Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (2010), Edition: First, 272 pages
Description
Having lost everything in a tidal wave in 1169 Sicily, nineteen-year-old Don Giovanni makes a simple-sounding wager with a stranger he recognizes as the devil but, while desperate enough to surrender his pride and good looks for three years, he is not willing to give up his soul.
User reviews
LibraryThing member mamzel
Based on a Sicilian fairy tale, this story is about Don Giovanni, a young man who inherited his family's wealth then squandered it in a vain attempt to win popularity with favors. When the money ran out he is offered a deal. He could have a purse which would give him as much money as he desired as
As he grows ever more repulsive, he ends up making better friends and relationships than before he started. One of the first was a dog named Cani who he allowed to lick his face to clean it.
If one can get past the descriptions of the sores and filth that he became covered in, the story is interesting. Whether one can believe that a man like this can foster relationships, that people will do anything for money, that he can learn to love, ..., well, it is a fairy tale and anything can happen.
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long as he didn't bathe, change clothes, or cut his hair for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. As he grows ever more repulsive, he ends up making better friends and relationships than before he started. One of the first was a dog named Cani who he allowed to lick his face to clean it.
If one can get past the descriptions of the sores and filth that he became covered in, the story is interesting. Whether one can believe that a man like this can foster relationships, that people will do anything for money, that he can learn to love, ..., well, it is a fairy tale and anything can happen.
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LibraryThing member darlingdumpling
Q4P3
This book is a retelling of the opera Don Giovanni. Though the story told by Napoli isn't exact to the opera, it's well written, interesting and includes a cringe-factor which is enticing to readers who are intrigued by medical sorts of oddities, as I am.
"He held his arms out slightly away from
This book has the cadence of a myth, or a fairy tale, but a depressing darkness cast over it which makes it more mature and serious.
This book is a retelling of the opera Don Giovanni. Though the story told by Napoli isn't exact to the opera, it's well written, interesting and includes a cringe-factor which is enticing to readers who are intrigued by medical sorts of oddities, as I am.
"He held his arms out slightly away from
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his body because the boils in his armpits hurt if he lowered them. He'd worn through his shoes a couple months ago now and he favored his right foot because of a cut that oozed pus. Each night he'd press out the guck, but by morning, it would be swollen again." (124)This book has the cadence of a myth, or a fairy tale, but a depressing darkness cast over it which makes it more mature and serious.
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LibraryThing member Steve.Gourley
Don Giovanni's is a 12th century playboy, but his extravagance soon bankrupts him. He lives off the land until he encounters the Devil. Don Giovanni agrees not to wash for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days in exchange for a white purse that generates all the gold he could ever want. Donna Jo Napoli
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does not spare anything regarding the foulness of Giovanni's person. But during his three year wager, a magical transition happens. While his body decays, the Don's spirit flourishes. In his loneliness (people can smell him from down the street) he grows more altruistic, and uses his wealth for the benefit of others. Show Less
LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
I thought this book was a great combination between a Faustian deal with a fairy tale mixed in. There is an author’s note provided at the end of the book which explains that the story was based on a Sicilian fairy tale and even goes as far as to summarize the entire fairy tale and what happens to
The concept of the story was interesting, although it sounded pretty gross that Don Giovanni couldn’t bathe for such a long time. Naturally as the story progresses, he gets tempted to wash and bathe but stays clear of the temptations. What I liked about the book, was suddenly Giovanni finds himself among the “commoners” and not with his peers (his peers in fact, ignore him or treat him like dirt). It’s an eye opener to him as he had the ego the size of a house in the beginning of the book. This provides great character development where he goes from being a selfish arrogant egotistical noble, to a simple man who develops friendships and acquaintances with villagers, peasants, farmers, and street urchins. That being said, I really did enjoy reading about Giovanni and his character development.
There are graphic depictions of how dirty Giovanni is. I mean really really dirty. Like open sores and pustules dirty. It’s gross, but you could say it’s very well written if it gets a reaction from the reader. However the plot is clear and evenly paced and the descriptions of various scenes are excellent and can be pictured easily. I’d also have to say the little twist in the end, where the mysterious artist appears and their identity was revealed, was a nice little surprise and I thought it added a very nice touch to the ending.
I thought it was a great retelling of an old fairy tale and will be looking for more of Napoli’s works. It’s a wonderful plot, Don Giovanni turns out to be likable and it’s great ‘happily ever after’ story. Give this one a try, it’s unique and different and a very enjoyable read.
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the characters in it. I’d have to say I prefer Napoli’s version of the tale. It’s much more happier and it has a great feel good ending. The concept of the story was interesting, although it sounded pretty gross that Don Giovanni couldn’t bathe for such a long time. Naturally as the story progresses, he gets tempted to wash and bathe but stays clear of the temptations. What I liked about the book, was suddenly Giovanni finds himself among the “commoners” and not with his peers (his peers in fact, ignore him or treat him like dirt). It’s an eye opener to him as he had the ego the size of a house in the beginning of the book. This provides great character development where he goes from being a selfish arrogant egotistical noble, to a simple man who develops friendships and acquaintances with villagers, peasants, farmers, and street urchins. That being said, I really did enjoy reading about Giovanni and his character development.
There are graphic depictions of how dirty Giovanni is. I mean really really dirty. Like open sores and pustules dirty. It’s gross, but you could say it’s very well written if it gets a reaction from the reader. However the plot is clear and evenly paced and the descriptions of various scenes are excellent and can be pictured easily. I’d also have to say the little twist in the end, where the mysterious artist appears and their identity was revealed, was a nice little surprise and I thought it added a very nice touch to the ending.
I thought it was a great retelling of an old fairy tale and will be looking for more of Napoli’s works. It’s a wonderful plot, Don Giovanni turns out to be likable and it’s great ‘happily ever after’ story. Give this one a try, it’s unique and different and a very enjoyable read.
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
Don Giovanni, a filthy rich orphan living in 12th-century Italy, has his life turned upside down when a giant wave destroys everything he owns. Friendless and penniless, Don Giovanni wonders the countryside until he meets with the Devil, who offers him a wager he just can’t pass up: the Devil
Fantasy master Donna Jo Napoli has written another awe-inspiring tale that will appeal to appreciators of the beautiful, unusual, and hopeful.
THE WAGER gets off to a rather slow start, but it rewards the patient. It has the feel of a classic fairy tale, which means that characterization is sometimes lacking, favoring instead lush descriptive passages and a sprawling feel to the story. Once Don Giovanni accepts the Devil’s wager, however, the book becomes very hard to put down, as you can’t help wondering just how bad things can get for him.
Don Giovanni starts off as an extremely unlikable fellow. He is self-centered and believes that money can solve anything. So the extent of his character development, and how much we end up liking him, feels like magic in itself. He ends up enduring his trials with as much dignity as a person with open sores and bugs living on his dirty skin can, and I liked him all the more for it.
In the midst of all the fast-paced, nonstop-action speculative YA fiction out there, THE WAGER unassumingly takes its place as a solid work of retold fantasy. Check this out if you’re craving an old-fashioned, trial-of-endurance fairy tale retelling.
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will provide Don Giovanni with a purse that magically produces any amount of money he desires, and in return, Don Giovanni must not clean himself for three years, three months, and three days, otherwise his soul is forfeited.Fantasy master Donna Jo Napoli has written another awe-inspiring tale that will appeal to appreciators of the beautiful, unusual, and hopeful.
THE WAGER gets off to a rather slow start, but it rewards the patient. It has the feel of a classic fairy tale, which means that characterization is sometimes lacking, favoring instead lush descriptive passages and a sprawling feel to the story. Once Don Giovanni accepts the Devil’s wager, however, the book becomes very hard to put down, as you can’t help wondering just how bad things can get for him.
Don Giovanni starts off as an extremely unlikable fellow. He is self-centered and believes that money can solve anything. So the extent of his character development, and how much we end up liking him, feels like magic in itself. He ends up enduring his trials with as much dignity as a person with open sores and bugs living on his dirty skin can, and I liked him all the more for it.
In the midst of all the fast-paced, nonstop-action speculative YA fiction out there, THE WAGER unassumingly takes its place as a solid work of retold fantasy. Check this out if you’re craving an old-fashioned, trial-of-endurance fairy tale retelling.
Show Less
LibraryThing member KarenBall
A retelling of a traditional Sicilian fairy tale -- and this is not a Disney fairy tale AT ALL. Don Giovanni was orphaned at 13, and is now a handsome young lord with lands, a castle, servants, and everything he wants. All he thinks of is his own enjoyment, until Mount Etna erupts, bringing
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earthquakes and a massive tsunami that wipes out everything Don Giovanni owns. Homeless and penniless, he wanders from place to place until he meets the Devil, who offers him a deal: Don Giovanni will receive a magic purse that will give him whatever amount of money he wants for the rest of his life, in exchange for his good looks. He may not bathe, change clothes, comb his hair, shave, or do anything to clean himself for three years, three months and three days. If he does, he loses his soul! As Don Giovanni becomes dirtier, fouler and more wretched, he becomes more and more of an outcast, no matter how much money he offers innkeepers and cooks. The descriptions of his decay are vivid and nasty, but the contrast between his civilized behavior and the (yes, understandable) rejection and cruelty of the people around him are the true heart of the story. Interesting author's note at the end about the changes she made to the original tale! 8th grade and up. Show Less
LibraryThing member manka23
The Wager is a retelling of an old Sicilian fairytale. Unlike the Disney retellings, but closer to the original tales, The Wager is more of a dark tale and is filled with graphic depiction of the disgusting reality of being unwashed for three years. My mother asked me "Why would you want to read
This book did not disappoint. There were times when it became so graphic and disgusting that my stomach churned. I was filled with pity for Don Giovanni, but also pride as I watched him become humble after being humiliated. It was a story where the character experienced immense change as time passed with the wager.
Don Giovanni went from being a stuck up, rude and ungrateful man, to the most down-to-earth, charitable and shameful man. The transformation was remarkable. When the devil proposed the wager I'm sure he had no idea that it would make Don Giovanni a better person.
It was a decent story, but it was a bit drawn out . It could've been 50-100 pages shorter . I would suggest it to those who like to read fairytale retellings or dark novels. I have read many retellings in this is among the darkest of the tales that I have read .
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about that?" I had no answer for her. So I thought about why I picked this one up. I love reading about the dark, unpleasant and wrong, the despicable, vile and disgusting. In recent review I said I sometimes root for the villain. A book with the tagline "never make a deal with the devil" let's just say I was enticed.This book did not disappoint. There were times when it became so graphic and disgusting that my stomach churned. I was filled with pity for Don Giovanni, but also pride as I watched him become humble after being humiliated. It was a story where the character experienced immense change as time passed with the wager.
Don Giovanni went from being a stuck up, rude and ungrateful man, to the most down-to-earth, charitable and shameful man. The transformation was remarkable. When the devil proposed the wager I'm sure he had no idea that it would make Don Giovanni a better person.
It was a decent story, but it was a bit drawn out . It could've been 50-100 pages shorter . I would suggest it to those who like to read fairytale retellings or dark novels. I have read many retellings in this is among the darkest of the tales that I have read .
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LibraryThing member aratiel
Not a bad story, once you get a few chapters in. I love reading (and hearing) stories about making deals with the devil. Napoli tells this one well. The ending was happy, although not altogether satisfying; I would've liked to have another scene with Don Giovanni and the devil, to see how the devil
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reacted to his loss. Show Less
LibraryThing member Linyarai
Not what I expected at all. Followed a fairy tale that I thought I was unfamiliar with, however aspects of it kept ringing bells somehow. It was alright, easy to read in one sitting.
LibraryThing member RobertaLea
What an interesting take on a fairytale. Very much YA or adult reading. NOT for youngsters.
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
8.5 inches
ISBN
0805087818 / 9780805087819
Local notes
Don Giovanni was once the wealthiest and handsomest young man in Messina. Then a tidal wave changed everything. When a well-dressed stranger offers him a magical purse, he knows he shouldn't take it. Only the devil would offer a deal like this, and only a fool would accept.
Don Giovanni is no fool, but he is desperate. He takes the bet: he will not bathe for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. Beauty is a small price to pay for worldly wealth, isn't it? Unless he loses the wager―and with it his soul.
Don Giovanni is no fool, but he is desperate. He takes the bet: he will not bathe for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. Beauty is a small price to pay for worldly wealth, isn't it? Unless he loses the wager―and with it his soul.