Reviews

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

snigel's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense

5.0

egleezy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

reader_divya123's review against another edition

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Full of adventure and mystery.

chanelchapters's review against another edition

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5.0

New review

4.5
I didn’t love this as much as I did almost 20 years ago but it was still entertaining. It’s all about the reveals & connections plot wise for me.

5/12/2009
It has been far too long since I last read a book that I was simply unable to put down, I am so happy I found this.

The plot is complex and full of murder, love, friendship, betrayal and everything in between. At times I did find myself wanting to rush through just to get to the end and know the truth, but it's worth the wait. Some books finish terribly and leave you irritated and feeling robbed o your time, this ending left me satisfied without taking anything away from the long journey I had just been on.

The writing captures your attention, as do the well written characters, each with their distinct voice.

Although there is happiness in this novel, I felt it was still enshrouded with sorrow.

At times the descriptions may become a little repetitive in all their gloominess but I still found that the story was fluid and kept you interested.

I hadn't heard of this book, I happened to read a short blurb which mentioned a 'Cemetery of Forgotten Books' and that idea alone grabbed my attention.

Overall, it isn't going to become a 'classic great' but it is an entertaining read.

Favourite line: There are too many to list, but here is one example - 'My father sighed, hiding behind the sad smile that followed him like a shadow through his life.'

tabitha_carnes's review against another edition

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4.0

Wonderful story, beautifully written, and immensely captivating.

iris456's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

zoe_m's review against another edition

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4.0

Superbly written, haunting characters, with a strong gothic vibe and strong undertones of horror/mystery, and somehow, even some humor. I sped through it (when I had the time to).

It is a book for book lovers.

The book is so intricate that it must be read straight through without long breaks. (I essentially read it in two halves with a few weeks between, so it was hard to place this minor character, or remember that plot twist had affected this dangling mystery, etc.)

I'm still forming my opinion, so this is a bit jumbled. I'll come back to make a more coherent review when my thoughts are more coherent. It deserves better than this ranting.

liens's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

ginasiragusa's review against another edition

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5.0

This was an amazing book! It had everything: intrigue, romance, history, action. There were so many storylines; however, the author managed to keep me informed and not overwhelmed. The story was beautifully translated and I look forward to reading another one of his books.

lindaahogannxo's review against another edition

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dark mysterious 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