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Liked It2 of 3 members found this review helpful “Mystery, suspense, intrigue... a unique book, a unique story line. Very well written. AMAZING translation!” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“This book pulled me in with the first sentence: " I still remember the day my father took me to the Cemetery Of Forgotten Books for the fist time."
Pamela Ann S wrote this review 14 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Set in 1945 Barcelona, the story twists and turns and winds its way through the city streets and weaves in and out of seemingly strangers' lives. A story with dark secrets and heaviness in the air that will envelop you and and never quite leave...”
“"Well, this is a story about books"
Lydia P wrote this review 18 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
"About books?"
"About accursed books, about the man who wrote them, about a character who broke out of the pages of a novel so that he could burn it, about a betrayal and a lost friendship. It's a story of love, of hatred, and of the dreams that live in the shadow of the wind."
This was a re-read, and the first of many I believe. I read The Shadow of the Wind in 2007 and remember being dumbfounded by it. I raced through the story, unable to set it down as I was trapped deeper into the prison of the words written by Zafon. The above quote sums the story up more brilliantly than any review can do. That being said, I will tell you what to expect when you pick up this novel for the first time.
This is not a story full of "bang bang shoot 'em up". It has its moments, but the beauty of this story is in the delicious tales being told throughout every paragraph. Stories written in the manner in which this author writes do not happen that often, and the fact that it's so beautifully written and translated makes it even more incredible to me. When you read this novel prepare to devote time to it. Read through it slowly, and re-read passages that catch your eye. I noticed things I didn't remember before and even got my father to start reading the book so that we could marvel over the descriptions together.
Most importantly, read the book. Ignore the hype and commercialization surrounding it. This is a beautiful story worth reading.”
“The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Nayla M wrote this review yesterday. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
4.5 Stars
Set in Barcelona in the 1950s, after the civil war, the book starts when a man takes his ten year old son to a secret place, the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. He is told he can pick one book only, and little Daniel finds "The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax". Daniel reads the book in a day and is greatly intrigued by it; however when he asks his father who is a bookseller about the author, his father says he had never heard of him. His father then takes him to see an old friend of his, the book collector Barcelo. Barcelo is amazed that Daniel has a copy of the book since it seems there has been someone going around to bookshops and booksellers and burning all Julian's novels. And when a man with a singed face and a black coat finds Daniel and asks him to sell him the book, Daniel knows he has to get to the bottom of things and find who Julian Carax is/was.
Several characters are introduced: Barcelo, his niece Clara, Daniel's friend Tomas, Fermin the homeless person Daniel finds, and more. With each chapter you realize that all these characters and minor plots feed a bigger plot and the ending is satisfying in the sense that it ties up everything. I finished half the book in one sitting, and I really wanted to read the last chapter to find out how things ended. I'm glad I didn't though! The pace was slow midway but picked up and I greatly enjoyed reading this. I will be on the lookout for more of Zafon's books.
I accidentally bought this book twice (at the same bookstore at that, too). It took me about 8 months to start it though!”
“Great Book!! Looking forward to reading this one again... and I don't do that much.”
Brandi M wrote this review yesterday. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Loved this, seemed like an intellectual mystery. I would read other books by this author based on this one!”
Christina M wrote this review yesterday. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book will definitely keep you reading. Its fast paced , full of mystery and discovery.
Lina A wrote this review 2 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Its definitely a very dark and gothic inspired novel , but it explores other genres as well . Essentially , its great coming of age story , with love , mystery and set against the back drop of Barcelona . ”“A tale of so many layers and nuances, it defies description or at least compartmentalization. It is a story of love, revenge, friendship, mystery, intrigue, murder and coming of age. The sense of impending doom has you alternating between nail biting worry and sighs of relief. If you call yourself a reader by any measure, add it to your reading list now. ”
aditisodhi wrote this review 2 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really enjoyed this book but it does have its flaws. For example, the editing is not that tight and as a result the story can be choppy in places. Also, the ending felt rushed and just a little slapped together. But all-in-all its a great story that I have recommended to others who have also enjoyed it.
Susan S wrote this review 4 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Would I recommend: Yes.”
“I especially liked this book because it takes place in Spain and it was interesting to have a different perspective. The story is good with a lot of intrigue. Sometimes I got a little confused and towards the end, I was kind of ready to just find out the ending, but this was more a work of art, so I needed to be more patient and enjoy the journey. Pleasantly, all the loose ends are tied up in the end and you can finish the book feeling satisfied.
k_stin wrote this review 4 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Also, I think the translator did a fabulous job with this work.”
“I LOVED this book. Most books that have a story within a story irritate me because I'm more interested in one story over the other but in this book I loved everything. There's mystery, romance and history. What more could I want in a book. I LOVED it!!!!”
Emily P wrote this review 4 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
