Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron

Shadow Of The Wind (Henceforth referred to as SOTW, as it really seems quite the mouthful) is the first in a trilogy centering around the same family bookshop Sempere and Sons

I have read all three, within past 4 months-ish, but as I've just started this blog i thought i'd spend some time catching up on books i have already read. Starting with this one.

I happened across this book under rather interesting circumstances given what the story turned out to be. I was browsing a local charity shop, having left my current book at home, with want of something to amuse me for an impending commute. I was about to give up, having attracted the attention of the assistant asking me if i had read the Twilight series because apparently i look like a 12 year old. When SOTW caught my eye, and a quick read of the blurb confirmed it could be an interesting one. 

When i bought this book it was actually a couple of years old. As soon as i finished it, i bought the second in the trilogy, The Angel's Game and then, as if by magic the second i finished that the much awaited third book was released. What odd timing. Odder still when i read SOTW and noted an integral part of the story is about a book young Daniel Sempere picks from a secret library because he feels drawn to it. And this trilogy turned out to be one of the best I've read, IT WAS FATE! MAGIC BOOK FATE...

Well, thats quite enough musing on that. I may have gotten carried away because i'm so desperate to have my own mysterious adventure, and with SOTW i pretty much felt like i'd had had one. This book is an essential on the shelf of anyone who revels in the power of literature. Its a celebration of books, how a writer leaves a little piece of themselves in the pages and the stories that can bring people together, for good or bad.

The book that Daniel picks to protect is written by a man whose life has been almost removed from record like he never existed, this sparks Daniels intrigue and as he learns more he finds someone is burning the books, and wants to pay Daniel great money to make sure the author is completely forgotten about.

Admittedly SOTW is a little slow to start, and usually this would be a downside but actually its important here. Zafron is building Daniels character, letting you know what makes him tick which is vital given the novel follows his character and his choices so closely. He also describes Barcelona so richly, and accurately, unsurprisingly seeing as he was born and raised in the city. In the long run, this adds greatly to the story and helps you to get caught up in it.

As the story builds and the hunt for this mysterious author lands him and others in perilous trouble, the story picks up speed and Zafron excellently weaves the main plot with added tales of romance, rivalry and friendship. It regularly takes unexpected routes and keeps you constantly on edge. By far zafron's greatest achievement here however, is how he manages to get you utterly involved with the characters without revealing to much about them, it is the perfect balance to keep a reader engaged throughout.

In review, its easy to understand why SOTW was so popular when it was first released and impossible to understand how any of us might have missed it first time around. A most captivating read.

The end

End Notes:

For fans of: I can't think of anything off the top of my head, so any suggestions, do comment.

Do keep in mind, reviews are subjective. Different opinions are cool friends, so feel free to share.