Casanovas Heimfahrt by Arthur Schnitzler

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Casanovas Heimfahrt by Arthur Schnitzler

(3 User reviews) 494

By Aiden Mancini Posted on Jan 17, 2026

In Category - Creative Living

Authors: Schnitzler, Arthur, 1862-1931 Published By : Schnitzler, Arthur, 1862-1931

Book Language: German

You know the name Casanova—legendary lover, master seducer, the ultimate charmer. But what happens when that charm runs out? Arthur Schnitzler's 'Casanova's Homecoming' gives us a Casanova we rarely see: old, broke, and desperate. It's 1776, and he's slinking back to Venice after years of exile, his glory days firmly behind him. The plot kicks off when he gets tangled in a scheme involving a young married woman and her foolish admirer. It's less about romantic conquest and more about a fading star trying to pull off one last, complicated trick to secure his future. Forget the swashbuckling adventures; this is a surprisingly sharp, sometimes funny, and deeply human look at what's left when the mask slips. If you've ever wondered what becomes of a legend when the party's over, this short, brilliant novel has your answer.

File: Casanovas Heimfahrt by Arthur Schnitzler

Arthur Schnitzler, a master of getting under the skin of Vienna's high society, takes on one of history's most famous personalities and completely flips the script. Forget the dashing hero—this Casanova is past his prime.

The Story

The year is 1776. Giacomo Casanova is allowed to return to Venice, the city that once exiled him. He's not coming back in triumph, though. He's older, his money is gone, and his reputation as a great lover is more memory than reality. On his journey, he meets a young Venetian nobleman, Lorenzi, who is hopelessly infatuated with a beautiful married woman named Marcolina. Seeing a chance, Casanova weaves himself into their lives, promising to help Lorenzi win Marcolina's favor. But his real plan is far more self-serving: he aims to use the situation to secure a comfortable position and financial safety for himself. What follows is a delicate, often ironic dance of manipulation, misplaced passion, and the sad comedy of an aging performer trying to direct one final act.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a history lesson or a steamy romance. It's a character study that feels incredibly modern. Schnitzler strips away the myth to show us a man who is witty, resourceful, but also deeply vulnerable and calculating. The tension doesn't come from will he seduce her? but from can this clever, aging man outsmart his own fading powers and a world that's moved on? It's about the performance of identity and the quiet panic of irrelevance. I found myself both admiring Casanova's cleverness and pitying his predicament. Schnitzler writes with a light, ironic touch that makes the story glide along, but the emotional weight sneaks up on you.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love classic literature but want something off the beaten path, or for anyone fascinated by complex, flawed characters. If you enjoy stories about the gap between public image and private reality, or the quiet tragedies of aging, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a short, smart, and surprisingly poignant book that proves some struggles—for relevance, security, and a sense of self—are truly timeless.