David Martin is an aspiring writer of suspenseful stories in early twentieth century Barcelona. When opportunities to write professionally present themselves, he quickly seizes them, the desire to be published overriding everything, including his common sense. With his earnings, Martin moves into a tower house, abandoned for decades, but with the sentimental value of a place he’s passed every day on his way to success. But when Martin receives an unusual offer and begins to learn more about his strange abode, he realizes that he is playing a far deeper game than he’d ever imagined.
My favorite aspect of Zafon’s writing is the atmosphere he evokes with his works. This was amazingly well done in The Shadow of the Wind, which I read before I began blogging, and I had high hopes here as well. Zafon did not let me down. Almost immediately, he draws us into a world of half-truths in the depths of Barcelona. Impending tragedy always seems to hang over Martin, right from the beginning, and it’s as though the book is clogged with dark, rainy nights and suspenseful midnight meetings. It’s hard to describe, but it’s easy to live in this world. Even Martin’s apartment is compelling and virtually a living part of the mystery.
When not writing, Martin is also obsessed with his love, Cristina, even though it takes years before she recognizes him. This love story goes in a very peculiar direction but adds to the eerie feel of the work. Throughout, we’re uncertain as to whether Martin’s experiences are real or imaginary, particularly as the story gets crazy. By the halfway point, I was surprised by how tense the story was getting; I found myself reading a thriller! The literary touch and the atmosphere, plus the added uncertainty about Martin’s mental state, are really what make this book something special. Towards the end of the book, the plot starts to unravel to some extent, but I was still curious about it.
The Shadow of the Wind was a book for readers. The Angel’s Game is less so; I think it’s much closer to a book for writers, but since I’m not really one, it didn’t draw me in quite the same way. So I can’t say I really liked it more but I definitely enjoyed reading it. I wanted to know what happened next. The ending didn’t answer all of my questions, but that rarely happens. I would recommend this, especially if you enjoyed The Shadow of the Wind.
I loved Shadow of the Wind, and rushed out to get this one when it came out but I haven’t read it yet.
.-= Marg´s last blog ..Guess what the boy got for his birthday? =-.
I am so very anxious to read The Shadow of the Wind. I have had it sitting on my shelf for a few months. Perhaps it would be a good book to read for the 24 hour read-a-thon.
.-= Molly´s last blog ..Review: The Lace Reader =-.
Meghan…you did a great review. I liked Shadows of the Wind, but have not been motivated to read this one.
.-= diane´s last blog ..Tuesday Teasers =-.
I’ve seen some great reviews on this book and Zafron’s other book. I think I’m going to have to read The Shadow of the Wind.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Banned Books Week: Children’s Literature =-.
Hmm, I’m wondering what Martin learned about his tower house. I’d like to read the book to find out now.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Literary Road Trip and Review: The Lonely Shadow =-.
I have this one on my shelf, but I’ve been stuck on The Shadow of the Wind for like two weeks now. I’m enjoying it, it’s just a slow read for me for some reason.
I loved this book and thought that the atmosphere of the story was perfect. I also thought the writing was fluid and beautiful. Did you know that there is going to be a third book in this series, making it a trilogy that revolves around the Cemetery of Forgotten Books? I am very eagerly awaiting the next installment. Great review, I am glad you enjoyed the book so much!
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..Moonlight in Odessa by Janet Skeslien Charles – 352 pgs =-.
I loved Shadow of the Wind and recommended it to everyone! I am planning on reading this one in the next few weeks, but I’ll remember that it’s a bit different.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble =-.
I really must read this! I haven’t read his other book, either.
.-= Kailana´s last blog ..Library Loot =-.
I didn’t read Shadow of the Wind and this one doesn’t sound like my cup of tea. But I most definitely want to try Shadow of the Wind, everyone loved that one!
.-= Veens´s last blog ..A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini =-.
I think I’m glad that I read this novel before The Shadow of the Wind. I can definitely see what you are saying about it being more for writers than readers.
.-= Literate Housewife´s last blog ..#201 ~ Her Fearful Symmetry =-.
I need to read The Shadow of the Wind! And then this
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson =-.
I think I will need to read Shadow of the Wind first and decide if I like his writing style before I go for this book. It sounds good, though!
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..TSS: The Reader Returneth =-.
I totally agree with your thoughts – this was a book for writers, which is why it didn’t agree with me nearly as much! However, I still liked it.
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Ice Land – Betsy Tobin =-.
Great review!
I have Shadow of the Wind on my TBR pile so I guess I’ll be starting with it. The Angel’s Game sounds interesting too, but I’ll see then if I want to read more from the author I guess!
.-= Kay´s last blog ..The Artsy Shelf – 10 – Dogs! =-.
I heard this is a type of prequel to Shadow of the Wind? Or am I think of that backwards? Just read Shadow for a book club and was kind of on the disappointed end of the spectrum–felt clunky to me. Not sure if I’ll be picking this one up, especially since you say it didn’t draw you in as much.
.-= Trish´s last blog ..An Exercise Challenge…? Who’s Game? =-.
Interesting, I didn’t really think of this as his book for writers instead of readers, but I think you’re right. Maybe that is why it didn’t resonate with me in the same way.
.-= Jen – Devourer of Books´s last blog ..The Maze Runner – Book Review =-.
Like you, I had question at the end. But not as willing as you to just let them go! lol, I’ve been theorizing on the ending and all the different references.
I got them up on my blog for discussion – I think I get the connection with Corelli and Martin, but some of the other parts are over my head I think…
.-= Funkstop´s last blog ..Review: The Angel’s Game 3*** but 4.5 for intrigue! =-.
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