The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Title: The Shadow of the Wind
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Series: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #1
Genres: Gothic, Historical, Mystery
Publisher: The Penguin Press (Imprint of Penguin)
Date Published: April 12th, 2004
Edition: Hardcover
Rating:

Barcelona, 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. 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.

My Review:

The Shadow of the Wind is a treasure chest of mystery and adventure with a moody, almost Gothic, underscore to it. It takes place in Barcelona during the years of approximately 1945-1955 where it follows a boy named Daniel who comes to possess a book cloaked in mystery because every copy of books by the author have been purchased or stolen by a mysterious figure and then immediately burned afterwards. Daniel holds one of a handful of books remaining by the author and he’s determined to find out who would be doing such a thing.

This book was originally written in Spanish and translated to English by Lucia Graves, but honestly you wouldn’t know it because it’s written so beautifully — it’s honestly one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. While sometimes it can seem a little long-winded, for the most part it’s the type of book that you can easily get lost in or simply savor over a period of days. I don’t know Spanish so I haven’t read the original but as far as the English translation goes I think it’s safe to say that a kudos goes out to both Zafón for the original and Graves for her eloquent translation.

I don’t want to talk too much about the story because it is a mystery and part of the fun of this book is unraveling that with Daniel along the way. But it’s safe to say that it is woven very well and although I was constantly guessing throughout the entire book and therefore stumbled upon at least a portion of the answer to the mystery, it was still written very well and I didn’t guess the entire thing but was able to piece together some of it. But I liked that we were given clues though and allowed to try to solve the mystery along with Daniel; a lot of mysteries don’t let you do that so I liked it.

The only issues I had were a couple of formatting issues. Mainly when a story was being told by someone that was a flashback the text was normally italicized, but then there were other times that it wasn’t and that made it kind of confusing so some consistency was needed there. The other issue I had was that during these flashbacks normally a single person was telling the story to Daniel and they would get into POVs that weren’t their own and therefore talk about emotions and feelings and even events that they themselves didn’t witness. Basically it would be told as if they were a third person looking down on the situation when really they only have their own POV as a character. I thought this was kind of a hole in these flashbacks because it really wouldn’t be possible for one character to know intimate details about how another character felt or what they did.

Other than those couple things though this book was an incredible escape that I know I’ll want to come back to another day. If you’re a fan of books (which I know you all are) and mystery then you will most likely love this book. My advice is to read it at night or on a stormy afternoon for the ideal mood setting. :)

5 Hearts Read more reviews & Buy it up! Goodreads LibraryThing Shelfari Amazon Barnes & Noble Book Depository Half.com Abebooks Alibris Better World Books Paperback Swap

  • woman sitting on window reading book

    131 Most popular YA books of the last decade (according to Reddit)

    There are so many great YA novels to choose from, but sometimes it’s hard to pick favorites or figure out what ...
  • woman in black tank top and denim jeans reading a book

    Young adult literature: top 100 YA books of all time

    Young Adult Literature: The Best of the Best Hey fellow book nerds, if you’re looking for the best of the best ...
  • You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

    Aisling Grey is a courier enjoying a free, work-related trip to Paris when she learns she's a Guardian. That's a keeper of the Gates of Hell, for those who don't know. She finds this out from Drake Vireo, who's scrumptiously sexy-at least in his human form. Now Drake has stolen the package Aisling was sent to deliver, and she must track him down, get the package, and try to resist the passion boiling inside her.
Load More Related Articles
  • You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

    Aisling Grey is a courier enjoying a free, work-related trip to Paris when she learns she's a Guardian. That's a keeper of the Gates of Hell, for those who don't know. She finds this out from Drake Vireo, who's scrumptiously sexy-at least in his human form. Now Drake has stolen the package Aisling was sent to deliver, and she must track him down, get the package, and try to resist the passion boiling inside her.
  • Written in Red by Anne Bishop

    As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others. Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
  • Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

    When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.
Load More By Sarah
  • Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night by Kresley Cole

    Her breathless kiss haunts him... Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -- until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive. His slow, hot touch is irresistible... Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go. No deed is too wicked for her seduction... If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul -- or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
  • Written in Red by Anne Bishop

    As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others. Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
  • Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

    Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her... and her body still cries out for him in her dreams. Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her...the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland... and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite or forever doom her timeless love.
Load More In 5 Hearts

Leave a Reply

Check Also

You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

Aisling Grey is a courier enjoying a free, work-related trip to Paris when she learns she's a Guardian. That's a keeper of the Gates of Hell, for those who don't know. She finds this out from Drake Vireo, who's scrumptiously sexy-at least in his human form. Now Drake has stolen the package Aisling was sent to deliver, and she must track him down, get the package, and try to resist the passion boiling inside her.

Welcome to The YA Shelf

Helping you find the BEST young adult literature online! We're YA authors, readers and bibliophiles, who read everything and sometimes post book reviews and fandom summaries. Check out our "best books for teens" lists to see our favorites, or browse nearly 300+ book reviews!

Check out today's deals or See what's hot! Today's FREE books
Today's BestSellers


imlovingbooks

Top Posts & Pages

Sarah J Maas and YA cancel culture (what's up?)
50 YA fiction tropes and cliches we can't get enough of!
The Best YA Magic Academy Books
The Best Angel and Fallen Angel Romances for Teens
32 thrilling mermaid books for fans of young adult (YA) fantasy novels
The Best YA Fae Fantasy Books
The Best Time Travel Books for Teens
The Best YA/Teen Fiction Books With Spooky Ghosts & Haunted Houses

Search

Category Posts

True Blue by Luanne Rice | I’m Loving ♥ Books

The Devil to Pay by Maria Zannini | I’m Loving ♥ Books

Divergent

Fever

House of Night