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A review by suzyhps
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
DNF:
While the writing in this book was stunning and I was intrigued by the mystery, it was just too long and slow for me. I personally struggle with mysteries and violence in stories, which were both present for this story. Had it been shorter I think I would have sped through it happily. Wonderful characters though, and fantastic twist, if ever so slightly predictable.
Finished:
Initially I had dnf'd this book, as it felt like it was plodding along with no respite. I still feel that there were a lot of sections that were incredibly dense and perhaps unnecessary, but this may also be a result of the work being translated. I am glad I finished this book though, it was a brilliantly twisting story, one twist after the other, and many moments of reading with bated breath. The characters felt full and complex, and it wasn't too hard to empathize with at least a number of them. I am not jumping to read this story again, but I am happy I picked it back up, so I can have the story bumbling around in my head now.
While the writing in this book was stunning and I was intrigued by the mystery, it was just too long and slow for me. I personally struggle with mysteries and violence in stories, which were both present for this story. Had it been shorter I think I would have sped through it happily. Wonderful characters though, and fantastic twist, if ever so slightly predictable.
Finished:
Initially I had dnf'd this book, as it felt like it was plodding along with no respite. I still feel that there were a lot of sections that were incredibly dense and perhaps unnecessary, but this may also be a result of the work being translated. I am glad I finished this book though, it was a brilliantly twisting story, one twist after the other, and many moments of reading with bated breath. The characters felt full and complex, and it wasn't too hard to empathize with at least a number of them. I am not jumping to read this story again, but I am happy I picked it back up, so I can have the story bumbling around in my head now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Gun violence