A review by twiinklex
The Story of Don Juan by Alessandro Baricco

3.0

"In fact she didn't kill him: it didn't happen exactly like that. In fact they began to talk, which at times, however, is even worse than killing. Donna Elvira wanted to know why: why Don Juan had fled, why he had married her if he didn't want to stay with her, why he was so handsome, so lovable, and a bastard."

Sounds familiar?

This is the tale of a man whose biggest — and only — fear was being bored. And who has loved thousands of women, according to the "catalogue", in which is a list of the names of every woman he has ever loved. 2,065 names, to be exact.

Unfortunately, as he has been warned so many times before, karma always catches up.

"Tell me, all in all, what would you prefer? A single day of happiness with him, in your whole life, or a whole life without ever having met him?

"I would prefer a whole life of happiness with him."

"But that's impossible!"


A short and interesting read that really makes you think. In some way, I can relate because I too, fear a boring and ordinary life. And I love the idea of love, the thrill and exhilaration it brings, but that's not what love is.

"The question is: are we guilty when fulfilling our desires means others are hurt? Or are our desires always innocent, and is it our right to try and fulfill them?"