Casanova's Secret Wife by Barbara Lynn-Davis

 Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798) tried to be a preacher, musician, and writer, but what he left behind is the legacy of the greatest lover or rather conqueror of hearts. His biography written by him is regarded as one of the most authentic sources of the customs and norms of European social life during the 18th century.

This story alternates between 1753, when Caterina Capreta is 14, and 1774, when she is a married woman. The year 1753, when she is in convent is based on true facts.

In present time Venice 1774, Caterina is asked to help out a young girl who put herself in a situation Caterina was once in. As two women get acquainted, they reveal their first loves.

Caterina Capreta, at the age of 14, meets Giacomo Casanova. Innocent Caterina, smitten by Casanova, starts receiving his love letters filled with poems; followed by trysts to theater, sweet talks and of course more. 

While Casanova pours amorous feelings, a glimpse of his own story is revealed. At the age of 8, he loses his father and his mother leaves Venice as an actress in search of a job. He is raised by his grandmother, who dies when his is 18. At 15, he enters to study ecclesiastical law in Padua and “chasing after a position in the Church” for the next four years.

While seducing her, they make marriage vows. 

The father doesn’t agree to the marriage and sends Caterina to a convent on Murano Island.

While in convent, his love fades and her despair grows.

The story is concentrated on 1 year when Caterina is in convent. I wished that the story revealed more of Casanova’s life rather than just a glimpse. Through this story, we don’t get to know Casanova besides what is already known about him.

Nevertheless, it is a quick and fun read.

The story mentions Jewish ghetto, if you’d like to read more about it – The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich.

The convent was located on the island of Murano, which is known for glassblowing – The Glassblower of Murano by Marina Fiorato.

If you’d like to immerse yourself in Venice, the city of gondolas – The Gondola Maker by Laura Morelli.

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