The Shadow of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Today my choice for a great first line comes from The Shadow of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

I still remember the day my father took me to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books for the first time.

The beginning of the story is revealed in the prologue but the first sentence of Chapter one sets the tone for what is to come.

A secret’s worth depends on the people from whom it must be kept.

I love it when a good book takes me out of my daily life and offers a chance to travel in someone elses footsteps.  For me this book was a beautiful trip to Barcelona combined with a fascinating mystery, led by an author who truly loves his city.  The back of the book contains a guided walking tour of Barcelona and the author’s website features a soundtrack of music produced, composed, arranged and performed by Carlos Ruiz Zafon to accompany your journey.

If I haven’t convinced you to pick up a copy take a look at some of these reviews:

‘If you thought the gothic novel died with the 19th century, this will change your mind. In Zafón’s hands, every scene seems to come from an early Orson Wells movie. One gorgeous read.’ STEPHEN KING 

‘For the first time in 20 years or so as a book reviewer, I am tempted to dust off the old superlatives and even to employ some particularly vulgar clichés from the repertoire of publishers’ blurbs. My colleagues may be shocked, but I don’t care, I can’t help myself, here goes. THE SHADOW OF THE WIND is a triumph of the storyteller’s art. I couldn’t put it down. Enchanting, hilarious and heartbreaking, this book will change your life.’   DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘If you love AS Byatt’s ‘Possession’, Marquez’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’… Eco’s ‘The Name of the Rose’… or Paul Auster’s ‘New York Trilogy’… then you will love THE SHADOW OF THE WIND… Anyone who enjoys novels that are scary, erotic, touching, tragic and thrilling should rush right out to the nearest bookstore and pick up ‘The Shadow of the Wind.’THE WASHINGTON POST

There are two more novels in the series sitting in my “to be read” stack and I can’t wait to return to Daniel’s story and spend my evenings in Barcelona.