“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
more
All-time favourite book!
Within the first 6 pages of this book, I fell in love. Like this doesn’t usually happen to me, I don’t usually fall in love with a book or writer that quick, it usually takes a lot longer than it did. Within 6 pages I had fallen madly in love with this, I think it was definitely the writing, something about it, I don’t think I can explain the feeling with this book. I wanted to devour it all at once and then I also wanted to save it. I did manage to drag out the reading of this book, a little. But honestly the whole writing it was perfect, I think I can only describe it like that. As you can tell I’m totally fangirling over this, I had to take a few hours break so I could like gather thoughts, a few hours later I’m still fangirling. It was so perfect. I just wanted to make a note about Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s writing, I am in love.
The book is set in parts as well as chapters, the parts give you an idea of the date that that part of the story is set in as it does span over a few years from Daniel being a child to going into teenage adult times. It also covers the time span of Julián and his story, so it does make it clear and there are ways you know when certain things happen for example when a character tells a story you know it is a story. As I said there is little signs of changes of time and topic or plot within the story. So it makes it easier to recognise.
As the blurb said it follows Daniel as he tries to discover the story of the author who wrote The Shadow of The Wind by Julián Carax. The story was complex, but not confusing, everything was explained and worked out through the story. The plot was so amazing and it draws you in, and you just want to turn the page over and over and before you know it you have finished the book. I have loads of things I want to say about this book but I also don’t want to put spoilers in, so I may have to do a video review and fangirl the heck out of this book.
Daniel, I immediately connected with his character especially his love for that book because I think we all have that love for a certain book so I definitely got where he was coming from with that. He was such a charming character and it was very interesting watching him grow up from a child to a teen slowly starting adulthood. His interaction with different characters completely showed what kind of person he was. Like when he goes to see Cara (Who is blind) sits and reads with her and he just does nice stuff. Always seems to get punched for it like.
Julián, he is I would say the other main character in this story and he is such an enigma and he is so fascinating and I love it. I think along with Daniel I fell in love with the man from him. Like he was so amazing and there is so much I want to say because I don’t want to spoil it. (So that’s all I can say about him because spoiler)
I loved all the characters in this book and I thought that they all had a nice part in the book and I liked them all well except the certain person who did the certain thing to a certain person. (See the spoiler problem?)
I can’t really say anything else about this book I may have to do a spoiler review on youtube. Would you all like that? Would you like to hear more about my thoughts on this with spoilers? Let me know!
Brilliant literature. Zafron captures you with his prose and amazing cast of characters. Enchanting,
When I think of escaping into a book, Shadow of the Wind is right there for transportation into a time and place exquisitely enveloping and encompassing.
Spain during Franco’s reign of terror drips from the page, yet so gifted is Zafon that he need never mention the demon himself. The mystery here is lusciously deep and a lovesong for readers.
Shadow is the first in a just-completed four part series which Zafon devised in a way that the reader might enjoy the tomes in *any* order without losing the narrative flow. He is THAT gifted.
Still, why not start with dessert?
Beautifully descriptive in creating the imagery of its setting, this book captures the reader with intrigue, daring you to put it down before the final page and you can catch your breath.
I really enjoyed this book and would thoroughly recommend it as a holiday read – a gripping story that’s brilliantly written. The plot is intricately woven with a range of well-crafted colourful characters. There’s much tension and it’s a real page turner – so be warned you may be up all night as it’s hard to put down. The story is at times macabre and mysterious but with occasional injections of humour to surprise you. The descriptions of Spain and the old streets of Barcelona are vivid and rich – so even if you’re having a ‘staycation’ you’ll escape to somewhere exotic in your head with this story. A mystery thriller with a touch of romance to keep you guessing and transport you to another time and place.
Spellbinding story… even reading it in English translation, the imagery of the language is truly masterful (kudos to the translator!!!) Now, I want to read it in the original Spanish.
What an incredible plot and beautiful storytelling! One of the best books I have read in months and months and I heartily recommend it. Intend to begin the author’s next book shortly.
Most awesome book I’ve read in the last 5 years. Still unforgettable.
This is the first novel that after reading, I can say is Great Literature. The setting in post Civil War Barcelona is hauntingly tragic, the characters are captivating. Yet at times they are surprising, whimsical, and sometimes silly. Rather a sad commentary on how Spanish young ladies were “predicted” in those days. And the library of lost books – somewhat echoing Borges.
Great writing. Cool if you are a bibliophile.
A perfect snow day book. It will made you all warm and fuzzy inside
I loved this book. I found it totally captivating.
It was hard to get into. Lots of twists & turns. Was recommended by a friend & the first of her recommendations that I haven’t cared for.
One of the best books ever written.
I really liked the author’s expression and story telling.
One of the best books I have ever read.
Very well written – a mystery with many layers – complex and engaging.
Original story with plenty of twists, great writing style. Author creates great characters
I found the book boring and did not finish reading it. Hi