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The Shadow of the Wind

The Cemetery of Forgotten Books 1

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The Shadow of the Wind

By: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
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About this listen

 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 Action & Adventure Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Magic Scary

Critic Reviews

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
All stars
Most relevant
I loved listening to this audio. I found myself caught up in the story, and completely enjoyed the audiobook experience. I loved the description of Barcelona and look forward to visiting the city after this experience.

fantastic immersive reading

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I was captured by this epic book, as much by the complex characters and story as the atmospheres of mid 20th century Barcelona and Paris.

The story is intense and affecting - I was entirely swept up.

Incredible narrative performance also.

Gorgeously Unique and Intense

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A richly woven story in the complex city of Barcelona. A grimly mysterious tale of lost books and lost love. Great performance by the narrator, although someone with greater fluency in Spanish would add more to the overall tone.

Beautifully written

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I loved this book from the outset. The story is so beautifully woven. The narration is perfect. One of the best books I have ever read/listened to ☺️

Spellbinding Storytelling

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Had this recommended to me by a friend, who said it is their favourite book. The story does not disappoint - the language is a little flowery on occasion but is consistent with air of mysticism that follows romance and intrigue in Barcelona.

A+ narration.

Recommended

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