Search - The Shadow of the Wind

Have you ever, after putting down a book, been reluctant to read anything else because you feel like nothng else would be as good? "Shadow of the Wind" was like that for me. It did move a little slowly at first, but once it hooked me ... oh, my!
It begins in 1945, when Daniel (the narrator), at age 10, gets a special visit to a secret library in Barcelona, where he and his bookseller father live. Daniel is allowed to pick one book to cherish and protect; he chooses "The Shadow of the Wind" by Julian Carax. Daniel is so captivated that he tries to find more books by Carax - but discovers that someone is trying to destroy every copy. What follows is a rich, convoluted, fascinating tale full of mystery, tragedy, true love, a bit of magical realism, and outrageous, sometimes crude humor.

I read most of it in one sitting.

A wonderful book for any of those true bibliophiles out there who have a true love for books themselves. Beautiful, flowing language and a story that keeps you turning pages. This book has a bit of everything: murder, romance, intrigue, and a glimpse into the world of book collecting. There is a magical quality in this book reminiscent of other books with fantasy elements written for adults, though not with the pop-fiction appeal of Alice Hoffman, but more like the work of Gabrial Garcia Marquez, or "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende. This book is on my Top 10 Favorite All-time books - I highly recommend it. I just wish they would get more of Zafon's books translated, as he write in Spanish!

Honestly one of the finest books I've read. The language is absolutely beautiful - even more astonishing considering it's a translation from Spanish. Nothing is lost in the translation.

Highly recommended.

This is the best book I've ever read. I cry every time I re-read it. This book has mystery, crime/detective, romance, a coming of age story. I think men and women alike can enjoy this book.

If you like books and mystery you will love this book.

Wonderful book!