Casanova

Miller's second novel follows the legendary Giacomo Casanova during a transformative period in 1763 London. The famous lover encounters an unusual challenge: a woman who spurns his advances. The story draws from Casanova's own autobiography Histoire de ma vie while creating a distinct narrative focused on his experiences in Georgian-era London. Through rich period detail, the novel reconstructs the sights, sounds, and society of 18th-century England. The narrative introduces a less familiar side of the notorious seducer - one who must confront rejection and its aftermath. The plot tracks his response to this unprecedented situation within the context of London's complex social world. This historical fiction explores themes of identity, desire, and the nature of love while questioning whether even history's greatest lover can find genuine connection in a world of conquest and artifice.

Readers report that Andrew Miller's Casanova falls short of capturing the legendary figure's charisma and complexity. Many note the book feels slow-paced and lacks the energy expected from a story about history's famous lover. What readers liked: - Detailed historical atmosphere of 18th century Europe - Focus on Casanova's later years provides a fresh perspective - Strong descriptions of food, clothing, and daily life What readers disliked: - Sluggish narrative pacing - Main character comes across as flat and unengaging - Too much focus on mundane details versus dramatic events - Writing style described as "overly formal" by multiple reviewers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (428 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (32 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.2/5 (89 ratings) One recurring comment from readers: "Expected more excitement from a book about Casanova." Several note they struggled to finish the novel despite their initial interest in the subject matter.

Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor This tale of an ambitious woman's rise through Restoration-era London society captures the same period authenticity and exploration of desire found in Miller's work.

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber The story follows a London prostitute's navigation of Victorian society with the same attention to historical detail and themes of seduction that characterize Casanova's London adventures.

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind Set in 18th-century France, this novel shares Miller's focus on a complex protagonist driven by desires and obsessions in a meticulously rendered historical setting.

The Nature of Monsters by Clare Clark The novel delves into the dark corners of 1718 London through characters exploring power, desire, and deception in ways that mirror Miller's portrayal of Casanova.

Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue This story of a young woman's path through 18th-century London and its brothels echoes Miller's examination of desire and society in Georgian England.

🔹 Giacomo Casanova wrote a 3,700-page autobiography titled "Histoire de ma vie" (Story of My Life), which serves as one of the most authentic sources of 18th-century European social life. 🔹 Andrew Miller previously won the Costa Book Award for his novel "Pure" (2011), another historical fiction set in pre-revolutionary France. 🔹 The real Casanova visited London in 1763-1764, spending much of his time trying to sell the idea of a state lottery to the English government. 🔹 Despite his reputation, the historical Casanova was also a mathematician, writer, diplomat, and spy for the Venetian Inquisitors of State. 🔹 During his time in London, Casanova lived in Pall Mall, which remains one of London's most prestigious addresses and was already a fashionable area in the 18th century.