The Shadow of the Wind

This novel is set in post-Spanish Civil War Barcelona and concerns a young boy, Daniel Sempere. Just after the war, Daniel's father takes him to the secret Cemetery Of Forgotten Books, a huge library of old, forgotten titles devotedly preserved by a few special people. The boy selects a book which has the same title and cover as this actual book. Needless to say, the book changes Daniel’s life in a strange, convoluted kind of way. Astute readers will see certain similarities to Jasper Fforde’s plot writing style. So far, Ruiz Zafón has given me a story with dark gothic-like twists, a touching tale of young love, a hint of Bronte, a dash of urban fantasy and a good dose of suspense. How's this for a brilliant description “A blue-tinted gloom obscured the sinuous contours of a marble staircase and a gallery of frescoes peopled with angels and fabulous creatures. We followed our host through a palatial corridor and arrived at a sprawling round hall, a virtual basilica of shadows spiralling up under a glass dome, its dimness pierced by shafts of light that stabbed from above. A labyrinth of passageways and crammed bookshelves rose from base to pinnacle like a beehive woven with tunnels, steps, platforms, and bridges that presaged an immense library of seemingly impossible geometry.” Classic stuff!

One of the most amazing books I have read because of its ease of reading and yet rich storytelling. Similar to JK Rowling, Zafón is able to create a wonderfully detailed and immersive world while simultaneously keeping the language highly accessible and broadly appealing. I have no doubt that quality is aided in no small part by translator Lucia Graves, daughter of Robert Graves. With its rich world and classically Gothic themes, this book is destined to be one of the whispered classics of literature. One of those books which each generation discovers anew and which everyone seems to have read.

This novel is one of my top five books of all time now. I couldn't put it down! Three chapters in, i went out and bought other books by this author, and by the end of this book all i wanted to do is fly to Barcelona and walk in Daniel's footsteps.

Love Love LOVED this book and recommend to anyone and everyone

Possibly the best book I've read in a while. I would suggest this book to any reader who enjoys murder with love and a little bit of weirdness. But has the greatest resolution I've ever seen.

It's hard to pigeonhole this book. Part gothic thriller, part romance, all conducted in the tense atmosphere of Barcelona immediately after the Spanish civil war. It would be great to read it while visiting the city. It kept me in its grip and I had to read it straight through. I enjoyed it and I will probably read it again in a few years.

Beautifully written work which tells the story of a young boy growing up and his beliefs and credo.

was really looking forward to this book but found it really disappointing,it's not a bad book but doesn't live up to the reviews that it had on release

really looking forward to reading this one.