“A deep and mysterious novel full of people that feel real. . . .An enthralling read and a must-have for your library. Zafón focuses on the emotion of the reader and doesn’t let go.” — Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Internationally acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author Carlos Ruiz Zafón creates a rich, labyrinthine tale of love, literature, passion, and revenge, set in a dark, gothic … literature, passion, and revenge, set in a dark, gothic Barcelona, in which the heroes of The Shadow of the Wind and The Angel’s Game must contend with a nemesis that threatens to destroy them.
Barcelona, 1957. It is Christmas, and Daniel Sempere and his wife, Bea, have much to celebrate. They have a beautiful new baby son named Julián, and their close friend Fermín Romero de Torres is about to be wed. But their joy is eclipsed when a mysterious stranger visits the Sempere bookshop and threatens to divulge a terrible secret that has been buried for two decades in the city’s dark past.
His appearance plunges Fermín and Daniel into a dangerous adventure that will take them back to the 1940s and the early days of Franco’s dictatorship. The terrifying events of that time launch them on a search for the truth that will put into peril everything they love, and will ultimately transform their lives.
more
Loved this book. As part of the “Barcelona ” series, a must read.
I love this book so much that I have read it three times and plan to read it again soon. Highly recommend it.
This is the third behind Shadow of the Wind and Angel’s Game. Shadow of the Wind was clearly the best of the three, but I’d recommend all three. I loved the story and the characters and the internal conflicts.
Zafron is a masterful writer.
Zafon is very much an original writer. The first 3 books in his “The Cemetery of Forgotten Books” are a great Joy to a serious reader: well written, well defined & evolved characters, thoughtful plotting & resolution.
Another winner. Also recommend Shadow of the Wind. Books lose nothing in their translation from Spanish.
Very dark, and maybe a little too long, but very engrossing and well written.
Beautiful writing; clever, wry humor in spite of serious subject matter. I’d like to read others by this author.
I am so glad I found this series on B.B.! It is such an original story with amazing characters and a fabulous setting. I highly recommend all the books in the series!
Didn’t want to put it down,
Loved “City of Shadows” too. Love Zafon’s writing, the characters, the subtle wit, the stories, the ambiance of Barcelona.
While some consider his books YA, I believe they are very well suited for adults. Interesting premise, great characters, I found this novel hard to put down. I truly have enjoyed all of Zafon’s works-literary, intriuging, well paced with a touch of the supernatural!
Beautifully written.
Another in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series no. 2 I think although Zafon declares the order dies not matter.
The writing is luxurious, the story deep and soulful – it is like trying to describe any great art – one is left with a feeling particular to oneself.
Fantastic! I’ve read this book four times now and I see something new each time! And the sequel to this book fantastic also: Angels Game and The Prisoner of Heaven.
A great read. Will read more of this writer.