The Shadow of the wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Grip Factor: 3.5
Writing Style: 3.5
Engaging Plot: 3.5
Characters: 3.5
Satisfying End: 3
Goodreads Review:
Classic literary thriller which ends with a thud
This book has all the elements - Thrill, love, lust, politics, war, torture. There are parallels between the main character Daniel and Julian Carax. The lives of both of them end up being very similar, in terms of family history and also in terms of how their life end up eventually. The mysteries continue for a long time in the book and they are finally resolved in the end by way of a long letter. Till this point the story was very riveting for me. After that letter though it felt as it things ended just like that. It was as if the writer is now in a hurry to finish and reach the climax.
Concept of a cemetery of books
How many times have we come across a situation where we are able to go to a space where we have endless rows of books; ones which are forgotten by people. The books which we can pick and devour to our hearts content. This experience only got the boy interested towards literature, not only literature but also the author whose book he liked so much. Such experiences can be life changing for anyone. I personally have a soft spot for those books where so much attention is given to reading and literature.
Many surprise twists
At some times it feels it has too Many characters, on other times all of them seem perfectly placed. The book is actually a love story or several love stories to be honest. However, it is written as a mystery. They mystery goes on for a long time in the book and with the numerous characters the book has, it does become a little confusing. There are surprises here and there where we end up discovering new things. The biggest surprise however, is the letter which solves everything. I wish the author should not have closed everything in the letter. This was the most disappointing thing in the book. The letter does not even seen genuine. You can clearly feel the writer is trying to close the book.
A look into the literary society of Barcelona
I have always wanted to go to Barcelona for a trip. This book wants me wish for that trip even more. I feel like going there and visiting the book store and roaming on the streets. The book is written in an almost artistic manner. The book contains lots of memorable quotes as well. I can actually refer to those quotes again and again at different places.
Few Excerpts
"Books are like mirrors. you only see in them what you already have inside you"
"There are few reasons for telling the truth, but for lying the number in infinite"
"The moment you stop to think about whether you love someone, you have already stopped loving that person"
"In the shop we buy and sell them, but in truth books have no owner. Every book you see has been somebody's best friend."
