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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rest in peace,
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
(1964-2020)
It was during one of my sporadic Google searches wherein I research particular landmarks from The Cemetery of Forgotten Books series to make for an enhanced reading experience that I stumbled upon an article detailing the late author’s most recent passing. This came as a shock to me for until then, I had thought he was still among us and was probably coming up with more delightful plots to entrance his devoted readers — myself among them.
However, on this final installation, he wrote: ”Tell our stories to the world, and never forget that we exist so long as someone remembers us.” With this, I felt even more compelled to savour the remaining pages before turning the final page of this series. It was quite an honor to have known the author through the network of books he has written. And so, it is by reading his other works shall I keep his spirit alive.
I knew I was in for the long haul after reading [b:The Shadow of the Wind|1232|The Shadow of the Wind (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #1)|Carlos Ruiz Zafón|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597921581l/1232._SY75_.jpg|3209783] that introduced me to the author’s atmospheric Barcelona plus its mysteries, intrigue, and not to mention, the brilliant characterization of each individual that populated his books. Attesting to the latter, I have laughed out loud from time to time whilst reading each of these novels; Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s characters have been blessed with exemplary intellect, to which most of them were also irresistibly quick-witted and comical.
In regards to the totality of the aforementioned series, I loved how the author took his readers on a labyrinthine-like exploration of the Barcelona he has written about and how each installation can be read in any order while retaining its stellar narrative and the interconnectedness of its events.
Unsure of how to conclude this review with, I’ll take it from the master storyteller’s saying that, ”A story has no beginning and no end, only points of entry.” I have Carlos Ruiz Zafón to thank for leading me to the magical world of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books; a welcome receptacle in my reader’s mind, however fictional, but is one that will stay with me. Such is the power of books.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
(1964-2020)
It was during one of my sporadic Google searches wherein I research particular landmarks from The Cemetery of Forgotten Books series to make for an enhanced reading experience that I stumbled upon an article detailing the late author’s most recent passing. This came as a shock to me for until then, I had thought he was still among us and was probably coming up with more delightful plots to entrance his devoted readers — myself among them.
However, on this final installation, he wrote: ”Tell our stories to the world, and never forget that we exist so long as someone remembers us.” With this, I felt even more compelled to savour the remaining pages before turning the final page of this series. It was quite an honor to have known the author through the network of books he has written. And so, it is by reading his other works shall I keep his spirit alive.
I knew I was in for the long haul after reading [b:The Shadow of the Wind|1232|The Shadow of the Wind (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #1)|Carlos Ruiz Zafón|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597921581l/1232._SY75_.jpg|3209783] that introduced me to the author’s atmospheric Barcelona plus its mysteries, intrigue, and not to mention, the brilliant characterization of each individual that populated his books. Attesting to the latter, I have laughed out loud from time to time whilst reading each of these novels; Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s characters have been blessed with exemplary intellect, to which most of them were also irresistibly quick-witted and comical.
In regards to the totality of the aforementioned series, I loved how the author took his readers on a labyrinthine-like exploration of the Barcelona he has written about and how each installation can be read in any order while retaining its stellar narrative and the interconnectedness of its events.
Unsure of how to conclude this review with, I’ll take it from the master storyteller’s saying that, ”A story has no beginning and no end, only points of entry.” I have Carlos Ruiz Zafón to thank for leading me to the magical world of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books; a welcome receptacle in my reader’s mind, however fictional, but is one that will stay with me. Such is the power of books.
Labyrinth of the Spirits has so many elements that I typically don’t go for — murder, torture, suspense — and all the elements I can’t live without: conniving metaphysics, deeply complex and interpersonal character dynamics, and a fully immersive world.
The only thing I can’t figure out (or maybe I missed it) is the connection between Carax with Bea and Daniel. I put together that he was with Nuria Montfort when she died (can’t remember if they were married — maybe fiancé?) and so has a connection to Isaac in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books… but how did he become acquainted with the Semperes and why doesn’t Daniel want Julian to know about him?
Must look into it. Keeping the labyrinth (ha) of character connections straight was mind bending, but exactly the escapism I needed.
The only thing I can’t figure out (or maybe I missed it) is the connection between Carax with Bea and Daniel. I put together that he was with Nuria Montfort when she died (can’t remember if they were married — maybe fiancé?) and so has a connection to Isaac in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books… but how did he become acquainted with the Semperes and why doesn’t Daniel want Julian to know about him?
Must look into it. Keeping the labyrinth (ha) of character connections straight was mind bending, but exactly the escapism I needed.
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read to the end because I don't like not finishing books. But I was disappointed. The story was not really intriguing and it lacked pace, though it tied up nicely the threads from the other volumes. But Alicia was not convincing and it irritated me that her hip was only bothering her when it was convenient for the plot. There was too much unnecessary macabre and not enough suspense, and the ending was too drawn out.
La verdad es que puntuar este libro me cuesta ya que me parece injusto calificarlo individualmente, cuando este es la culminación del resto de libros de esta saga, pero algo tengo que ponerle. Ahora mismo estoy abrumada y creo que necesito tiempo para digerirlo todo, pero sí tengo claro que leer El Cementerio de los Libros Olvidados ha sido toda una experiencia. Considero que es una historia que hay que leer entera (los cuatro tomos) para poder entender y disfrutarla realmente. No quiero ni imaginar la de trabajo que ha tenido que llevar detrás ingeniar y componer este laberinto de historias que se entrelazan y se dan sentido entre sí. Solo por eso Zafón tiene todo mi respeto y mi admiración. Fue todo un acierto releerme los libros anteriores antes de al fin empezar este para así tener todos los detalles claros antes de que me contaran todo lo que me han contado ahora. Sin duda leer esta historia ha sido un viaje largo y tedioso en algún momento, pero que me ha merecido totalmente la pena y no puedo más que recomendar que le den una oportunidad.
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A