THE SHADOW OF THE WIND

TITLE: THE SHADOW OF THE WIND
AUTHOR: CARLOS RUIZ ZAFON
Pages: 403
Date: 06/06/2008
Grade: 5
Own

It's 1945 and in Barcelona a father takes his ten year old son Daniel to the 'Cemetery of Forgotten Books', a labyrinth library of obscure and forgotten titles. Allowed to pick out one book, Daniel chooses 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Julian Carax.
From this moment on, Daniel's life changes completely and before long the book and it's author become Daniel's quest and obsession.
Determined to find out more about Carax and his books, and why a faceless man wants to destroy all the author's work, Daniel sets out on a path that proves dangerous to him and those involved in his quest and/or Carax' life; a life that appears closely connected and very similar to Daniel's own.
This was a fascinating and gripping read, and highly original. The story flowed smoothly and I never once had my usual reservations as far as the translation from Spanish was concerned.
Quote:
"Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you."