December/January Group Read: Shadow of the Wind

[Shomeret]

Yes, it is post- Spanish Civil War and I've read books with a much stronger sense of that period by other Spanish writers. As I said, this book didn't have to take place in a particular time period. That wasn't an important part of the plot.

[Benjamin]

I felt like I was back in that time while I was reading it. I must be weird.

[Heather]

"This work was categorized as mystery, thriller, romance, suspense... and yes, historical fiction is a good possibility too. What does anyone think about the historical aspect of the work?"

Although there is great emphasis on the place, I felt that the time was key to the mood. Fermin probably provides the greatest sense of this along with his great comic touch. My favorite Ferminism was"fascist buttock polisher". I laughed out loud at that one.

[Janice (JG)]

Heather wrote: "My favorite Ferminism was"fascist buttock polisher". I laughed out loud at that one. ..."


And for reasons I can't quite articulate, this is where I stopped (beginning of Chapt. 14), and can't seem to bring myself to pick it up again to continue. I think I'm bored. Has anyone else had a similar experience... or have a word of encouragement?

[Tasha]

I finished this one this morning. I LOVED it and gave it 5 stars! I loved the writing, it flowed so beautifully and I really enjoyed the story line. The characters were well-developed and Fermin's comments made me laugh at times. I'm not one to notice great qoutes but I found myself enjoying many of the lines in this one. Although I hear that The Angel's Gameis not quite as good, I plan on reading it for sure. If the writing is anything like this one, I'll be enjoying it I hope :)

[Benjamin]

I loved the angels game too. He has a kids book out as well.

[Heather]

And for reasons I can't quite articulate, this is where I stopped (beginning of Chapt...."

I had a moment like that too. I decided to press on because I loved the writing style and I wanted to spend more time in that place with those characters. I had the same feeling about The Angel's Game.

[Chris]

Reading this as part of our current challenge. So, I am a little more than halfway through the book. As any reader would, I loved the concept behind the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the bond between a special book and the reader. That prologue hooked me right away. However, as the book has progressed it seems to really meander and I have had a hard time staying focused on the story. I care about the characters of Daniel & Fermin, but the rest...meh.
Do I want to find out about Julian and why someone is burning all that he wrote, sure; but I am not obsessed about it.

[[deleted user]]

Chris wrote: "Reading this as part of our current challenge. So, I am a little more than halfway through the book. As any reader would, I loved the concept behind the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the bond bet..."

Yes, most definitely stick with it. You will learn all and then want to read the sequels! Shadow of the Wind is one of my all time favorite books. Zafon has such an incredible way with words. The Angel's Game is even more winding and beautiful.

[[deleted user]]

I have read Shadow of the Wind at least 4 times. I adore this book! This is one of those books that I wanted to carry around with me and ruminate on for hours. If anyone wishes to create a thread to share favorite quotes or passages with each other, shoot me a message!

[Chris]

D.K., you are right that there are tons of quotable passages in the book. And I came to appreciate the book more, its atmosphere, struggle between good & evil, the intricacies of story & character.
So, after finishing I can say I saw some of the "twists" early on and others came absolutely out of nowhere! I came to see some of the parallels between Daniel & Julien. I finally came to care about Julien & his story. Fermin, by far, was my favorite character.
I didn't like that the men took action & most of the women characters were fairly passive or subjugated. I have mixed feelings about the way the author let a number of the side characters reveal parts of the story & mystery through long-winded narratives. Yet, worth sticking it out.

[Maggie the Muskoka Library Mouse]

Loved this book. I really like the way the characters talk about literature.