The Shadow of the Wind

The Cemetery of Forgotten Books 1

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 'La Sombra del Viento' 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 La Sombra del Viento, 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. A page-turning exploration of obsession in literature and love, and the places that obsession can lead.

Read by Daniel Philpott

(p) 2005 Isis Publishing Ltd©2001 Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Reseñas de la Crítica

Part gothic mystery, past ribald comedy, part political thriller, part Borgesian parable, and all marvellous

A hymn of praise to all the joys of reading

A magical tale (Cecilia Ahern)

One of those rare novels that combine brilliant plotting with sublime writing

A book lover's dream

Irresistibly readable...Walk down any street in Zafon's Barcelona and you'll glimpse the shades of the past and the secrets of the present

Diabolically good

This gripping novel has the feel of a gothic ghost story complete with crumbling, ivy-covered mansions, gargoyles and dank prison cells...this is just the sort of literary mystery that would have found favour with Wilkie Collins

A deeply satisfying, rich, full read

A page-turning exploration of obsession in literature and love

An astounding critical success. There's an intricate plot, a gothic atmosphere and an elusive quest, as well as murders, intrigue and star-crossed lovers

Part detective story, part boy's adventure, part romance, fantasy, and gothic horror, the intricate plot is urged on by extravagant foreshadowing and nail-nibbling tension. This is rich, lavish storytelling

Beautiful . . . one of those books I go back and read again and again

Spanish Passion

Enjoyable with some twists, Went off story at times , but overall a good listen. I think it's a book some will love others will like.

Loved every bit

Wonderful story, very intense but rewarding. And closure at the end which is always good. Lots of sad moments but it was worth it.

Amazing!

If you could sum up The Shadow of the Wind in three words, what would they be?

Amazing incredible story

What other book might you compare The Shadow of the Wind to and why?

Maybe The Count of Montecristo

Which scene was your favorite?

When Julian Carax faces Fumero at the mansion

Who was the most memorable character of The Shadow of the Wind and why?

Fermin of course!!

Any additional comments?

What i liked about is that gives me the final stories for all the characters

Holy shit

Why did the book have to end 😭. The writing, the story, the everything of it all. Second best book I've ever read. The first being Project Hail Mary, which is extremely fantastic.

Wonderfully written

A great read, captivating to the end. I highly recommend this book and want to read more of his books.