“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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Love, loved, loved this book. It has stayed with me & I often recommend it to other readers.
This is not a simple book and there are some very interesting characters. I learned a lot about Spain in the first half of the 20th century and didn’t feel like I was reading a history book. There were a lot of twists and turns, and I found the theme to be very original.
My second favorite book, second only to Pillars of the Earth.
Really well written. I couldn’t hardly put it down. Such depth to the characters and the story line.
Captured my attention and didn’t let go until I’d (sadly) finished the story.
This book is a rare find, very interesting and original idea, with characters to like and some not to be trusted, Most made very real for the reader to invest their emotions.
One of the best books ever as far as I am concerned. Bought another copy as a gift.
I probably wouldn’t have read this if it weren’t about books, but I got caught up at the start because of that and carried on because the characters were interesting, detailed, filled with good and evil. There are sights and sounds and feelings that pull your insides. A wonderful writer. I can’t wait to read the sequels.
very well written piece of literature with a solid historical setting and unpredictability throughout
This is s book I just happened to stumble onto, but is at the top of the list of my all time favorites! Read all in this series. Zafon is a masterful writer! The audiobook is wonderful! Waiting impatiently for his new book!
Love love love this story. Stuck with me to the point where I tried reading it again years later and remembered it.
Some of the best writing I have seen in years.
Haven’t finished it yet, but love the characters. Unique book.
Three times the length it should have been with overly melodramatic characters.
Beautifully written, Gothic and dreamlike… This author has taken Magical Realism and reflected it back through a distorted lens.
One of the best books I ‘ve ever read
I loved this book! Reminded me a little of THE CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES. Very well written and held my attention until I closed the book. Clever innuendo and cleverer turns of phrase.
I found this book interesting and different from the usual mystery(?). I read it several years ago because I was tired of reading the same story by the same authors with different names characters. This book filled the bill. Definitely a good read.
Informative information about Spain/France/Portugal around the end of WWII. Lots of character development of dull, everyday people.
Liked the whole series.