The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Published by Phoenix in 2005

Set in 1950s Barcelona this novel tells of the search to find the truth behind the life and death of the author of a novel discovered in the ‘cemetery of lost books’ by 10 year old Daniel Sempere. The search brings Daniel both friendship and danger as he tries to uncover the secrets of those left behind by the author Julián Carax.
This is a novel of stories within stories, each a thriller in itself. The intrigue and mystery reminded me of the Da Vinci Code.
Described by the Richard & Judy’s Book Club as ‘ a wonderful page-turning literary detective story’ I feel that it is an entertaining read but does not really live up to all the hype that it has received.

Reviewed by a Clare County Library staff member