David's review
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Daniel is a shy 10 year old, still weary from his deceased mothers passing when his father takes him to the mysterious Cemetery of Forgotten books. "The first time some one visits this place" his father says, "he must choose a book, whichever he wants, and adopt it, making sure that it will never disappear, that it will always stay alive. It's a very important promise, for life." Without much to-do Daniel picks one "bound in wine-colored leather", THE SHADOW OF THE WIND, by Julian Carax. The next 500 or so pages unfold a great gothic thrill-ride from this simple choice. While every cliche imaginable falls in to play, Carlos Ruiz Zafon still manages a amazingly paced, entertaining novel. The drama unfolds quickly and turns unexpectedly, filled with charming, innocent, diabolical, and damaged characters from all walks. Barcelona, just post the Spanish Civil War, is one of these characters, and infuses the story with a steamy haunted backdrop. I flew t...more
