In Lucia's Eyes

Giacomo Casanova is well known as a man who loved many women but seldom is the story of one of the women told. In Lucia's Eyes is the story of the first woman who was ever loved by Casanova, a young girl who met him when they were both very young.

Lucia tells the story of her life and how she came to fall in love with the young Giacomo and how they planned to marry. Unfortunately, Lucia is struck with a case of small pox and her face is disfigured while Giacomo is away. Before he can return, she runs off and makes her way through Europe in a variety of roles. Now, Lucia is living in Amsterdam as a courtesan and life brings her something which causes her "to see everything in a new light" and Giacomo has become the famous Casanova.

One of the interesting themes of this tale is reason and emotion: by which or both should a person live? Should a person, once educated, live solely by that reason they have presumably gained or should emotion rule a person's actions? Or is there a third course where reason and emotion, education and intuition guide the choices and actions of a person? Japin's ideas are very relevant to the world and I would be interested in seeing more thoughtful work like this.

As the story goes, Lucia grows and learns more about herself, the results of her actions, and love. While this is a very short story, it was very well written and there was a great story to it. It was easy to read but it also brought about some interesting thoughts.

Rating: 4.5