Douglas Abrams’s magical debut novel captures the heart of the Spanish Golden Age and the secret life of the world’s greatest lover–Don Juan. 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. He 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. It is after knowing countless women that Don Juan is convinced by the Marquis to keep a diary, and it is here within its pages that he reveals his greatest adventures and the Arts of Passion he mastered. But what finally compels him to confess everything 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. The Lost Diary of Don Juan is not only a triumph of literary imagination but a deliciously sensual exploration of the secrets to undying love. At once a profound meditation and daring adventure, this novel brings to life one of history’s most notorious and alluring individuals with depth, intelligence, and delight.
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"Really fun read....the "lost" diary of Don Juan. Many believe the stories of Don Juan are myth but this story is told as though one is actually reading the long lost diary of Don Juan. Real page turner and rich description of the times during the Spanish Inquisition."
— Beth (4 out of 5 stars)
" Ah, what fun this book was. Swashbuckling, racy, dramatic... it kept me engrossed and entertained. Awesome. "
— Christina, 2/13/2014" What a joke! I couldn't get past the first 75 pages it was so cheesy. A well written harlequin/soft porn for men! "
— Brooklyn, 2/10/2014" This was a charming novel celebrating the beauty of both love and lust. I found this book to be a quick read due to the fast pace of the story. The writing was languid and luxurious, as was the fantasy of the archtype hero (even if he was more focused on quantity of lovers rather than quality). My only complaint is the development of the latter half of the novel - I wish the author would've given as much respect to the end of the book as he did the beginning. "
— Laura, 2/8/2014" Completely enjoyed this book. It's about how to love a woman and how to understand the way their mind and body works. A good historical fiction and mystery as well. "
— Katherine, 2/3/2014" I'm saving this one for the long hot summer! "
— Ruth, 1/15/2014" The plot was just as romantic (certainly not realistic) as its namesake but a bit fantastic ... thought I was reading about Zorro. The Spanish history, culture, and terms in this were easily accessible to the average reader; the novel's most redeeming qualities included lyrical, erotic prose and insight into the mind and body (embodiment of the divine) of a galanteador (seducer). "
— Pamela, 1/14/2014" Well researched. A great dive into 16th century Spain, the Inquisition and the everpresence of the Catholic Church. A book about chivalry and finding true love and one's soul. "
— Claire, 1/11/2014" Weellll...This book was a little dirty. When I got it, I thought the dust jacket said something about there being more to the story of Don Juan than what legend tells us, but there wasn't. It pretty much was exactly what it sounded like. It was fairly good writing I guess, just not my cup of tea. "
— Arielle, 12/10/2013" Interesting summer read, good camping fare! (It was the book, not audio) "
— Ann, 12/5/2013" I enjoyed this book. It was a story with many layers. It's a romance. It's a man coming to know himself and what he wants in life. It's a mystery. It's open ended and you can decide what happened to Don Juan and his love. There's good and evil, heroes and villians. "
— Sheila, 11/7/2013" Sooooooooo sappy and not very interesting, unfortunately. The jacket made it sound so cool but it is really disappointing. "
— Danielle, 7/13/2013" This book would make a good movie. A good balance of sword-fighting and romance and an interesting perspective on the Spanish Inquisition. "
— Emily, 5/3/2013" While the writing was very poetic, and the sex scenes unrivaled (and making me wonder how the author is in bed!), the book seemed longer than its 290 pages. "
— Elise, 12/25/2012" This is definately a steamy read! It is a fun, fast read but best for adults only. Underneath the inuendos and turns of language this book carries a message about relationships and marriage. It would also be a great book to take the beach! "
— Nicole, 6/15/2012" I think i would like to see this in the big screen! "
— Ruskin, 3/11/2012" It's a quick read. I'd recommend it if you like historical novels. "
— Graciela, 11/18/2011" A little romance and some action. I enjoyed it very much. "
— Michelle, 9/21/2011" Wow! It was extremely sexy and adventurous. "
— Amie, 8/24/2011" Felt a little contrived throughout, but it was pretty entertaining. There were a lot of interesting details about the seedier side of 16th century Spainish court life. It was a decent way to pass an 800+ mile car ride. "
— Abigail, 7/8/2011" This book would make a good movie. A good balance of sword-fighting and romance and an interesting perspective on the Spanish Inquisition. "
— Emily, 4/22/2011" I didn't finish because I started to read it and it seemed to be verbadum the movie about Don Juan. If I hadn't seen the movie it would have been a fun and enjoyable read. "
— Fourthemodicas, 12/7/2009" I really enjoyed this book. "
— Jessica, 9/7/2009" Ah, what fun this book was. Swashbuckling, racy, dramatic... it kept me engrossed and entertained. Awesome. "
— Christina, 6/5/2009" Interesting at first, but I found it slow in the middle. A good premise from a new author to watch. "
— Paula, 5/22/2009Douglas Carlton Abrams is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.
Scott Brick, an acclaimed voice artist, screenwriter, and actor, has performed on film, television, and radio. He attended UCLA and spent ten years in a traveling Shakespeare company. Passionate about the spoken word, he has narrated a wide variety of audiobooks. winning won more than fifty AudioFile Earphones Awards and several of the prestigious Audie Awards. He was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine and the Voice of Choice for 2016 by Booklist magazine.