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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
What an epic (absolutely epic) story that embraces the wonder of literature, and the thrilling genres of murder, madness, and doomed love. It is 1945 in Barcelona, Spain. As the city heals from it’s war wounds, Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son mourns the loss of his mother and finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián Carax. As he sets out to find the author’s other works, he realizes that someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has ever written. In fact, Daniel may have I have the last of Carax’s books in existence. This seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona’s darkest secrets… run and grab a copy of this NOW!!!
Also random but relevant: I put Hozier’s self entitled record on a few days ago and realized that this book and this record, with their subtle undertone of goth and intoxicating love themes, were somewhat from the same world. Even though one was created by a Spaniard and another an Irishman, Daniel and Hozier sure are talking and thinking in the same style. Anyway, there you have it. Loved the suspense, the subplots on subplots, the thrills, the extra attention you had to pay toward characters and their stories, and everything in between.
Cannot wait to continue this series!
Also random but relevant: I put Hozier’s self entitled record on a few days ago and realized that this book and this record, with their subtle undertone of goth and intoxicating love themes, were somewhat from the same world. Even though one was created by a Spaniard and another an Irishman, Daniel and Hozier sure are talking and thinking in the same style. Anyway, there you have it. Loved the suspense, the subplots on subplots, the thrills, the extra attention you had to pay toward characters and their stories, and everything in between.
Cannot wait to continue this series!
This book is great to read before a trip to Spain since it is set in Barcelona & covers the Civil War & post war time periods. It is a mystery but it is also an ode to books & reading.
4 for long scenes and awkward (in my opinion unnecessary) conversations, al evo 5 za opise i jer mi se svidio twist
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
A great thriller, with an awesome setting. Kinda like a Quay Brothers live action film.
Esto fue un novelon, de esos de tv pero con mas clase. Me gusto mucho, la historia esta tan bien tramada y al final todo encaja, me siento feliz. Lo recomiendo totalmente.
Reconozco que me costo un poco agarrarle el gusto, pues en algunas cosas, como partes de la descripción o la manera en que están representadas las mujeres no encajaba o a veces era tedioso. Pero eso sucedió solo en la primera parte, después la historia te absorbe tanto que dentro de su complejidad todo tiene sentido.
Los personajes son maravillosos, todos están tan bien creados que es imposible no agarrarles cariño. Y cada movimiento tiene sentido, pues todo esta encajado para que en las ultimas 100 paginas devoremos el libro sin contemplación.
Me encanta como el autor fue capaz de involucrar tantas historias dentro de una sola y darle la importancia a cada una, pasado, presente, todo a los ojos de un mismo personaje. Y la importancia que toma la vida de un autor y de los libros, las palabras, las plumas, las editoriales, todo ese mundo que involucra a un escritor. La novela esta plagada de intriga y misterio, pero también hay partes que me dieron terror, risa, ganas de llorar, tristeza, alegría.
Siento que conocí España y Barcelona a manos del autor en esos primeros años del siglo XX y como vivía la sociedad, todavía tan refugiada en creencias y costumbres impulsada también por las clases sociales.
Reconozco que me costo un poco agarrarle el gusto, pues en algunas cosas, como partes de la descripción o la manera en que están representadas las mujeres no encajaba o a veces era tedioso. Pero eso sucedió solo en la primera parte, después la historia te absorbe tanto que dentro de su complejidad todo tiene sentido.
Los personajes son maravillosos, todos están tan bien creados que es imposible no agarrarles cariño. Y cada movimiento tiene sentido, pues todo esta encajado para que en las ultimas 100 paginas devoremos el libro sin contemplación.
Me encanta como el autor fue capaz de involucrar tantas historias dentro de una sola y darle la importancia a cada una, pasado, presente, todo a los ojos de un mismo personaje. Y la importancia que toma la vida de un autor y de los libros, las palabras, las plumas, las editoriales, todo ese mundo que involucra a un escritor. La novela esta plagada de intriga y misterio, pero también hay partes que me dieron terror, risa, ganas de llorar, tristeza, alegría.
Siento que conocí España y Barcelona a manos del autor en esos primeros años del siglo XX y como vivía la sociedad, todavía tan refugiada en creencias y costumbres impulsada también por las clases sociales.
Gripping
Spanish author, set in Barcelona during the Spanish civil war. A young boy goes to the graveyard of books and finds a book that is the only one left of its printing. The story evolves of the boy trying to figure out what happened to the author. Great ending but I don't want to spoil it. Worth a read.
Spanish author, set in Barcelona during the Spanish civil war. A young boy goes to the graveyard of books and finds a book that is the only one left of its printing. The story evolves of the boy trying to figure out what happened to the author. Great ending but I don't want to spoil it. Worth a read.
8,75-9/10
Cómo me gusta cuando los libros te hacen sentir cositas.
Cómo me gusta cuando los libros te hacen sentir cositas.
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes" - Mark Twain
This book is a beautiful examination of two parallel lives with wildly different outcomes. My favorite parts of the book are where it focuses on the city itself and how the environment can affect the tone and mood of the scenes. The characters themselves were engaging and relatable and the author does a great job of writing a compelling mystery with likable characters, surprising twists, and an overall very engaging flow.
This book is a beautiful examination of two parallel lives with wildly different outcomes. My favorite parts of the book are where it focuses on the city itself and how the environment can affect the tone and mood of the scenes. The characters themselves were engaging and relatable and the author does a great job of writing a compelling mystery with likable characters, surprising twists, and an overall very engaging flow.
3.3 *possible spoiler* Audio Book Version
This is a hard one to critique because I have mixed feelings. I liked it more than I disliked it. The story was very slow-paced. It was interesting enough to keep me present but I was always wondering when things were "going to happen." (I had this same feeling when I read Goldfinch by D. Tartt, which I liked.) The prose is beautiful but I can see why other reviews complained that it was too flowery. Many also seemed to think a kid his age wouldn't speak or behave so maturely. Eh, I've met some pretty precocious tykes. I can also understand why some folks had a hard time with all the loose ends being tied up conveniently in one letter at the end of the novel. Not as convenient as the "waking up from a dream" trope but I get it. I was fine with most of that stuff though. It took a little getting used to, but I was even ok with the cheesy ass piano music that plays every time the kid feels some feels.
This is a hard one to critique because I have mixed feelings. I liked it more than I disliked it. The story was very slow-paced. It was interesting enough to keep me present but I was always wondering when things were "going to happen." (I had this same feeling when I read Goldfinch by D. Tartt, which I liked.) The prose is beautiful but I can see why other reviews complained that it was too flowery. Many also seemed to think a kid his age wouldn't speak or behave so maturely. Eh, I've met some pretty precocious tykes. I can also understand why some folks had a hard time with all the loose ends being tied up conveniently in one letter at the end of the novel. Not as convenient as the "waking up from a dream" trope but I get it. I was fine with most of that stuff though. It took a little getting used to, but I was even ok with the cheesy ass piano music that plays every time the kid feels some feels.