The Lost Diary of Don Juan by Douglas Carlton Abrams

   Hmm...Where to begin...Historical fiction, check. Character development, check check. Love story, check check check. Better than I anticipated? Check.
   I have to say that I was not particularly interested in reading The Lost Diary of Don Juan for no real reason other than to say it just didn't quite call to me. As a matter of fact I believe that I purposely placed it back on the shelfat the bookstore during a previous perusal before my Venture began. To be fair in my review, I wouldn't purchase the book now, but it was not a bad read.
   ...Hmm...Hmm...Hmm...
   How should I review this title. I am feeling, strangely, more ambiguous now that the book is done and I must needs place my thoughts in keyboarding. If I were writing, I think there would be lots of crossing out and revisions (I prefer pen to pencil and eraser; if you change your mind about something you wrote it's still there in pen for the plucking).
   Okay. The historical portion of the book, i.e., the Inquisition, the Indies trade, the laws governing behavior for prostitutes vs. courtesans, the general daily life, were all intriguing (here's to finding nonfiction books on Spain and the Inquisition in general). The portion of the book that is pure fiction I found to be less grab you by the seat of your pants. That being said, Douglas Abrams did a good job developing Don Juan from a carefree libertine, though one who held to a certain personal standard, to a more introspective human being. Mr. Abrams characterization of Don Juan's personal beliefs allowed him to make that jump believable.
   To the story. This is wherein lies the conundrum. I found the story portion to be just okay. I'm thinking (I can hear The Thinker, as portrayed in Night at the Museum 2, in my head as I type) that the reason I feel so conflicted about this particular book is because I really enjoyed the mechanics and details used to make the time real, but was only mildly interested in the story itself. The tale just seemed to be one that has been told, repeatedly.
   Well, if anyone reads this and walks away confused as to whether or not they should actually give the book a try, the fault is clearly mine. I cannot think this rambling review would do any less.


Favorite Quotes:

"My heart was pounding as if someone were knocking urgently at a door that would not open."

In reference to a mirror:
"Such vanities were forbidden in the convent, and I had never seen my reflection. I glanced both ways and then looked upon my own face. I was surprised by how much older I was than in my reflection."

"His stringy mustache descended over the corners of his mouth like the tail of a mouse that seemed to be twitching..."

"The hip of the prostitutes vibrated like a bell that had been rung frantically to announce a fire in the city."


Overall Opinion:

Give it a shot. Let me know why it's good, bad or indifferent.


Rating:

I Think it's a So-So