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The Shadow of the Wind

By Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Fiction, General, Literary, Antiques & Collectibles, Books, Action & Adventure, Coming of Age, Cultural Heritage, Hispanic & Latino, Magical Realism, Mystery & Detective, Historical, History, Europe, Spain, Travel, Spain & Portugal | 512 pages
2 recommendations
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THE MODERN CLASSIC: OVER 20 MILLION COPIES SOLD

A Sunday Times bestseller and a Richard & Judy book club pick

'The real deal: one gorgeous read' Stephen King

'This book will change your life. An instant classic' Daily Telegraph

'A book lover's dream' The Times

Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the 'Cemetery of Lost Books', a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. To this library, a man brings his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls out 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Julian Carax.

But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find.

Then, one night, as he is wandering the old streets once more, Daniel is approached by a figure who reminds him of a character from the book, a character who turns out to be the devil. This man is tracking down every last copy of Carax's work in order to burn them.

What begins as a case of literary curiosity turns into a race to find out the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax and to save those he left behind...

'Marvellous' Sunday Times

'A hymn of praise to all the joys of reading' Independent

'Gripping and instantly atmospheric' Mail on Sunday

'Irresistibly readable' Guardian

'Diabolically good' Elle

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Latest recommendations
Alan Dyer
14th Nov 2024
"A gripping literary mystery set in Barcelona in the years before and after the Spanish Civil War. The city is a vital component in the story adding its distinctive character to the atmosphere of the novel. The action takes place in real locations described in vivid detail that captures the feel of the place at the time it is set. Modern day travellers can visit these settings and compare the novel's descriptions with the present day scene giving an added dimension to an exploration of the city which is still one of the most fascinating cities in Europe despite the crowds that flock to the tourist honey pots. While being an entertaining read the novel also serves as a sobering reminder of darker times in Spain's and Barcelona's history, a time of oppression that is all too easily forgotten. Highly recommended for any visitor."
Valentina Chironna
4th Sep 2024
"An exceptional thriller, with the story starting at the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a fictional secret library in 1945 Barcelona. I'll never forget this novel."
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