A review by halle_elizabeth
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

3.25

3.25/5 Stars 

Realllllly debating on what to rate this book. At times, I was completely swept away into the escapism & dark academia of it all. Other times, I was so offended by the sexism I couldn’t believe I was reading this book. So let’s break it down. 

The escapism, a book about books. What reader/book lover doesn’t love this? I loved how the book began & the allure of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. I also am such a fan of historical fiction & was definitely swept into the time period. 

The sexism in this book is bad. I know it’s the time period…however, there were times when it was absolutely unnecessary & it made it hard for me to root for all the male characters. It’s harder for me to get into a book with mostly male characters anyways but the sexism made it impossible for me to root for these people. 

Some points in the book I was on the edge of my seat & couldn’t wait to keep reading. Other times, I was so beyond bored & distracted & lost that I actually couldn’t tell you what was going on. I feel like the whole story was a constant battle of “is this the best book I’ve ever read” or “the longest most drawn out confusing coming of age story”. 

Would I recommend? I honestly don’t know…I feel so conflicted on it.