In preparation for my upcoming read of Carlos Ruiz Zafón's new novel, I decided to re-read his first one -- The Shadow of the Wind. It had been years since I first read it and though I remembered loving it, I couldn't remember details or the style of writing. I am so glad to have taken this time to revisit such a great book! The writing (especially for a translated book) is fantastic and the plot is satisfyingly twisty and angsty.Daniel is a ten-year-old boy whose father is a bookseller. One day, his father takes him to the "Cemetery of Forgotten Books", a sort of holding place for books that are in transition between owners. When someone visits the cemetery for the first time, that person gets to choose any book they fancy. Daniel chooses a book called The Shadow of the Wind by Julián Carax. After racing through the book in one night, he goes in search of other books by Carax only to find that someone has been collecting all of Carax's published books and burning them. As Daniel gets older, he uncovers more and more about this true story from the past, putting himself and his family in danger.
There are so many love stories told in this novel -- Daniel's parents, Daniel and his first and second loves, Julián and his true love and many others. Most are disfunctional or limited by the social mores of the time but they are all touching. The mystery of Carax is fabulously crafted and, even the second time through, was shocking in parts. This is just one of the rare near-perfect novels and I can't wait to read Zafón's next book.
Now on to the contest ...
I luckily received two copies of the ARC of The Angel's Game. I would love to share one with another reader (in the U.S. or Canada) who is interested. As this book comes out quite soon (June 16th), I am going to make this a short contest and try my best to get this sent out before the release date. So go ahead and leave a comment on this post (with your e-mail address if you don't have it in your profile) by end of day Monday (June 8) if you are interested. I will announce the winner on Tuesday.
Hoping for a second fantastic read,
K
Buy The Shadow of the Wind
on Amazon or find it at your local library.
I still need to read Shadow of the Wind. I thought this would be an easy one to get from the library, so I never bought it. And I haven't been to the library in a LONG time either...nearly a year I think.
ReplyDeleteIt's been awhile since I've read "Shadow of The Wind." I loved the book. I would really love to win his new book, "The Angel Game." I think he's a master writer.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read his new book. Please enter me, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI declare myself into the contest.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you enjoyed The Shadow of the Wind! It's still one of my favorite books. I'd love to be entered into this contest.(and at the last minute, too! =) I've been waiting years for this book.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed. :)
www.whosabiblioaddict.com
Just the title "Shadow of the Wind" sounds intriguing. If it's not too late, I'd love to be entered into this contest.
ReplyDeleteMarian
(in case I don't have it in my profile, my email address is mdperera at hotmail dot com)
I love that quote. I want to know more about the cemetery of forgotten books!
ReplyDeleteBummer!!! This is one of my all-time favorite books. So sad that I missed the contest!! I guess that's what happens when I go MIA!! :)
ReplyDelete