel, dark, ominous figure. The reader will sense that treachery and betrayal are rampant in Don Juan's world. Because of this, the trustworthy few - a nun or priest here, a loyal coachman there - feel all the more significant and engaging as supporting characters.

[Vivian Trương · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chẳng phải chính Chúa đã bảo "Hãy sinh sôi nảy nở" đó sao? Có phải Chúa mong đợi chúng ta làm việc dó bằng cách nhìn vào mắt nhau? Người đã làm ra chúng ta bằng xác thịt. Ngài và Giáo hội của ngài đã dựng nên cái hình mẫu lí tưởng về đức hạnh của người phụ nữ mãi mãi còn trinh này - quy tội cho mọi khát khao của người phụ nữ,mới là tội lỗi. Khi chân lý là báng bổ, thì sự lừa gạt trở thành tín điều"

OH MY GODDDDDD.....I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHAT I FEEL....!!

Đây là cuốn sách thuộc top Unpopular bị rẻ rúng nhất mà mình nghĩ nó rất xứng đáng được biết tới nhiều hơn!!! Ngay từ lúc mua cuốn này, ẻm đã nằm trong thùng thanh lý mình mua với giá chỉ....20k của quầy sách Nhã Nam đại hạ giá. Cuốn này bắt mắt mình từ cái bìa siêu đẹp mà giảm giá kinh khủng nên mình nghĩ Why not??? và hốt. Và ngay lúc này mình cảm thấy rất rất mãn nguyện vì lúc đó đã hốt được ẻm. Trời ơi nó hayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Ngay trong thời điểm mình đang cuồng thể loại Lịch sử trung cổ, và mình đọc ngay cuốn này rồi mê tít luôn! Được lạc bước vào Tây Ban Nha cuối thế kỉ 16 phồn hoa, lần này theo chân Don Juan - tên phóng đãng bậc nhất thế giới lúc bấy giờ, chuyên đi quyến rũ phụ nữ và giúp thỏa mãn khát khao của họ. Câu chuyện được kể dưới góc nhìn của nhân vật Don Juan, thông qua nhật kí của chính anh chàng, tiết lộ của chúng ta về cuộc đời hào hoa của nhân vật huyền thoại nổi tiếng nhất lịch sử về tình trường. Làm thế nào Don Juan trở thành tay sát gái bậc nhất, lẫn nhưng câu chuyện về tuổi thơ, đã làm nên con người của anh lúc bấy giờ.

Có vài đoạn làm cuốn này 18+ tí, nhất là những đoạn đầu, ai không thích sẽ cho nó phản cảm. Nhưng giọng văn của tác giả quá cuốn nên mình đọc tiếp luôn. Càng về sau, khi Don Juan khám phá ra thứ quan trọng nhất đời mình là gì, câu chuyện bắt đầu xoay chiều và cuốn bạn vào một thế giới của các kiếm sĩ, những trận đấu súng, đua ngựa đầy hồi hộp, đến các vụ lén trộm gặp người yêu trên các tường nhà cao chót vót. Ai u mê tất cả những yếu tố của tiểu thuyết lãng mạn lịch sử không nên bỏ qua cuốn này nhe!! Trời ơi đọc đi cho em nó nổi lên!!!

Cái kết mở tùy theo cảm nhận của bạn mà nó là HE hay SE, nhưng nó để lại một cảm giác khá bùi ngùi trong mình, day dứt khôn nguôi nên mình đã cho 5 sao tròn trĩnh. Lâu lắm rồi mới có 1 cuốn sách cho mình lại cảm giác ngậm ngùi sau khi đọc xong vậy. Cảm thấy thương cho nhân vật Don Juan, và càng tò mò hơn nữa. Vì lời cuối sách tác giả có nói cuốn sách viết dựa trên một ghi chép của 1 học giả người Pháp thế kỉ 19. Nên đọc xong mình lại muốn tìm hiểu về con người bí ẩn này, đặc biệt nhật kí kết thúc lở dở giữa chừng, đoạn cuốn là do anh hầu của Don Juan viết càng làm tăng thêm sự bí ẩn của câu chuyện. Chả biết thực sự ghi chép của vị học giả thực sự dừng tại đó, hay chính là Don Juan viết ra, hay do tác giả tự nghĩ ra cho câu chuyện??? Bí ẩn mãi mãi là bí ẩn....
Nói chung là toẹt cú mèo vì tất cả những sự bí ẩn, day dứt này đều hợp với mình.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! TRỜI ƠI AI U MÊ TRUNG CỔ CÁC THỨ THÌ ĐỌC LIỀN ĐI NHÉ! HAY LẮM LUÔN Á HIUHIU ❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️

"Khoái lạc của một nụ hôn duy nhất chứa đựng tình yêu lớn hơn rất nhiều so với cả nghìn đêm ân ái với một kẻ xa lạ"

[Natasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug Abrams has delivered a fascinating, fast-paced adventure brimmed with passion, intrigue, and humanity. This book is a page-turner, cleverly crafted and researched, yet tightly written, you will find yourself torn between racing to find out what happens next and savoring every delicious detail. It tracks the life of Don Juan and relives many of his exploits. It also is very instructional as to his romantic style and understanding of a woman’s needs. Full review you can find on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/...

[Jessica (thebluestocking) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the publisher. All content and opinions are my own.

I was delighted to have the chance to read this book on my way to Spain. It definitely enhanced my Spanish experience.

Don Juan, as you probably know, is known as the greatest lover in Spain, perhaps all of Christendom. This book is the story of Don Juan as told through his diary, which was purportedly preserved by his friend for generations. It is the story of his journey from a lovemaker to a lover.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. On the one hand, the writing was a little cheesy at times and some of it read like a trashy romance novel. On the other hand, I was pulled into the story and thought about it for a while after I finished it, which isn’t always the case. I could see some of the scenes as clearly as if I was watching a movie. For me, though, the literary device of the diary seemed contrived at all times. Every time it came back to reference of the diary, I was pulled out of the story and reminded that it was made up. See, mixed feelings.

Still, I think this book is worth the read, and I would specifically recommend it to historical fiction/romance lovers. (No pun intended.)

[Mitsay22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rất hay và rất hay .

[Andreea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up from my own bookshelf at home...it had been there for some time. My mom had bought it some time ago to read while traveling. I also needed something to read on the plane.

This books brings nothing new to the scene...the same old tale of Don Juan. And the author's style not particularly enticing or memorable. It did strike me as incredibly easy to read and I was unpleasantly surprised when I finished it 30 minutes before my flight was over (that is a 4 hours flight).

To begin with, we have Don Juan, a free spirit, ambassador of love but hunted by the inquisition. Nothing new so far. Entirely predictable, he is smitten by the only lady that does not fall to his feet.

The major disappointment was the lack of originality and very, very predictable storyline. Characters as well did not have much to their spine. Don Juan himself is a stereotype, a myth and this book served him well, without distancing him from the crowd of previous Don Juans. Dona Ana - stereotype of the strong, honorable lady who at first rejects the hero. It's been three weeks since I read it, but I can't remember any other character.

This is an easy read and good to waste your time with. However, it contains lots of cheesy scenes, especially the ones in which Don Juan expertly pleases all the women in the book. The author uses rather poor metaphors for most things sexual and they seem to overcrowd the book at some point.

So, if you want something to think about, this definitely is not the book. Same cliches, same myths and portrayal of Don Juan.

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delightfully surprised with this story. I must confess, I was expecting something more along the lines of Deuce Bigalow, American Gigolo, but much to my pleasure, this was a romantic historical fiction. It is very informative should you be looking more into what times were like during the Spanish Inquistion. It starts out with Don Juan, basically a womanizing man whore. However, he has utmost respect and reverence for the female species and when he actually falls in love, it warms the readers heart. You laugh and cry and literally sit on the end of your seat in anticipation wondering if he and his love will be reunited. I rarely read novels about or written by men, but I highly recommend this.

[Bookrazy-Koi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALthough the "bed" scenes were a bit muted...I can give this book this much stars because I strongly believe that in order for men to understand how to treat women, they should at least read this book! LOL I'm not saying that they go around seducing as much women as they can in one lifetime...but they need to understand how don juan sees women..:D

It is a wonderful love story :) but if you're looking for some exciting "actions" then...LOL

[Rachel Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not get passed the voice of this book. I actually had to stop reading it about half way through. There were interesting points and the idea that someone actually lived this life is pretty amazing but not a satisfying read for me.

[Marisol Puga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it had a plot, some twists, and lots of unnecessary sex scenes, so it was everything I thought it would be. It gave very telenovela vibes, where giant plot twists are dropped on you with absolutely no consequence or general effect to the storyline. Anyway, read it if you like gratuitous sex written from the perspective of a man who totally “gets” women. I am of course speaking of the “meh” protagonist, not the author.

[Celeste · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only picked this book up because it was very cheap and it looked interesting, at least the cover art was. To quote my students: It sucked.

The writing was mediocre at best. The lesson to be learned here, just because someone works in the book industry doesn't make that person a good writer. The styling and word choice showed the obvious attempts to make it quick and interesting but left me thinking it was melodramatic and pompous. The characterization was one-dimensional and yawn worthy. The plot was about as deep as a mud puddle. And the sex scenes made me laugh out loud. One would think that a passionate sex scene from a male author would be something different and would leave out all the flowery euphemisms for body parts and foreplay, but it was so bad that there needed to be additional entries in the glossary! And I also got the impression that the author was thinly veiling boasts on his tantric abilities through Don Juan. Really, it took me so long to read because it was just that bad.

Never again will I touch this author's works.

[Eliza · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book on the bargain table at a bookstore, so I thought I’d give it a shot. Glancing over the summary, I thought it would be a NEW take on Don Juan, something that showed more character than caricature. I think I was wrong, but I can’t be sure because I couldn’t bring myself to finish it.

The love scenes are particularly offensive, more for the way they were presented than for the actual content. The language in those scenes is trite and stupid, all the metaphors for things, I felt like I was reading one of those Harlequin paperback pornos. It all seems very male, which I realize is fitting as our hero is a man as is the author, but somehow it comes off as condescending. He’s all, “Oh I get women, no one understands women like me,” meanwhile nothing he said swept me off my anything. Oh, and it’s kind of blasphemous in places, if I remember correctly.

Overall, what I read of this book was unpleasant. I give it a disapproving tongue cluck and a smirk that’s laughing at it, not with it.

[Delacruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book on the bargain table, and I normally don't read romance novels. However, I found it an easy read, and intriguing, which again surprised me because I don't normally pick historical-fiction novels for leisure. There were some points that were lacking, but overall pretty entertaining.

I appreciate how the author did research into the history of Sevilla and even visited. That probably helped in his writing, as I was able to imagine myself in Sevilla (and I can't wait to one day visit).

Love and lust and tackling religion/spiritual issues has lately been of interest to me, and because of this book, it has been enhanced. I love the tension I felt while reading about Don Juan, whose views on love and sexuality were completely contradicting with his time. I also felt it very empowering to read about a man appreciating the desires of a woman and how the women were actively seeking pleasure, something that is still somewhat taboo in society.

"...passion and compassion beat in the same breast"

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great writer! This one caught my eye in the library. From what little I'd read in the past Don Juan has always struck me as a hilarious character. I was thinking more Pepe Le Peau (sp?) the cartoon skunk, but DCA takes this to an unexpected level. Dashing, romantic, full of honor and deceipt. He communicates a sense of Seville, Spain at this time and place that is staying with me. In other words, as good a historical and literary picture as I've ever seen. The style here is maybe drawn from some courtly, archaic Spanish stories? That's a big part of it. Reminded me of the Zorro stories (a good thing).

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Don Juan is given true heart in this book, with all of his exploits being charmingly regurgitated in a way that would make any woman swoon romantically. So...he was a slut, but that's because he does not want any woman to lack attention or endure loneliness!
I thoroughly enjoyed the passion with which his exploits were unfolded, especially as the diary turned towards his own inner turmoil at an inability to love one sole woman.
Also, had just the right amount of swashbuckling to keep it lively.
A book for a heroine in need of a hero - or just some good thought for dreams :)

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and this was a great book. I stayed up way to late finishing it.

Don Juan asks his mother her secret to lasting love and she said: “The heart is forever unfaithful, and the feelings of love come and go, but true love is not about how you feel. It is about what you do.” That really hit me, true love is about being faithful, respectful, caring, fun, passionate, and getting thru the times when your heart just isn’t in it, because love will come around again.

It is a good lesson to anyone in a good relationship that is starting to feel restless.

[Doc · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a big fan of classic swashbucklers.

This isn't one of them.

I found a few quotable things in it, and it has all the requisite ingredients: an evil cardinal inquisitor, a damsel being forced into marriage, &c., but it just never grabbed me.

I think the book couldn't quite decide whether to be a swashbuckler or a romance. The classics succeed at being both. This one was neither.

The sex scenes were sort of graphic in that I knew what was happening, but stilted and laden with euphemisms. The book would have been better without them.

[REDD · Rating 5 out of 5]

from the book:

" The heart is forever unfaithful, and the feelings of love will come and go, but true love is not about what you feel. It is about what you do. And dont do."

[Evelien Verbestel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had so much trouble finishing this book, to me it was very boring and badly written. It almost put me into a reading slump. I thought I would like this book because I love the historical genre but this book did not appeal to me at all. It brought nothing new to the story of Don Juan, just another re-telling and not even a good one.

[Melissa Marino · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the writing was seductive, I felt the story was slightly lacking. I expected a little bit more spice being a Don Juan story. The last few chapters where he was fighting the Commander, Maquis and Inquisidor were the most exciting parts of the story.

[David Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philogyny

I’m now in don’t whether Don Juan actually existed or not. Having just visited Sevilla last fall, I would have enjoyed more historical information on the Alhambra and the Royal Palace.

[amandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more then I got out of this

[Tamara Maksimović · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praviću se da verujem da je ovo stvarno taj famozni izgubljeni dnevnik Don Huana. :)

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow this all seems a bit tediously chauvinist in this day and age.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Junk masquerading as historical fiction.

[Constantina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light reading with a lot of suspense and many historical references. I enjoyed it!

[Hải Ly · Rating 4 out of 5]

2022/12/11 13:06

Hấp dẫn và kịch tính không ngờ.
Một tiểu thuyết lãng mạn lịch sử của Tây Ban Nha nên đọc.

[Samantha Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it cheesy- yes! But, it also paints a pretty beautiful picture of Seville during the 1500s. A decently enjoyable and easy read.

[Tiina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book didn’t exactly get me hooked. The latter half was way more captivating and even interesting. I’d say the book is a strong ’ok’.