“Gabriel García Márquez meets Umberto Eco meets Jorge Luis Borges for a sprawling magic show.”—The New York Times Book ReviewA New York Times BestsellerBarcelona, 1945: A city slowly heals in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and 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 Julián Carax. … entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián 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 secrets–an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love.
“ Anyone who enjoys novels that are scary, erotic, touching, tragic and thrilling should rush right out to the nearest bookstore and pick up The Shadow of the Wind. Really, you should.”—Michael Dirda, The Washington Post
”Wonderous… masterful… The Shadow of the Wind is ultimately a love letter to literature, intended for readers as passionate about storytelling as its young hero.”—Entertainment Weekly (Editor’s Choice)
“One gorgeous read.”—Stephen King
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In my top 10 favorites!
I really loved this book!!
The most imaginative novel I have read in such a long time.
When he is just ten years old, Daniel is sworn to secrecy by his father and taken to a very special place in the heart of Barcelona. In the dead of night, they go to visit the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Here, in an endless labyrinthine structure, are housed all of the books that have been turned aside by the masses, left to die an otherwise inconsequential literary death. Daniel is allowed to take just one book with him, and he is instantly drawn to The Shadow of the Wind by author Julián Carax. When he finishes that book and decides to read the rest of Carax’s works, Daniel is surprised to learn that all the other books by Carax have been lost, systematically destroyed over the years. Daniel may have one of the last copies of The Shadow of the Wind in existence, and he sets out on a journey to learn more about Carax and why anyone would try to destroy his life’s work. What truths he learns will span years in their discovery and change his life forever.
I’m not even sure what words I can use to describe this book. I can only start with my impressions and hope that gets me somewhere. At first, I was indeed skeptical. This book flows like cold honey over a flat surface, with no hurry at all and in many directions at once. But honey is sweet and sticky, so like the words in this story, which grab you with their effortless beauty and refuse to let go. Once you’re in, there’s no turning back and no putting this book down for any other pursuits. Daniel’s story seems to be an endless grasping at whispers, the small tantalizing secrets and half discovered truths that keep Daniel (and us, the entangled reader) hanging onto every page, re-reading every conversation for hope of some clue, some answer to the great mystery at the heart of this book. The Shadow of the Wind builds slowly but the foundation is strong, and the story, once laid out, impossible to turn aside. Every little moment is so delicately crafted, not a single word or interaction wasted. The language of this book felt like swimming through a warm sea, every sentence carrying you safely onward to the next, and the next. Which isn’t to say that this book is without emotion, and without danger- there’s an enemy around every corner, a constant threat cutting across every joyful instance. I’m thrilled, and exhausted, and so delighted that this book crossed my path- it’s simply not to be forgotten.
rich and full, makes you feel you are right there.
I could not put the book down. I was absolutely mesmerized by the intrigue of the novel. What a great novelist.
This is a book for book lovers!
I absolutely loved this story! The 82nd book I’ve read in 2018, and one of the best so far. A complex, spiraling story-within-a-story, I loved every page of this one. Two more books in this series and I’ll read them. Highly recommended.
Magical realism at it’s best. Brings in historical times of Barcelona & Spanish War in the 1930s to present. A Father & son story involving the coming of age of the son, Daniel. “Cemetery of Forgotten Books” a central character. Love of books & bookstore owned by the father. Guarantee a book you will never forget if you are a reader.
I’ve never been to Barcelona. but this book made me love the city.
Excellent writing and characters.
One of my favorite books of all time!
One of my all-time favorite books!
4++ novel. Expertly written in a very personal and endearing narrative manner. Story does crawl at times, but the characters and tale is interesting enough to keep the reader engaged. A high level romantic tragedy with early 20th century Italy as a backdrop. Well worth the erudite reader’s perusal.
The trilogy by Zafon was a wonderful find. Barcelona comes to life as a magical city.
Fantastic book
Was a bit apprehensive about the book being so long, but once I got into it I had a hard time putting it down.
One of my favorite books. This is a beautifully told story about an old bookshop and all the secrets within. I really loved the characters and the surprises inside. If you like to read, enjoy books and libraries, you’ll enjoy this story immensely. Shared this book with at least 5 people and then searched out more books by this author.
One of my favorite books!
This book was well written, but a little too graphic for me in various places. The plot was well thought out and developed with skill.