The Shadow Of The Wind by Lucia Graves and Carlos Ruiz Zafon (2005, Paperback, Reprint)

The Shadow of the Wind is a well written romantic thriller with mystery abound. The book is about a young boy named Daniel who comes across an old forgotten book entitled: "The Shadow of the Wind". As Daniel searches for the more information about the book and its author, he becomes enveloped in a mystery full of suspense, romance, adventure, and tragedy. The story is perfectly placed in various locations in and around Barcelona Spain which adds a lot of authentic European flair to the mix. Carlos Ruiz Zafon does and excellent job of writing here and the English translation is perfect. If you like mysterious thrillers such as the Da Vinci Code, you'll love Shadow of the Wind. It's certainly one of the top fiction novels to arrive this side of the twenty-first century.

Simply put, this is one of the most intriguing and emotionally affecting novels I have ever had the pleasure -- and honor -- of reading. It is everything any serious piece of literature should aspire to, and more. I don't have to read Spanish to be acutely aware that this book's translation to English was impeccable and undertaken with great love, care and respect. It is a true tribute to both the author and his every intent. As I refuse to part with my copy of this book (a first for me), this eBay copy is being delivered to a dear friend in Mexico (also a first for me). Although one must neither a lender nor a borrower be, sometimes he is compelled by greatness to be a hoarder and a giver. And this is the greatest tribute I can give.

To try to classify this book as belonging to any specific genre is nearly an insult. Zafon treads beautifully between genres, mixing comedy and tragedy seamlessly.
The only book I have read that was simply placed in Franco's repressive regime. Zafon beautifully navigates the tension and fear surrounding Barcelona at that time, without making it a book *about* Franco's regime. The story continues beautifully, but at there are times when the terrors of that time seep into the storyline; wrecking havoc in character's lives.

This is a beautifully written book that I would recommend to anyone, but especially people who love and treasure books. It took me back to the first time I truly fell in love with a book and really reminded me of how much literature can touch our lives and change who we are.

HIGHLY recommended.

I am a book addict--I read one or two every week. Shadow of the Wind is seriously one of the best books I have ever read. The story is unique and the writing is exquisite. If you appreciate good writing, don't miss this one. I read it from Stockholm, all through Germany, Switzerland and finally in Paris. It took a long time because we were so exhausted each night, but it also allowed me to savor delicious paragraphs. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

Karyn
Olympia, WA

This is one of the best books I have ever read. This is a wonderful story, actually it's a few stories all in one. The way everything comes together is amazing. You will not be disappointed. I've loaned this to friends and everyone loved the book and actually passed it on to friends of theirs. I now own three copies for this reason. You will want to share this story with everyone.