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elle_be's review against another edition
5.0
Enchanting, funny, mysterious, romantic, and adventurous. This book is full of wonder and I loved it.
aubers's review against another edition
5.0
This was my favorite book that I read in 2009. It's spontaneous and interesting, and a genuine page turner. There were parts where I as frustrated at the characters not recognizing the stupidity of their actions, but all in all I really loved it!
anreid42's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
slibourel's review against another edition
5.0
A spellbinding story, a fantastical mystery, with as many dark twists and turns as the streets of Barcelona. Highly recommended!!
weaponizedfun's review against another edition
5.0
To me, this book combines the romantic elements of Gabriel García Márquez's "Love in the Time of Cholera" and the mystery and suspense of Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose."
Many of the supporting characters were uniquely thought out and were given care and dialog that made them stand out.
I thought I had figured out portions ahead of time, but I was wrong on almost every account. Very good. I highly recommend it.
Many of the supporting characters were uniquely thought out and were given care and dialog that made them stand out.
I thought I had figured out portions ahead of time, but I was wrong on almost every account. Very good. I highly recommend it.
sbor's review against another edition
4.0
Engaging and well written. Anyone who loves books will love this book within a book.
jacquirobbins's review against another edition
5.0
This book grabbed me with the narrator's father leading him to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, and left me savoring every bit. The plot is far too complex to recount here; suffice it to say there is mystery, romance, a coming-of-age story, surprise, and snort-worthy humor. And the language is beautiful and comfortable and magical. Before I read it, I snorted at the comparisons in other reviews to Eco and Marquez and Borges. I stand corrected.
If you love books, you must read this book.
If you love books, you must read this book.
rebeccaschmitz's review against another edition
4.0
What's "purple prose" in Spanish? Somewhere under Ruiz Zafón's baroque fussiness there's a great mystery. Be patient, and you'll find yourself staying up late a few nights with Sempere and Son to get to the bottom of it.
whitney_dennise's review against another edition
4.0
It was enjoyable and moved at a fine pace. The main characters were very likeable and there were many life truths sprinkled throughout. I'm surprised this book isn't quoted more.
kahlisi's review against another edition
3.0
I was compelled to read this book after booking a trip to Barcelona, wanting to immerse myself in the Gothic atmosphere and learn a bit about the city I was about to visit. The setting and atmosphere are indeed one of the most interesting aspects of the book, and I felt myself often caught up in the mood and beautifully poetic writing style. I loved walking the streets of Barcelona and imagining the characters doing the same.
But the two big issues I had were that 1. I don't feel that the mystery paid off in the end; given all the suspense, I wanted my jaw to drop a bit more, and 2. (and this is a big one), I really didn't like the presentation of the female characters. Nearly every female was a motherly figure or a potential love interest for Daniel, and this is getting to be a pretty tiresome trope.
All in all, a pleasant read if you want to get caught up in an atmospheric narrative, but wouldn't rate it as one of my favourites.
But the two big issues I had were that 1. I don't feel that the mystery paid off in the end; given all the suspense, I wanted my jaw to drop a bit more, and 2. (and this is a big one), I really didn't like the presentation of the female characters. Nearly every female was a motherly figure or a potential love interest for Daniel, and this is getting to be a pretty tiresome trope.
All in all, a pleasant read if you want to get caught up in an atmospheric narrative, but wouldn't rate it as one of my favourites.