Book Review - Shadow of the Wind

Title: Shadow of the Wind
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Series: Cemetery of Forgotten Books (Book 1)
Publisher: Phoenix Press
Release Date: 5th October 2005
ISBN13: 9780753820254

Synopsis
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.

My Review
I had seen this book a lot coming in and out of the library, it seemed very popular and many people told me how enjoyable it was. Even my supervisor at work had read it and told me I would like it. As I usually read YA this was a bit different from my normal pick but I decided to give it a go. However I don't have as much time to read at the moment whilst doing my University course so I requested the Spoken Word edition of the book and listened to the CD's in my car. The narrator had a wonderful voice and I found him very easy to listen to. I got straight into the story and found myself finding reasons to go out in my car just so I could listen to a little bit more. 
Daniel is taken to the cemetary of lost books by his father when he turns ten and is told he can choose a book. He selects a book by Julian Carax and takes it home, but as the years pass he hears that someone is looking for the book, someone wants it and will do anything to get it. Drawn into the mystery of the past behind the book and Carax himself, Daniel finds himself in a strange situation and followed by strange shadows and forgotten rumours. Can he figure it out before it is too late?
I found the book truly fascinating and absolutely magical, it's the sort of story that sweeps you up and takes you on a journey before bringing you back to reality. But even then it stays with you, the characters become like friends and I just wanted to know as much as I could. The storytelling is just incredible and I could not get enough. The world is woven around you and the mystery takes over. It is one of the best books I have ever read and I would definitely visit it again. I will also be looking out for other books by Ruiz Zafon, he is an amazing storyteller.

My Rating