The Shadow of the Wind

by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Carlos Ruiz Zafon
The Shadow of the Wind cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Mystery
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £30.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1552
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9781920885854
  • Publisher: Text Publishing
  • Published: 2006-07-03
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

The Shadow of the Wind is a captivating blend of love story and literary thriller set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. Daniel Sempere, a young boy, is taken by his bookseller father to the secret Cemetery of Forgotten Books, where he must adopt a single book to preserve forever. His choice, The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax, sets him on a journey filled with strange discoveries and dangerous secrets. The novel explores themes of love, obsession, and the power of books, all woven into a gripping narrative that keeps readers enthralled until the very end. This edition includes a sneak peek of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's new literary sensation, The Angel's Game.

Reviews
Reddit - Suggest Me a Book · 2026-01-16
harrowing 3.50

It's not a fun read by any means. It's sad and tragic, but it's one of those books that everyone should read because of the life lessons it imparts.

This book is not a lighthearted read; it's filled with sadness and tragedy. However, it's a book that everyone should read at some point in their lives. The story delves deep into the human experience, offering profound life lessons that resonate long after the last page is turned. The emotional impact of the book is significant, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. It's a book that stays with you, challenging your perspectives and enriching your understanding of the world.

Quick quotes

    It's not a fun read by any means.

    It's sad and tragic, but it's one of those books that everyone should read because of the life lessons it imparts.

    The emotional impact of the book is significant, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

Amazon · 2025-10-20
sublime 4.50

The book is sublime and epic in scope, with uncompromising attention to detail. Barcelona is vividly brought to life, making it a standout read.

The reviewer describes the book as sublime and epic, highlighting its uncompromising attention to detail. They particularly appreciate how the author brings Barcelona to life, creating a vivid and immersive setting. The reviewer finds the book to be a standout read, praising its depth and the way it captures the essence of its setting. The overall sentiment is one of high admiration and enjoyment.

Quick quotes

    This book is, quite simply, sublime.

    Truly epic in scope, The Shadow of the Wind is uncompromising in its attention to detail.

    Barcelona is brought to the life,

Goodreads · 2025-10-20
excellent 4.50

The writing is impeccable, and the weaving together of multiple storylines and characters is remarkable. The book is highly praised for its depth and complexity.

This Goodreads reviewer is full of praise for The Shadow of the Wind, highlighting the impeccable writing and the remarkable way in which multiple storylines and characters are intricately woven together. The depth and complexity of the novel are particularly noted, making it a standout read. The reviewer's enthusiasm is palpable, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the book's execution and narrative structure.

Quick quotes

    The writing is impeccable

    The weaving together of so many storylines and characters is remarkable

    I can't gush enough about this book

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2025-10-08
amazing 5.00

The book is beautiful in vision and language, heartbreaking, thrilling, and utterly amazing. The English translation is stunning.

The reviewer was captivated by the beautiful vision and language of the book, finding it heartbreaking, thrilling, and utterly amazing. They particularly praised the English translation, which they found stunning. The reviewer was deeply moved by the story and its emotional impact, highlighting its beauty and the skillful translation that brought the narrative to life.

Quick quotes

    It's beautiful in vision and language, heartbreaking, thrilling, and utterly amazing—even the English translation is simply STUNNING.

    The book captivated me with its emotional depth and beauty.

    The English translation is stunning and brings the narrative to life.

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