If you're a book lover, this book will speak your language. Not only is it about books, and lovers of books, writers of books and characters who put pIf you're a book lover, this book will speak your language. Not only is it about books, and lovers of books, writers of books and characters who put pen to paper for a living in any form but it's a story uniquely developed as a result of reading a book.
From the minute young Daniel enters the 'Cemetery of Forgotten Books,' and picks out the rarest find among all the books resting in peace there ~ 'The Shadow of the Wind,' he becomes completely obsessed with it, and instantly every bibliophile on the planet is riveted. We empathize. We've been there. Maybe not to the extent where the obsession becomes real, like in Daniels case, but perhaps only because we lacked opportunity. Curiosity and reading are intertwined partners. It's absolutely plausible & the consequences make a fantastic story!
A perfectly paced mystery, a requisite unfulfilled love story, a tangled compilation of good versus evil characters (all thoroughly fleshed out) and one wordsmith of an author gifted with the ability to create gothic style atmosphere of suspense and intrigue = 5 stars. I thought it was sheer perfection. The walking map at the end of the book (of the streets/places in Barcelona relevant to the story,) was also brilliant. I wish I could hop on a plane, book in hand, and leisurely stroll every "Calle" that Daniel traversed, ending up at 32 Avenida del Tibidabo. That street and the Aldaya residence conjured the most beautiful mental images. I'm still luxuriating in them. Carlos Ruiz Zafon penned a travelogue (inadvertently or purposely) with that addition to his beautiful story!
It was so interesting how Daniels and Julian's lives were written as parallels but with a critical intersection. I know that happens repeatedly in life but (at the moment) I can't think where I've seen it so flawlessly depicted before??
I've already added 'The Angel's Game' to my wtr list because I loved this book so much & want to read more from the author. I thought Barcelona was alluring as a destination after having a neighbor from there but after reading 'The Shadow of the Wind' it calls to me even more. This book & it's wonderfully blended elements went straight to the pinnacle of my favorite literature pile....more
**spoiler alert** My Aunt gave me 'Little Women' for Christmas one year when I was a young girl. It was the very first book I ever owned which made it**spoiler alert** My Aunt gave me 'Little Women' for Christmas one year when I was a young girl. It was the very first book I ever owned which made it special for that reason alone. My Aunt picked it out for me because it was one of her favorites, which served to intensify my feelings about it, & I believe to this day, receiving it ignited my passion for reading. I read it over & over again just because it was mine (I think) and because I absolutely loved, loved, loved all the girls. I can probably still cry at Beth's death and I was mad at Jo (for awhile) for breaking Laurie's heart. She knew what was better for her than I did tho. As a girl, I identified the most with Amy ~ yes, I was a girly girl who didn't want to get dirty & yearned for nice things & to fit in.
I don't know if girls today enjoy this book like I did?? But I still own that original copy & it remains as dear to me as the day it came into my life....more
I've had this book for quite awhile, resisting the urge to pick it up because I knew it was one in a long series and wasn't sure I wanted to commit thI've had this book for quite awhile, resisting the urge to pick it up because I knew it was one in a long series and wasn't sure I wanted to commit the time. I even started watching the Starz series, thinking I'd just go that route & skip the read. So glad Whitney encouraged me back to the book. As always, the book is infinitely richer & more layered than the TV series although I think it's a good series. I thought of the cast and imposed their faces quite a bit while reading. Time shifting is an intriguing notion but I cannot imagine doing it with as much courage or strength of character as Claire. I may have wilted under the strain of being transported back to such a "barbaric" time, I don't know? It's a great, sometimes horribly difficult read (thinking Wentworth) but after a bit of a break & recovery period, I'll probably forge ahead with the second book of the series. egads tho ~ living in the 17oo's, was not for sissy's!!! Oh and Jamie, what to say about Jamie? I don't personally know a man today who could withstand all that he endured. I would be dead, twisted in the head or paralyzed with fear. What a hero Diana Gabaldon created, the strength of Hercules yet capable of such tenderness. *sigh*...more
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