Helpful Score: 35
Have you ever, after putting down a book, been reluctant to read anything else because you feel like nothng else would be as good? "Shadow of the Wind" was like that for me. It did move a little slowly at first, but once it hooked me ... oh, my!
It begins in 1945, when Daniel (the narrator), at age 10, gets a special visit to a secret library in Barcelona, where he and his bookseller father live. Daniel is allowed to pick one book to cherish and protect; he chooses "The Shadow of the Wind" by Julian Carax. Daniel is so captivated that he tries to find more books by Carax - but discovers that someone is trying to destroy every copy. What follows is a rich, convoluted, fascinating tale full of mystery, tragedy, true love, a bit of magical realism, and outrageous, sometimes crude humor.
I read most of it in one sitting.
It begins in 1945, when Daniel (the narrator), at age 10, gets a special visit to a secret library in Barcelona, where he and his bookseller father live. Daniel is allowed to pick one book to cherish and protect; he chooses "The Shadow of the Wind" by Julian Carax. Daniel is so captivated that he tries to find more books by Carax - but discovers that someone is trying to destroy every copy. What follows is a rich, convoluted, fascinating tale full of mystery, tragedy, true love, a bit of magical realism, and outrageous, sometimes crude humor.
I read most of it in one sitting.
Helpful Score: 27
A wonderful book for any of those true bibliophiles out there who have a true love for books themselves. Beautiful, flowing language and a story that keeps you turning pages. This book has a bit of everything: murder, romance, intrigue, and a glimpse into the world of book collecting. There is a magical quality in this book reminiscent of other books with fantasy elements written for adults, though not with the pop-fiction appeal of Alice Hoffman, but more like the work of Gabrial Garcia Marquez, or "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende. This book is on my Top 10 Favorite All-time books - I highly recommend it. I just wish they would get more of Zafon's books translated, as he write in Spanish!
Helpful Score: 23
Honestly one of the finest books I've read. The language is absolutely beautiful - even more astonishing considering it's a translation from Spanish. Nothing is lost in the translation.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 11
While some of this book was long winded, I found it very compelling. Every once in a while I had to pull out my dictionary for words I had never heard of, but otherwise the translation was great. I believed all the characters and loved the intrigue. After the first 75 pages I was hooked. The ending was definitely worth it!!! I highly recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 10
A very different book. Had a hard time getting started then it grabbed me. I actually read it twice.
Helpful Score: 8
I read this book during my three-week honeymoon, and it was great! Perfect plane and beach read. The mystery is captivating and a page-turner. You won't be disappointed!
Helpful Score: 6
A surprisingly good book which captured emotion and suspense within each of its pages. The book enables you to care for and loathe the characters while creating a page turning mystery that left me guessing till the end.
Helpful Score: 5
Everyone in my book club loved this book but me, I thought it was too wordy, like a lot of other books translated from Spanish. Very poetic, a story within a story, lots of characters.
Helpful Score: 4
This book had a great premise and I absolutely loved the first few hundred pages. However, after a while it just started to drag. Too much violence, cruelty, and unhappiness permeated the last 3rd of the book. I did enjoy the book, but it isn't a keeper or a book I will read again the way I expected when I first started it.
This is apparently going to be the first in a series.
I was especially impressed with how well this book was translated from Spanish to English, oftentimes a book seems to lose something in translation, but not this one.
This is apparently going to be the first in a series.
I was especially impressed with how well this book was translated from Spanish to English, oftentimes a book seems to lose something in translation, but not this one.
Helpful Score: 4
Quite possibly one of the best books I have EVER read- it is impossible to put the book down, and the way the entire story centers around the love of books makes it a perfect read for anyone on paperbackswap!
Helpful Score: 3
Even though this book was originally written in Spanish, nothing has been lost in the translation. This was an incredibly captivating, well written, and hauntingly beautiful book.
The plot is incredibly complex but is not hard to follow. It reminded me of those Russian nesting dolls...of plots within plots within plots. The story of the characters continues to unwind and intertwine until the very final pages. And while there is always a lot going on, the author manages to tie everything together in the end with plausible realism and no loose ends.
This is also a booklover's book. Anyone who treasures reading will marvel at the concept of "The Cemetery of Forgotten Books" and will watch with both horror and fascination as the entire collective works of Julian Carax are systematically tracked down and burned.
This book, while not what I consider to be fast-paced, was steady and suspenseful. The emotion of the characters is something that you feel keenly. Character development was exceptional. It is something of a hybrid of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and Arturo Perez-Reverte's "The Club Dumas." It is easily one of my new favorite books for the way that I couldn't put it down, for the way it stayed with me for a few days after I finished it, and for the disappointment I felt when I had no more of it to read.
This is an exceptional book and I cannot recommend it enough.
The plot is incredibly complex but is not hard to follow. It reminded me of those Russian nesting dolls...of plots within plots within plots. The story of the characters continues to unwind and intertwine until the very final pages. And while there is always a lot going on, the author manages to tie everything together in the end with plausible realism and no loose ends.
This is also a booklover's book. Anyone who treasures reading will marvel at the concept of "The Cemetery of Forgotten Books" and will watch with both horror and fascination as the entire collective works of Julian Carax are systematically tracked down and burned.
This book, while not what I consider to be fast-paced, was steady and suspenseful. The emotion of the characters is something that you feel keenly. Character development was exceptional. It is something of a hybrid of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and Arturo Perez-Reverte's "The Club Dumas." It is easily one of my new favorite books for the way that I couldn't put it down, for the way it stayed with me for a few days after I finished it, and for the disappointment I felt when I had no more of it to read.
This is an exceptional book and I cannot recommend it enough.
Helpful Score: 3
Absolutely loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. Developed the characters thoroughly and could wait to read more. One of the most intense books I've read in a while.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is more that a casual reader.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is more that a casual reader.
Helpful Score: 3
I know I'm definitely in the minority here, but I just didn't like this book. I read the first 100 pages in one sitting, but then it took me over a month to make myself finish. I just couldn't get into it, I found myself not remembering who was who and at some times even thinking, "So what's the point here...?" I'm sure I would have enjoyed the story more if I had read it faster, but it just wasn't engaging enough to make me want to do that.
Helpful Score: 3
I really loved this book. A little bit of a stretch but neat historical facts surrounding the legend of Dracula. Thrilling, page turner, hard to put down and very well written.
Helpful Score: 3
Lots of fun to read, especially for book-lovers. Pick this one up if you want an exciting story full of drama, romance and mystery. Great characters. I am shocked this was never made into a movie. (This book also made me want to visit Barcelona!)
Everybody should read this. Probably my favorite book of all time. So beautifully written that I've never seen anything like it! This is the only book that ever compelled me to write a review. It's romance, mystery and horror all in one.
Helpful Score: 3
This is a beautiful and absorbing book, I zipped through it over a weekend and could not put it down. The characters and atmosphere were described with color and I could so clearly see it all unfolding in my minds' eye. There is an element of historical fiction in the descriptions of pre/post wartime Barcelona (such an awesome city). I loved it thoroughly and now that I have finished it, feel a bit lost and adrift. I'm recommending this to everyone!
Helpful Score: 3
Zafon more than fulfills the author's duty 'to be interesting' with this intricately-woven, suspenseful, wonderfully hypnotic novel of a tragic love in Barcelona in Civil War days there that altered the lives of another set of characters a generation later in that Spanish city. A novel that calls for, and rewards, attentive reading.
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent! Not the type of book I usually pick up but I was pleasantly surprised.
Helpful Score: 2
Very different-wasn't sure what to expect. This is the first of Mr. Zafon's books I've read, but it won't be the last. This book is loaded with characters, atmosphere, and plot. I found myself wanting to make a trip to Barcelona, where the book takes place. At times I thought I was losing the plot, but it always came back. As a book lover, I empathized with Daniel, his father, and many other of the other character's love for books.
Helpful Score: 2
A great book full of passion and fascinating characters.
Helpful Score: 2
Rich, rich novel full of texture and description. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
Once you get into it, it was hard to put down.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a great book.I can see why it stayed number 1 on the Spanish best sellers list for a year.This is a book you cant speed read or you will miss something.There is a lot of twists and turns and will definitely take you on a ride.This story was like a book inside a book.I liked how he wrapped everything up at the end and didnt leave you hanging.After reading this book I would love to do a walking tour to see everything that the book mentioned. I cant wait to read his second book.
Helpful Score: 2
An outstanding novel that contains a story inside of a story. Loved it!
Helpful Score: 2
Interesting read for those who enjoy old books, twists and mysterious stangers.
Helpful Score: 2
Absolutely a must read! Couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
Truly a page turner; really enjoyed author's writing style and story line definitely NOT predictable.
I read this text as part of a book club I have with co-workers. It's not a book I probably would have stumbled across on my own, but I highly enjoyed it. The writing was exquisite, and truly beautiful. I would love to read this text in its original Spanish, but I'm afraid my rudimentary grasp of the language would hinder my enjoyment of the story.
The story is compelling, though admittedly has its slow moments and at times requires the reader to refresh her memory by reviewing the last few pages when picking it up again after even a short break in reading. One criticism I have of the author's skill (and this may in fact be a downfall of reading the translation) is that the "voices" of the separate narrators are not differentiated well enough. A part of the text is written from the point of view of a different character from the majority of the rest of the text, and yet the "voices" feel the same. There is nothing that makes the reader feel that she is now hearing from another perspective, except that the information being imparted is different. A true mark of a master is to be able to make the reader believe the difference in the separate voices they offer up in their writing.
Though I did very much enjoy the text, at times I felt it was a bit more intense than I expected of the story of a 17/18-year-old. At times one would forget that these events were happening to such a young character. However, that did not lessen my enjoyment, and the writing technique and language were truly gorgeous.
The story is compelling, though admittedly has its slow moments and at times requires the reader to refresh her memory by reviewing the last few pages when picking it up again after even a short break in reading. One criticism I have of the author's skill (and this may in fact be a downfall of reading the translation) is that the "voices" of the separate narrators are not differentiated well enough. A part of the text is written from the point of view of a different character from the majority of the rest of the text, and yet the "voices" feel the same. There is nothing that makes the reader feel that she is now hearing from another perspective, except that the information being imparted is different. A true mark of a master is to be able to make the reader believe the difference in the separate voices they offer up in their writing.
Though I did very much enjoy the text, at times I felt it was a bit more intense than I expected of the story of a 17/18-year-old. At times one would forget that these events were happening to such a young character. However, that did not lessen my enjoyment, and the writing technique and language were truly gorgeous.
Helpful Score: 2
Beautifully written! The story had multiple layers that pulled you in and gave you reason to reflect.
Helpful Score: 2
Reminded me of Isabelle Allende's writing
Helpful Score: 2
Wow! What a beautiful poetic book!
This book was a best seller for two years in Spanish before it was translated and became a best seller here. Michael Dirda of The Washington Post said: âAnyone who enjoys novels that are scary, erotic, touching, tragic and thrilling should rush right out to the nearest bookstore and pick this upâ.
The story is set in 1945 Barcelona. Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer's son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julian Carax. But when he sets out to find the author's other works, he makes a shocking discovery: someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has written. In fact, Daniel may have the last of Carax's books in existence. Soon Daniel's seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona's darkest secretsâ"an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love.
Wow, did I ever love this story! Zafon's writing is so poetically beautiful I can hardly wait to find another book written by him.
This book was a best seller for two years in Spanish before it was translated and became a best seller here. Michael Dirda of The Washington Post said: âAnyone who enjoys novels that are scary, erotic, touching, tragic and thrilling should rush right out to the nearest bookstore and pick this upâ.
The story is set in 1945 Barcelona. Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer's son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julian Carax. But when he sets out to find the author's other works, he makes a shocking discovery: someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has written. In fact, Daniel may have the last of Carax's books in existence. Soon Daniel's seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona's darkest secretsâ"an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love.
Wow, did I ever love this story! Zafon's writing is so poetically beautiful I can hardly wait to find another book written by him.
Anonymous reviewed The Shadow of the Wind on
Helpful Score: 2
Very fast paced and full of mystery. The writing is fluid and graceful. There are some really big words that I had to look up, but that didn't bother me. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I had this on my TBR forever. I wish I hadn't waited for so long to read it. Very enjoyable.
Loved this book - could not put it down. Fascinating how interwoven everything became.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was not for me. The first 30 or 40 pages were entertaining, but by the time I had read about 150 pages, I was bored. The plot (which includes everything but the kitchen sink) seemed to be going nowhere. With the thought that I still had another 350 pages to read, I abandoned the book, and I've taken "The Angel's Game" off my Wish List. For me, it was not the masterpiece other readers have raved about.
Helpful Score: 2
Great twists and turns will keep you entranced. Not scary...but dark!
Helpful Score: 2
Scary, erotic, touching, tragic and thrilling all rolled into one.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is an off the chart out standing story. The depth of the detail and the web held within plot was complex and almost worth writing it down to keep track. I chose not to and held my own with this assortment of good and evil. This book is like an onion, layer upon, layer, upon layer of plots and subplots. If you choose to read this, I won't doubt you'll enjoy it.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a book I got lost in. A very atmospheric and absorbing story, beautifully written, but at the same time keeping a pace that didn't bog down. One of the reviews on the back cover (by Stephen King) describes it as "a novel where even the subplots have subplots" and that is an accurate description. The characters are rich and there are some shocking revelations along the way. The more I read, the harder to put down. It left me somewhat haunted when I finished. This was the first book I had read by this author, but I will be reading more!
Helpful Score: 2
I was struck by the beauty of his writing! This is such a finely crafted work - it was a joy to read.
Helpful Score: 2
Magnificent book that had me hooked right away. The language was so descriptive I felt like I was watching a movie almost, if that makes any sense. It really brought the story to life. I know this is one of the few books I have that I will continue to read over and over. I'm usually one to pick up a new book over one I've already read, but this is an exception to that rule!
Helpful Score: 2
Absolutely wonderful! I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Helpful Score: 2
Great book - intriguing and interesting. Can't wait to read The Angel's Game.
Helpful Score: 2
Typically, books translated from one language into another can lose their fluidity and description value -- not this translation! This is one of the most beautiful books, written with a gusto of thrilling suspense. Although my only complaint would be that it might be a little longer than necessary, I still really can't tell you what could have been sacrificed, because the beauty of the words, and the flow from scene to scene kept you thouroughly engaged and enchanted.
I am excited to begin the next book, and I highly recommend this book to all!
I am excited to begin the next book, and I highly recommend this book to all!
Helpful Score: 2
I got this book because I saw it recommended for fans of Arturo Perez-Reverte (which I am) - and that recommendation was right on the money.
Set in Barcelona, in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, the young son of a bookseller is taken to a secret library and allowed to select a book. The book is by an unknown author, Julian Carax. The boy, Daniel, feels compelled to seek out information on the brilliant author, who is rumored to have died under mysterious circumstances. But his search leads to more than a literary mystery, as someone is seeking out all the remaining copies of Carax' works, bent on destroying them all. A tale of forbidden love, violence and death emerges - and the life of Carax seems to strangely mirror Daniel's own.
The book walks that fine line between literary and sensational, and is thoroughly enjoyable. Unfortunately, it appears that at this time, none of Zafon's other books have been translated into English - I hope they get around to doing so soon!
Set in Barcelona, in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, the young son of a bookseller is taken to a secret library and allowed to select a book. The book is by an unknown author, Julian Carax. The boy, Daniel, feels compelled to seek out information on the brilliant author, who is rumored to have died under mysterious circumstances. But his search leads to more than a literary mystery, as someone is seeking out all the remaining copies of Carax' works, bent on destroying them all. A tale of forbidden love, violence and death emerges - and the life of Carax seems to strangely mirror Daniel's own.
The book walks that fine line between literary and sensational, and is thoroughly enjoyable. Unfortunately, it appears that at this time, none of Zafon's other books have been translated into English - I hope they get around to doing so soon!
Helpful Score: 2
A very compelling book, sure to be enjoyed by fans of Garcia Marquez, Umberto Eco and Perez-Reverte, with a little Grand Guignol a la Stephen King thrown in for good measure. Barcelona during the Civil War and under Franco is seen through a mystic lens, beginning with a visit to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is amazing. I read it a few years ago and still, every time I think of the story I remember the way I was completely engrossed. It's magical. If you decide to buy it then make sure you have a few hours to read because you will NOT want to put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
This book kept me coming back every spare minute I had to read. It was a mystery, but with lots of character building and covered many years and characters. I highly recommend it and am putting it back into the swap because I know that someone else will enjoy it also.
Helpful Score: 1
Beautifully written--you cannot escape this book without becoming engrossed in the author's love for words. There are so many lines that are so delicious you must keep them in your quote file. The book as a whole is a tangled web of mysteries and separate stories that in the end, finally become lovingly intertwined. This book is sumptuous in its words and full-bodied characters. I did at times, however, grow tired of the skipping around from one story to the next. Perhaps part of that was my eagerness to find out which story was the "real" story. Viewing it now as a "whole" I would recommend this book--but only for those who savor words for the pure pleasure of their beauty. Without that, you may have trouble hanging on to the end.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book about books and the characters were great. very good winter read.
Helpful Score: 1
Could have swore that I already reviewed this book. Tons of reviews, which led me to reading this book and guess what I won't re-post because it is one of the few books that I might actually re-read. Loved it and as another reviewer said hard to find something to read after reading this wonderfully told story! Well worth the read ;o)))
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful, beautifully written book. Recommend to everyone.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. I felt at times that it could have used some editing (at 480 pages, it's a tome.) But, it was an enjoyable read with interesting (and very Spanish) characters. Recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
EXCELLENT book. Full of intrigue, drama, suspense, romance and heartbreak.... A real page turner that keeps you going right to the end. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this book.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books of all time, everyone should read this book!
Helpful Score: 1
A story about books and the pursuit of the real life drama behind the author. A joy is shared for the love of reading and how books can change ones life a lesson that I loved hearing again. Divided into sections, it made this chunkster easy to tackle. My favorite section was towards the end which was a diary of sorts written to Daniel to help him understand the life and times of the author he was investigating Julian Carax. Throughout the books there were holes and they were mostly filled in by this section.
A large cast of characters that took awhile to nail down made for some difficulties. I took to post its to help keep everyone and their relationships straight. At times, it was truly hard to remember how they were all related. I am sure that no one could have been cut to make it easier, but I definitely needed some help.
I definitely enjoyed this read. It was out of my usual genre leant to me by a coworker, I was glad to take a break from my usual and read this one.
A large cast of characters that took awhile to nail down made for some difficulties. I took to post its to help keep everyone and their relationships straight. At times, it was truly hard to remember how they were all related. I am sure that no one could have been cut to make it easier, but I definitely needed some help.
I definitely enjoyed this read. It was out of my usual genre leant to me by a coworker, I was glad to take a break from my usual and read this one.
Amazing captivating story within story.
Reminiscent of Stefan Zweig but set in Barcelona from the 40's through the present.
All the ingredients are there - intrigue - romance revenge - remorse - redemption....
Reminiscent of Stefan Zweig but set in Barcelona from the 40's through the present.
All the ingredients are there - intrigue - romance revenge - remorse - redemption....
Helpful Score: 1
I found The Shadow of the Wind a completely enthralling book that reminded me of the first book that ever grab my attention to reading. It has all aspects of a story that envelopes you into running back to read more. The mystery, suspense, well written, story is one that I highly recommend. I have been asked to repost this book but I have talked about it so much that my daughter is reading it now and I have 2 other friends that are dying to read it ..so I guess PBS will have to wait.
Helpful Score: 1
The Shadow of the Wind is probably one of my favorite books ever. I feel like words can not even describe how much I loved this book. It's so wonderful in every way and everyone should read it! Gaaaaah fangirling over; but in all seriousness, I feel like Shadow of the Wind is exactly what I needed. It reminded me how much I love reading and literature and completely entranced me in a way that I haven't been since Mists of Avalon. The plot was dark and intriguing and mysterious and oh so juicy and sensationalistic (and ok, a little cheesy) and the characters are so well developed and perfect. Man, I really loved this book. My only comment is that it is kind of predictable and can be really over the top (in the best way, I promise) but absolutely worth the read for the beautiful language and plot.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not sure what I can say about this book that hasn't been said already. I thought this book was beautiful and captivating !! Amazing writing, great story line, wonderful characters. This is the type of book that you love to read again and again.
Helpful Score: 1
There were parts in this book that I loved and parts that I hated. The overall story was good but it was too complicated. There were too many times when I had to go back to verify or remember something that had happened earlier. Also parts of the story were told over and over from different voices. Overall too much redundancy.
Helpful Score: 1
The first time I heard about The Shadow of the Wind was on BBC World Book Club and it intrigued me immediately. The idea of a book stirring up such trouble and a terrible mystery in the middle of it proved irresistible so imagine my surprise when I discovered the book already waiting its turn on my bookshelf. Not sure when I got it, or where, but I was glad to see it there nonetheless.
The story gripped me from the very first pages, which was easy to do with evocative writing and characters depicted so well that they seemed to be real people trapped in the pages of the novel. They were far from perfect, riddled with weaknesses in fact, but that only made their strengths stand out that much more. The same goes for the setting - the world Zafon created, or portrayed, isn't pretty. There is pain and horror at every turn, some of the things that happened made me wonder why hasn't anyone stopped the perpetrators, why the terrible things were allowed to continue. But that's life, I suppose, and I applaud the author for giving them a place in this story and in this way providing a contrast for the decency and kindness.
There are parts of the book that might create an impression that supernatural forces are at play but I was pleased to discover that all events had a very reasonable explanation and were firmly grounded in facts and people's actions. If they weren't it really would've been too much - in Zafon's post-war Barcelona even things that had a perfectly reasonable explanation seemed fantastical at times.
My favorite thing about this novel was how everything and everyone seemed to be connected, down to the most seemingly insignificant detail. All the threads of the tangled knot that is the mystery of Julián Carax and his life eventually were revealed to be part of one whole and discovering the connections was simply exhilarating. The runner-up favorite thing was seeing the parallels and similarities between Daniel and Julián and their lives. It really seemed as though Daniel was always meant to be the one to find out the truth and everything and everyone simply waited for him to be ready to do it.
I enjoyed this novel from the first till the last page and even the few inconsistencies that seemed to jump out at me didn't spoil it. It was easy to see that some things were done for dramatic effect, and one element of the mystery was obvious to me since I've seen quite a bit of it in Latin American telenovelas, but all that was generously compensated for when the identity of the person who was destroying Carax's books was revealed. If it was anyone else I probably would've felt cheated so I'll forgive the author the little shortcomings and will recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, great writing, unique characters and above all a book that's difficult to put down.
The story gripped me from the very first pages, which was easy to do with evocative writing and characters depicted so well that they seemed to be real people trapped in the pages of the novel. They were far from perfect, riddled with weaknesses in fact, but that only made their strengths stand out that much more. The same goes for the setting - the world Zafon created, or portrayed, isn't pretty. There is pain and horror at every turn, some of the things that happened made me wonder why hasn't anyone stopped the perpetrators, why the terrible things were allowed to continue. But that's life, I suppose, and I applaud the author for giving them a place in this story and in this way providing a contrast for the decency and kindness.
There are parts of the book that might create an impression that supernatural forces are at play but I was pleased to discover that all events had a very reasonable explanation and were firmly grounded in facts and people's actions. If they weren't it really would've been too much - in Zafon's post-war Barcelona even things that had a perfectly reasonable explanation seemed fantastical at times.
My favorite thing about this novel was how everything and everyone seemed to be connected, down to the most seemingly insignificant detail. All the threads of the tangled knot that is the mystery of Julián Carax and his life eventually were revealed to be part of one whole and discovering the connections was simply exhilarating. The runner-up favorite thing was seeing the parallels and similarities between Daniel and Julián and their lives. It really seemed as though Daniel was always meant to be the one to find out the truth and everything and everyone simply waited for him to be ready to do it.
I enjoyed this novel from the first till the last page and even the few inconsistencies that seemed to jump out at me didn't spoil it. It was easy to see that some things were done for dramatic effect, and one element of the mystery was obvious to me since I've seen quite a bit of it in Latin American telenovelas, but all that was generously compensated for when the identity of the person who was destroying Carax's books was revealed. If it was anyone else I probably would've felt cheated so I'll forgive the author the little shortcomings and will recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, great writing, unique characters and above all a book that's difficult to put down.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it; a story within a story, and some wonderful twists to this epic book. Not a quick read, but worth the time. A beautifully written book; the author did a tremendous job bringing the characters and surroundings to life. Highly recommend!
Helpful Score: 1
I just finished this book and really enjoyed it. It was not predictable and there are many twists and turns. There are alot of Spanish names so I did get confused sometimes but I was able to go back and figure things out. I especially LOVED the author's style of writing and way with words. ...referred to someone as a "fascist buttock polisher"....another phrase that made me laugh out loud was when he wrote of a character "letting off farts that pierced bullet holes through the upholstery". I definitely expanded my vocabulary reading this book because although I had an idea of what some of the words meant, I was looking them up in the dictionary to get precise meanings. Words like lugubrious, denouement. polonaises, salacious, etc. Don't let any of the vocabulary discourage you. He just uses such rich language to paint the picture. It was refreshing and a real treat to read. The story is a little dark at times but a page turner. Sorry I am not putting it back in the swap right away because I might suggest it for book club.
Helpful Score: 1
Outstanding novel of love and obsession and revenge, as richly detailed as a fine tapestry. One of the "big reveals" I figured out very early on, but the other totally blindsided me. Masterful work.
Helpful Score: 1
This may very well be THE best book I have ever read! It has everything....mystery, suspense, intrigue, heartbreak, happiness...everything! Definitely a book for book lovers!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this story. The characters are wonderful.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent
Helpful Score: 1
Spectacular!!!!
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderfully written novel; a story of love, hate, honor and friendship.
Helpful Score: 1
In post-WWII Barcelona a boy named Daniel finds a rare book called The Shadow of the Wind by Julan Carax. When trying to find out more about the author, he learns that someone is destroying all the author's books. Daniel may have the last surviving copy of any of Carax's books. This book tells of Daniel's attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery, and also shows how chilling life in Spain was during the time Franco was in charge.
One of the reviews on the cover compared this book to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Umberto Eco and Jorge Luis Borges. I don't think I'd go that far, but it is a very good book - scary, funny, tragic, and thrilling.
One of the reviews on the cover compared this book to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Umberto Eco and Jorge Luis Borges. I don't think I'd go that far, but it is a very good book - scary, funny, tragic, and thrilling.
Helpful Score: 1
Amazing read!
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Fantastic read. Having been brought up in Barcelona, it was great walking around the Barcelona streets with the characters of this book.
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I was captivated from the begining with the characters in this book. At times they really frustrated me, but that just compliments the excellent writing of Zafon. This is a book you will read quickly and then want to read again.
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A wonderful mystery about a boys desire to know more about the author of a book of the same title.
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This book was a nice new twist. If you liked Thirteenth Tale you should like this book.
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An amazing novel set in 1945 Barcelona-peopled with the good, the bad and the ugly, through love, mystery, secrets. Not only a good read-but especially appealing to people who are passionate about books and collecting them
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting mystery based upon missing persons and mistaken identities.
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scary,erotic, touching,thrilling novel...one of the books i have ever
read..
read..
Helpful Score: 1
A best-seller in Europe, the Washington Post called it, "scary, erotic, touching, tragic, and thrilling." A young boy becomes enthralled with a book, but on searching for others by the author, finds that someone has been mysteriously destroying all copies of every book the author had ever written. Unravelling the mystery involves a tender love story, a truly horrifying villian, relationships of friendship, of family, of loyalty, and betrayal.
Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!
Captivating read. If you have been to Barcelona, the streets and some of the buildings still stand. Needless to say, Montjuic Cemetary is still there.
Helpful Score: 1
An intriguing mystery combined with the love of books and fantastic writing-- what a great book! If you liked Possession, Name of the Rose and Foucault's Pendulum, you'll like this book.
I really enjoyed both the story and the writing. The author had a wonderful sense of historical humor which would leave me giggling for minutes. The mystery of the book is quite well hidden and I did not expect the story to unravel the way it did! A overall fun, entertaining, and slightly scary read.
If you like books and mystery you will love this book.
While I enjoyed this book more than I expected, I still was left feeling like something was missing. Maybe it's the European style of storytelling that left me feeling like something wasn't quite right? Americans tell stories so much differently. That said, I did enjoy this book and finished it even though I went into my book club meeting with 100 pages left and found out the ending while I was there.
Fantasticly woven tale of multiple stories. A perfect mystery simultaneously unravelling the present and past.
I could read this book over and over and over again and never get sick of it! Amazing story.
Well written, very unusual story.
Rich with description, compelling parallel story, perfect components: EVIL villain, forbidden love, heartbreakingly brave gentleman.
i can't believe this was a translation it is so well written. You are engaged the entire books with interesting characters who unfold and grow as you read.
"There are few reasons for telling the truth, but for lying the number is infinite." It's a little slow-moving, but it is translated well (the daughter of Robert Graves translated it). The characters are interesting, although an inordinate number of them spend time ensconced in dark, lonely rooms (that's the Europeans for you). I was sort of let down by the ending.
Could not put this book down
This was by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. The pieces of the puzzle all come together. I couldn't put it down. I will not repost this book because I will read it again.
One of the greatest novels ever penned
This is the best book I've ever read. I cry every time I re-read it. This book has mystery, crime/detective, romance, a coming of age story. I think men and women alike can enjoy this book.
A real book-lovers novel about old books! Fabulous thriller...
Unbelievably fantastic. This is a must-read for anyone
An intriguing story full of mystery, suspense, and romance. Wonderful, multi-layered characters. Keeps you guessing until the very end!
Anyone who enjoys novels that are scary, erotic, touching, tragic and thrilling should pick up "The Shadow of the Wind" and read it!!
Initially I liked this book. It was unique and interesting and I really enjoyed it. Then about 100 pages in... it began rambling and it was unable to hold my interest. I wouldn't recommend reading this book, because in its entirety the story loses its magic.
A really fun read. Will keep you turning the pages.
Good read. Like everyone said, slow at first, but great ending. Wonderful cast of characters.
Complex & compelling. Had a little trouble getting started -- lots of characters, Spanish history I wasn't familiar with, and some intense background -- but once I did, couldn't put it down. Very well done!
I liked reading this book, but I sat down to love it, so I was disappointed. I liked the prose, although sometimes it was overdone (I'm looking at you, Fermin), and the plot was engrossing.
For a romantic novel, it does a terrible job of selling the love stories. Most of the lifelong tragic loves seem to begin with the boy catching a glimpse of the girl, and boom!, he is in deep, burning, self-sacrificing, eternal love with her. The women (well, girls really, which is much of the problem) in the novel are all (ALL!) quietly-suffering victims, and not one of them was interesting to me. I perked up a bit when Bea came on the scene, but then she got locked up and was unable to say anything interesting. Maybe I'm too emotionally distant to jump that gap and take it for granted that these men just "are" in love, but the book fell flat on that note for me.
For a romantic novel, it does a terrible job of selling the love stories. Most of the lifelong tragic loves seem to begin with the boy catching a glimpse of the girl, and boom!, he is in deep, burning, self-sacrificing, eternal love with her. The women (well, girls really, which is much of the problem) in the novel are all (ALL!) quietly-suffering victims, and not one of them was interesting to me. I perked up a bit when Bea came on the scene, but then she got locked up and was unable to say anything interesting. Maybe I'm too emotionally distant to jump that gap and take it for granted that these men just "are" in love, but the book fell flat on that note for me.
A good yarn
It was a very long book, but it was well worth it. I was afraid it would be a dark read from the start, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. It felt reminiscent of the Gothic style books.
Very fun read with interesting twists at every turn
Beautifully written and a good story , but not up to the reviews it got in my opinion. It was confusing and too complicated at times, but it held my interest pretty well.
Quite a story. At first the mysterious disappearing books seem like just a mechanism to tell the story of a boy coming of age and falling in love. But it develops into an expansive, tangled and absorbing mystery. The fact that it's about a different place (Barcelona) and time (post World War II) adds to the fascination.
Read this for my online book club The Reading Cove. I read the first 150 pages then had to skim to end. While it had some good philosophical lines re: life, reading, and books, it was way too long, overwritten, and became progressively boring. Daniel's narration rambled, and I eventually lost interest. Though it was an interesting premise (Daniel's finding this book by an author who someone's trying to destroy the works of), by the wrap-up it felt like the author just didn't want to stop writing. I know many enjoyed this one, but it fell very flat for me.
This book embodied what good literature is all about for me. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The author gives you enough information for you to feel like you really know the characters. I was on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next in the story and I was sorry when the book ended.
Fabulous read....the first page grabs you and won't let go until the end. A beautifully written story with twists and turns to keep you guessing, but more than that a heartfelt message about the love of reading and writing. DO NOT MISS THIS !!!!
An excellent book.
Good enough to finish, but a little too noir cartoonish for my taste.
This is a complex mystical story that takes place in Barcelona in the 1950s. The lives of many characters are entwined in unexpected ways. A very good read.
Beautifully written--you cannot escape this book without becoming engrossed in the author's love for words. There are so many lines that are so delicious you must keep them in your quote file. The book as a whole is a tangled web of mysteries and separate stories that in the end, finally become lovingly intertwined. This book is sumptuous in its words and full-bodied characters. I did at times, however, grow tired of the skipping around from one story to the next. Perhaps part of that was my eagerness to find out which story was the "real" story. Viewing it now as a "whole" I would recommend this book--but only for those who savor words for the pure pleasure of their beauty. Without that, you may have trouble hanging on to the end.
Very informative about that period in Spain. Characters became friends and story was intriguing. Daniel was so real. Overall the kind of book I read slowly so I could have the characters around as long as possible.
A favorite book involving an antiquarian book dealer and a book cemetary.
I started reading this book months ago but put it aside as I found it rather boring. But I kept hearing what a great read it was and how much people were looking forward to reading it so I gave it another go.
Just like the first time, I found it kind of boring. It just seemed to go round and round without really getting anywhere. But I stuck with it and finally finished it.
It is a kind of murder mystery, set in the mid 1940s to mid 1950s, in Barcelona, Spain. It has lots of mysterious characters (maybe too many mysterious characters); dark, rainy nights; creepy, deserted buildings; a real Gothic atmosphere. I can't say I disliked the book but it was just too long and took forever to get anywhere. I did like the ending, which is not as grim and dire as the rest of the book.
Just like the first time, I found it kind of boring. It just seemed to go round and round without really getting anywhere. But I stuck with it and finally finished it.
It is a kind of murder mystery, set in the mid 1940s to mid 1950s, in Barcelona, Spain. It has lots of mysterious characters (maybe too many mysterious characters); dark, rainy nights; creepy, deserted buildings; a real Gothic atmosphere. I can't say I disliked the book but it was just too long and took forever to get anywhere. I did like the ending, which is not as grim and dire as the rest of the book.
The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, is one of the most immensely rewarding novels I have ever read. The tale takes place in Barcelona. We begin with Daniel Sempere, who as a child is taken to a secret library known as the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. The Cemetery serves as a haven for books that are endangered or have become lost in time, waiting to be rediscovered by each new initiate, who is tasked with selecting one book and protecting it with his or her life. Daniel chooses a novel, The Shadow of the Wind, by Julian Carax. When he finishes the novel and loves it, he hopes to read the rest of Carax's work. He soon discovers that Carax's novels are being destroyed one by one, and an epic mystery begins to unfold...
The Shadow of the Wind envelops the reader in its intricately-designed story, which not only delves into the complex history of the fictional Julian Carax, but also how his story and Daniel's are interconnected. Zafon draws his readers in with a deceptively simple premise, but soon piles on layers upon layers of subplots. His writing is glorious, shows much more than it tells, and reads like the finest literature. It gives me renewed faith in the skill of contemporary writers at their craft. It is part mystery, part period romance, and part atmospheric, gothic-styled melodrama. There is also plenty of humor.
The pacing can be slow in places and the subplots on all sides may overwhelm some readers, leaving some (including myself) wondering where Zafon is taking me with all this. However, the final third of the novel, when things begin coming together, satisfied me completely and did not disappoint. The Shadow of the Wind is not a novel you can down in one gulp. It is a banquet of a book which rewards the patient reader, and satisfies even more the second time around. Highly recommended!
The Shadow of the Wind envelops the reader in its intricately-designed story, which not only delves into the complex history of the fictional Julian Carax, but also how his story and Daniel's are interconnected. Zafon draws his readers in with a deceptively simple premise, but soon piles on layers upon layers of subplots. His writing is glorious, shows much more than it tells, and reads like the finest literature. It gives me renewed faith in the skill of contemporary writers at their craft. It is part mystery, part period romance, and part atmospheric, gothic-styled melodrama. There is also plenty of humor.
The pacing can be slow in places and the subplots on all sides may overwhelm some readers, leaving some (including myself) wondering where Zafon is taking me with all this. However, the final third of the novel, when things begin coming together, satisfied me completely and did not disappoint. The Shadow of the Wind is not a novel you can down in one gulp. It is a banquet of a book which rewards the patient reader, and satisfies even more the second time around. Highly recommended!
Fascinating book; hard to put down. Nice continental flavor to the translation.
I wasn't familiar with the Spanish Civil War, but this was still a good read.
Fantastic book! I love how both stories really mirrored one another and the ending was great! I will definitely have to revisit this book in the future...you know it's good when you want to read it again!
I gave it a couple of chapters and just couldn't get interested. It's well crafted prose & all that, but just not engaging to me.
This is my new favorite book! I only wish this author had more, more, more.....greatest find since Brunonia Barry last year. I like that my fav books' list is growing with some very diverse authors....I admit that at times, I started to confuse the two main characters' lives, but both of them were fascinating and mysterious. Now I'm befuddled as to what to follow this up with.
This book is a real challenge. I first heard of it on a book critic's list of "10 best books of the century," and since I'd read the other nine and agreed they were great, I had to try this one. I'm always cautious about criticizing a book that I've read in a language other than the original: who gets the credit/blame -- the author, or the translator?
In any case, in every hundred pages of text there are (generously speaking) about ten pages of plot, and maybe one page of character development. At the end I'm prepared to say "What a neat story!" but the key word is STORY, as in "short story" rather than "lengthy novel."
In any case, in every hundred pages of text there are (generously speaking) about ten pages of plot, and maybe one page of character development. At the end I'm prepared to say "What a neat story!" but the key word is STORY, as in "short story" rather than "lengthy novel."
I loved this book. This is the first of the series of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books. I believe that's what attracted me to the book. I won't go into details. I believe that's for you the reader find out. Enjoy!
This book is filled with strong characters, and it includes many subplots, that in itself contain subplots, all of which are precisely explained. Zafon has the ability to draw you into the book and make you want to keep on reading. This is a fairy tale for adults, for booklovers, for those who believe books may have power over one's life.
Great read! Not to be missed!
One of the best books i've ever read. Sorry, I'm not posting it at this time, have to pass my copy to a friend who loves Spain and hasn't read this yet. Furthermore, I may choose to read it again. Something I almost never do at least not intentionally.
A very worthwhile read filled with memorable characters and just enough mystery to keep the story interesting. Cannot recommend this one more strongly. Worth buying new it you need to in order to read it sooner.
A very worthwhile read filled with memorable characters and just enough mystery to keep the story interesting. Cannot recommend this one more strongly. Worth buying new it you need to in order to read it sooner.
Barcelona, 1945:A city slowly heals from its war wounds,Daniel discovers an epic story of musder,madness and doomed love.
