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‘Shadow of the Wind’ a delight for suspense readers
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Story
Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Shadow of the Wind” is a suspenseful and mysterious book, set in Barcelona from 1945 to 1955. The main character is Daniel, the son of a widowed antique bookstore owner. He is introduced to the mysterious Cemetery of Forgotten Books when he is ten years old, and finds a book there called, “The Shadow of the Wind,” written by a long-forgotten author named Julián Carax. At the time, there was no way to know this book would change his life forever.
It’s because of the book that Daniel is plunged into a world of intrigue surrounding mysterious and long-thought-dead Julián Carax, a crooked murdering police inspector, book burnings, and separated lovers, as we journey with Daniel from childhood to adulthood. We become familiar with Daniel’s friends and father as the path leads to a shattering and equally mysterious conclusion. By the time the story ends, readers meet the author of the mysterious book, “The Shadow of the Wind,” the mystery surrounding his disappearance is solved, and the reason his book seems so sorrowful is imparted. Also, Daniel finally finds a girl that he truly loves with all his heart.
I found myself lost in the world of Daniel and the other characters as I read along, whisked off to the dark streets and turmoil of Barcelona that many of the characters have to brave in order for the conclusion to be dramatic and fulfilling. While the story is a little hard to follow sometimes because of all the twists and turns that the story takes, I found that it was quite an enjoyable story. I would recommend this book for readers who love to try and solve a mystery before the characters do or one that leaves you wondering what happens after you’re finished reading.
Marijane Weitensteiner
Culture Writer
