“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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Gothic, atmospheric and dark, this Spanish novel has stories within the stories in its densely packed plot. The multiple timelines wind and twist to tell a story so complex that, at times, I found it hard to follow. About halfway through, I used a book and character analysis guide as a companion reader. I found it very helpful, and it renewed my interest in finishing the book.
I loved this book! I’ve read it three times already, along with his next two books. This one was by far my favorite. I have given it as a gift to many people in my life.
I read this when it first came out and have read the 2nd book (which is not as good). What blew my mind was that the English language version was so magnificent it made me wonder how great the original Spanish version was. I’ve reread the book as it is truly haunting and I was interested in the Spanish history as it pertained to the Basques as my mother immigrated to Louisiana from Vizcaya.
Very unusual. A gripping story
I do not even know what to say about this book. It was disturbing, but I could not put it down. It is one of 4 books about the same time/situation, which cane really be read in any order, and which all tell you something different. You are never sure exactly what the truth is. There is a lot of violence and cruelty (the disturbing part), but also great characters and questions that you will want answers to. It stays with me long after I have finished it, even though I am not sure what I feel/think about it.
A wonderful novelist and a great trilogy. Barcelona comes alive in every spooky, unexpected way
Wonderfully imaginative story-telling. A mix of Gothic drama and magic realism, the book I wish I had written.
I’ve puzzled over the title. Technically, a wind would not have a shadow. Or, maybe, it does; but we need a sixth sense to see it. If so, this title is the best anyone could give this novel, although I must confess, I did not feel that way until I got almost towards the end of the book, 358 pages later, to be precise. I found my initially strong interest waning and actually nearly lost about 300 pages into the book. I put it aside and wondered if I’d pick it up again.
But, there was something about the beginning of the novel by Carlos Ruis Zafon that intrigued me. It hints at a mystery. But more than that, the novel is multi-layered, from the story within a story to the layers of subtext about life, about people, and about books of fiction and our relationship to them.
So, I picked it up again. I am glad I did. This novel reminded me once more of the ways in which fiction could be great. And why I read it. This is one of the best I have come across in a long time and yet, I cannot necessarily explain why. Greatness is probably impossible to understand and explain, anyway. If I read it a second time, I’m likely to find something in it I did not see before; or I might interpret the book differently.
The story within a story is ultimately about time, about how each person’s life spins across it; how events beyond our control can propel lives forward into a miserable existence; how time wreaks its havoc and memories are all we’re left of past time. In those dark wet days in Barcelona, in the shadow of fascism, a civil war, and a world war, misery visits nearly everyone; and time is unkind to them.
But this is also a story of hope. Hope that infuses three love stories: Obsessive and tragic between Julian and his Penelope (allusions to Penelope in Homer’s Odyssey?); fresh and audacious between the young narrator and his Beatriz (allusions, perhaps, to Dante’s Beatrice?); and mystical and poignant between the author Julian and the narrator.
A fascinating story. I loved it!
Exceptionally well-written and engrossing.
Good but a little tough to read.
One of the best Boole i have ever read!
One of my favorite books ever. The use of magical realism is eye-opening for those that may have skipped it in the past. His language is extraordinary. And any novels focused on books are a booklover’s dream. The author’s recent death is a true loss.
Wow! Why did it take me so long to read this amazing book. It is probably one of my favorites of all time. So so good.
Just gorgeous writing!
The Shadow of the Wind reminded me of the 13th Tale thematically, linguistically, and in delivery, although I loved this book so much more. The way the mystery unfolds finding tidbits from different perspectives enhanced the mystery and aided the depth of characterization. I enjoyed how the characters played different roles for each other. They were perfectly seamed, each point of view more enthralling and taxing than the one before. Themes of devils and angels are prevalent as characters save and ruin each others’ lives. I love Barcelona as the setting. The artistically enchanting city is the perfect backdrop to this eloquently enchanting tale with a Gothic feel. The vivid romantic passages stole my complete attention. This novel is an epic film on paper, gloomy and engaging, smoky, noir with crumbling ruins, young love, disfigurement, lust, torture. It’s a complex, interwoven plot, not without threat and violence, with a series of reveals that undermine what you think you know. There’s simply no scarcity of insightful and wise remarks within this novel that brims with resonating themes of love, family, friendship, revenge, loss and tragedy. There were times when the pace felt too slow and dragging but it is rich in descriptive detail and highly atmospheric and allows the reader to visualise it as much as read it. The language purrs along and the plot twists and unravels with languid grace. The medley of genres (mildly supernatural thriller, against the odds love story and period coming of age saga) fuses into a satisfying whole. Everything about the Shadow of the Wind remained smooth and the mood remained intricate and intriguing despite the few irritating typographical errors. Zafon’s novel is beguiling, suspenseful, extremely readable and deliciously evocative. Fantastic book. Highly recommended!
This is a book for book lovers. One of my all time favorites, and one I have recommended to friends for many years. If you are a book lover, this is for you.
This is absolutely my favorite novel ever!!! It made me want to go to Barcelona to see all the places mentioned. I loved the mystery at the core of the book, the writing, the characters, the setting. HIghly recommend!!!!
One of my favorite books ! It’s a must read.
One of my all-time favorite books. It is absolutely spellbinding and surrounds you in a magical but tragic Barcelona.