The Shadow of the Wind Book Reviews

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Great Book. Favorite Author. He is consise but puts in effort to include a sup-plot for every character, adding an extra layer of depth rarely found.

Excellent. What a wonderful book! I became so immersed that the characters came alive and I feel I know them and would love to visit The Cemetery of the Forgotten Books! I love to read and reading is a passion that will never die!

A master of storytelling. The first in the related four books is told with Zafon’s elevated imagination and gifts for imagery. Perhaps due to the earlier part of Franco’s repressive regime, it is far more grim and Barcelona’s underbelly is ever present throughout. This is the introduction of the key characters, told within the context of various enduring but tragic loves that can never be reconciled or fulfilled.

The Shadow of The Wind. Truly a Great read that I would Highly Recommend . Thanks

Spell binding. Amazing characters and a story of twisted fate, compassion and forgiveness all set in old world Barcelona.

Amazing. This book is a total page turner. I could not put it down. It is suspenseful but not nerve racking. It is insightful, suspenseful and descriptive? I love books that invoke all emotions simultaneously as chapters unfold. Sad, happy, scary, funny and calm. It has a full and complete ending. This book is a gem! I loved it.

Where the story ends and life begins.. When someone recommends me a book I’ve never heard of by an equally unknown author, I approach it with extreme reservation. This one I leapt into because the friend likened it to the wonder you experience reading “100 Years of Solitude.” That friend was spot on in their comparison. Don’t be daunted by the heft of this tome. For every page tightens or loosens this Gordian Knot of mysteries. Every manner of topic is covered by Zafon. From book burnings, to love, regrets, war, politics, loss, and joy. The book examines life and celebrates it with every chapter. Some of the most beautiful and powerful lines I’ve ever read are tucked within these paragraphs and leave you observing an experience outside your own but fully identifying what is universal in all of it. Especially, in how knowledge lives on even when evil tries to snuff it out. Zafron also cleverly weaves in his views on Science vs Religion; particularly as reflected against cultural progress. All of this happens behind the clinical effort of world building and character development that Zafron demonstrates. In the end we explore how history echoes throughout generations.

Shadow of the wind. Beautifully written, mysterious, heartbreaking and a compelling read. One of the best books I have read in years.

My new favorite author. The Shadow of the Wind has so many stories within stories, so perfectly woven together. It balances poetry and humor, fantasy and reality, violence and romance. It is thrilling and intriguing and I found myself unable to predict what would happen next, which I truly appreciate in a story. Not only does the author bring to life a city full of characters but the city itself is cast as a character in this book. I don’t know which was better, the story or the writing. Both were masterful in my opinion.

Fantastic book. A must read, I recommend this book to all mystery readers out there.

The Shadow of the Wind. A novel that compels one to read on and on with its cast of engaging characters and an involved plot that leads one down the streets and alleys of Barcelona.

Bravo. Gorgeous, funny, dense with plot and characters. This author has the gift of conjuring an immersive world from letters on a page, the wizardry that all books aim for but not often achieve with this level of assurance and craft.

The Shadow of the Wind. Haunting and lyrical. The authors paint with words - indelible images of lives lived and lives to be - all part of the infinite cycle of humanity.

It usually takes me a month to read a book. I finished this one in four days. I really liked some of the characters in this book and the story was unusual. The writing and backstories were great. The only thing I didn’t like was that the ending seemed rushed like the author was tired of writing and just trying to get it done. I will definitely read part II.

Shadow of the wind. Kind of Good in a weird way

Great story. And definitely worth a re-read. Will give the author's other a try, hoping they will be just as captivating.

Beautiful—a literary thriller. This book blew me away. It was beautiful and thoughtful and yet kept me up late at night—I couldn’t put it down.

Incredible. One of those books that when you’re reading it your annoyed by the life that interrupts you. All I wanted to do was read, and when I realized I was too sleepy, I’d sleep, then start that chapter again. Excellent writing and characters, and wonderful story.

Amazing. It took me forever to finish this book because of time restrictions. I am glad to say that this book was ASTONISHING! It was so refreshing and just great to read such a piece of art. I was not at all disappointed by the story and cannot wait to get started on his next book.

The shadow of the wind. Wonderfully engaging characters, page turning suspense, gorgeous prose. I wish it were a thousand pages longer!

Great book!. I thoroughly I enjoyed this book! I must warn you that you wont be able to put this book down and will stay up all night reading. There are a lot of important characters through out the story so you want to be sure to pay attention. Towards the end of the book I found my self struggling to remember the significance of certain characters and wanted to reread a few chapters. So pay close attention and enjoy!

The Shadow of the Wind. Took some time to get going, but it was definitely worth finishing.

Formatting is terrible!. The book is users. The formatting is terrible! Every time a word was italicized, there would be a missing space after it. Many words were combined for no reason. Really difficult to read such an incredible book with so many unnecessary distractions. Book = 5 stars iBook = 1 star

Marvelous. Wonderful story. Once you start reading it, it is hard to stop....very lively and almost real characters.

Absolute page-turner. This book was the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, romance, and action. The plot was very complex and very well built to an epic conclusion. The kind of book I can't imagine anybody would not thoroughly enjoy!

Shadow of the wind. Great book. Love the art of the written words in this book.

Zzzzz. Life is too short to finish boring books!

Spanish Gothic. I read this book a few years ago, but it left me quite an impression. It has a little bit of everything: romance, mystery, suspense and a little bit of creepiness. I loved it, it is so atmospheric, it takes you to another time, and another place! I also recommend the second book in the series. I have yet to read the latest one, too. Highly, HIGHLY recommend it!

The Shadow of the Wind. I was held captive by this book. Having just returned from a month in Barcelona, this book took me back to wander familiar streets. Wonderful story telling, memorable well-developed characters, an incredible book!

Heartbreaking, inspiring. I would give this book more stars if I could. I never write reviews. I finished this at 2am this morning and I can truly say that this book is one of the best I ever read, and I read all the time. Buy it, rent it, borrow it. Do what you can to get a hold of it because I know you will love it.

Everything you want from a novel. Mystery, romance, adventure and a story that comes full circle, Shadow of the Wind is everything you want from a novel. I'll admit, it starts out a little slow, but soon takes the reader on a fast-tracked journey on the gray streets of post-civil war Barcelona to discover what happened to Julian Carax and who is burning his books. Zafon's attention to detail and character development seem effortless in the way this story unfolds. It's been years since I read a book this good, scratch that, a book this great!

Stick with it. Honestly started to hate it at about 500 pages in, but really glad I stuck with it. You will be too. Question your expectations of it, let the words flow over you, and just enjoy the ride.

I fell in love at page one... What a beautiful book, I loved every single sentence!! Magical, thank you so much! After reading the ebook I bought the real thing on Amazon 💋

Incredible story. I just finished reading this amazing novel this afternoon. Absolutely amazing story about books, love, and loss in Spain circa World War II. The story is intricate and at times a bit difficult to keep straight, but it is no less amazing because of its complexity. Julian Carax and Daniel, two very similar men separated by 15 years of age, are fascinated by books and the stories they contain. Julian, a writer, falls into trouble and it is ultimately up to Daniel to perserve his story. A great novel that I will likely read again, and again, and again.

The Shadows of the Wind. Wow! The plot is so capturing, I could not stop reading this book. And what a language...beautiful words, amazing metaphors, characters that I fell in love with...I loved everything about this book. Thank you!

AMAZING. If you are looking for an interesting story with lots of twists and turns, this is the book for you! I highly recommend it!

Well worth you time. I listened to the audiobook. The storyline is a complex coming of age story, driven by Love, loyalty, and a series of books written by a mysterious author, bathed in intrigue. The protagonist, Daniel, keeps learning that people are so much more than they seem, their actions surprising to him because they are driven by unfathomable histories and desires. As the life-story of his favorite author unfolds, you are drawn with Daniel through literal and figurative back alleys and haunted minds as he learns who he, himself, is.

Shadow of the Wind. Selected by our book club, Books of a Feather, this book was difficult to "sell" to the group. It is an old style rambling and complicated book; definitely not for everyone. The story ends up being one of my favorites, with sadness and humor, and evocative description of mid-century Barcelona! Well worth the effort to read!

Not too shabby. Takes you back to Spain and its critical days of change.

My favorite novel. I just finished reading this fantastic, intricate, exquisite novel, and it's officially my favorite book. I've probably read hundreds of wonderful literature in my lifetime, and this is the winner. It's impossible not to be swept up in this magnificent piece of art. Please read for your own sake; it will change your life.

A modern literary classic. Perhaps not as well known as other contemporary novels, the Shadow of the Wind nonetheless stands on its own two feet and deserves more praise than it is given. The writing is gripping, and the plot haunting, beautiful, and unexpected all at once. I have read this book countless times over the years, and each time is no less thrilling than the last, and each time, I find myself pushing this book onto others and imploring them to read it and give it a go.

Mesmerizing. Beautifully written, The Shadow of the Wind gently draws you in with warm, rounded characters living in a city of light and warmth. However, it isn't long until the ghosts of the past begin to appear and the story takes off. The writing is staggeringly good, the characters, their actions and reactions engaging and credible. I adored this book and could not recommend it more highly

The Shadow of the Wind. I forgot for some time, until this book, what it was like to lose myself to story of another place, another time and another life. I forgot, also, wonder if I will ever again be as lost in another place, time and life. Viva Zafon.

Excellent. This is an excellent book which holds your attention from beginning to end.

Master of Stories. The characters span generations and the changing times within sets a collision coarse between friends and foe that feels eternal. A masterful story indeed!

Emotional and Clinging read. I read this book when I was a late teenager. I remember staying up late under dim lights reading this book. This is my favorite novel of all time, albeit I am not an avid reader. Saying this, as someone who is more of a gamer than a reader, this story gripped me more than most all video games. Truly a 10/10

Mesmerizing. Beautifully written; captures Barcelona perfectly. Thoroughly loved this novel.

A great find. Picked it up based on reviews, never heard of the author.....very very much enjoyed it......the way he tells a story is a delightful pleasure to a readers mind. I look forward to experiencing more of his work.

Shadows. Best book ever!!!

Enchanting and riveting. I picked this up right after returning from my trip to Barcelona. Julian Carax's story brought the city and its inhabitants to life -- intertwining lives, love and intrigue. In the words of Siskel and Ebert -- 2 thumbs up!

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Shadow of the wind. I enjoyed reading it from the start to the end. What a great book!

Really really good. Loved this book! His writing style is compelling without being pedantic or pompous. There is only one character where I felt he wasn't completely authentic. Fascinating glimpse of Spain after their civil war under the rule of the Franco dictatorship. I honestly didn't see the major plot point coming which is something I am generally good at forecasting. A memorable book

Don't read if you value your time. Terribly written, with similes littering the page like so many stars in the sky (see what I did there?)

One of my favorite books. It's just fantastic in every way. It has all the elements which make for a great novel: romance, mystery, suspense, action, humour... An enthralling story, overall.

A great read.. I highly recommend this book. Has elements of mystery, comedy, romance, and drama. Well-developed characters and a great plot. The author writes in a very poetic way, so if you appreciate symbolic language and unseen phenomenon, you'll love this book even more.

Shadow of the Wind. A captivating book with a creative story line. The author has a gift for writing; every page is a work of art. Reading his words is like biting into your favorite deserts....you want to relish them.

One of the best books ever!!!. If u like mystery with a touch of romance but no cheese romance and unexpected turns this is the book u are looking for !!!

Amazing. I would say this is one of the best books I have ever read... Could not stop reading it till the last page. Hauntingly romantic with unexpected twists, written beautifully.

Excellent. One of my top 10 books.

The Shadow of the Wind. A whole book about a book with parallel events and suspense that keeps the reader entranced by the characters and engaged in the drama until the end. Highly recommended.