Casanova’s Secret Wife
Barbara Lynn-Davis’ debut novel is a delicious delight, a feast for the senses. Setting her work in romantic Venice, and basing it on Casanova’s actual writings, Lynn-Davis tells the story of Caterina Capreta, an innocent girl of fourteen who is swept off her feet by the charming and handsome Giacomo Casanova. She gives up her virtue rather easily, but then, it is Casanova—how could she resist? However, echoing the themes in Romeo and Juliet, Caterina’s father intervenes in the love affair and sends Caterina to a convent. It is here that Caterina is truly corrupted.
The story is told through a series of flashbacks as the older, wiser Caterina reveals her story to Leda, the high-born young girl brought to her by the nun who knows all of Caterina’s darkest secrets. Slowly, Caterina shares her story, and a mother/daughter relationship develops between the older and younger woman.
Well-written and seductive, this book will draw the reader in. Some readers might even stay up until the wee hours to learn what becomes of Caterina and Casanova, surely one of the most passionate love stories of all time. An excellent romp!
