The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is part coming-of-age and part gothic mystery. This atmospheric novel is set in post Spanish Civil War Barcelona and starts off when ten-year-old Daniel is taken to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books by his bookshop owner father.
A book that will change his life
For his birthday, Daniel is allowed to choose one title from the labyrinthine library of obscure books. And from thousands of books, he decides on The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax.
However, our young protagonist soon discovers there’s an unhealthy interest in the novel. People are willing to pay a great deal of money for it. And there’s also a mysterious cloaked figure who’ll stop at nothing to destroy all copies of Carax’s work.
Stepping back in time
The novel shifts in time between the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s as we delve into the tragic story of Julian Carax and how it intertwines with the life of motherless Daniel.
Zafón paints a highly evocative portrayal of the changing face and sinister underbelly of Barcelona during this era. There is out and out evil lurking in the shadows. His storytelling is richly descriptive and there’s a wonderful cast of flawed characters who sweep you along.
My verdict
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is the first part of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. However, you can read this title very much as a standalone. I loved this evocative and gothic mystery/coming-of-age novel and would highly recommend it.