The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is one of my favorite books! I discovered it several years ago, and I instantly loved it! The first time I read it I was moved deeply, and nothing has changed about my reaction to it, except I continue to discover more and more in the book to love.
The Shadow Of The Wind is many things: a Gothic novel, a mystery, a romance, a thriller, a young adult novel, a bildungsroman, and a book about books! Among other charming and engaging aspects of this extraordinary novel is the “Cemetery of Forgotten Books.” Any book with a place like that certainly has my attention!
Zafon’s characters are well-drawn, and his complex plot pulled me in immediately. Zafon’s love for books is compelling. As the protagonist, Daniel, is introduced to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, his father says, “This is a place of mystery, Daniel, a sanctuary. Every book, every volume you see here, has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it. Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs his eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens.” (5-6)
I have used and continue to use this novel in some of my classes at the Wescoe School of Muhlenberg College at Allentown, PA. This semester we are covering it in my European Novel in Translation course.
If you are a lover of books, then this book is for you. I have reread it several times, and I will continue to read it over the years. I recommend it to everyone!
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Thank you!
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What a wonderful review. I love the premise that books have souls and the description of how they grow. I actually believe that’s true. Thanks for the recommendation, Charles. 🙂
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You are very welcome!
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Oh dear, another one for the stack. I like that line about books having a soul.
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I believe they do.
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Totally love this book and reviewed it on my blog about a year ago. I’m reading his second book right now, “The Angel’s Game.” Not as good as Shadow, but spell-binding all the same.🤓
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I agree with you, but it is still a very good read.
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Like the author as well. he has a sort of old school, Spanish silver age age of literature style, (some of my favorites) with a more contemporary story to it. 🙂
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This is one of my favorites, too! I’ve read The Angel’s Game but it wasn’t as good as The Shadow but still a good read. I hope to find a copy of The Prisoner of Heaven, I think it’s more about Fermin, my favorite character in The Shadow. 🙂
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I hope you find it.
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Loved this book! Also enjoyed The Prisoner of Heaven. What a marvelous writer he is! Thanks for your superb review!
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You are very welcome!
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i have started this book a few times (long ago). I will have to pick it back up!
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Yes, it is wonderful!
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