The Shadow of the Wind

The Shadow of the Wind is a wonderful thing, a book that balances a compelling story, sharply observed humour, and observations on life, all in one superb package. I loved every minute of it.
The story is set in Barcelona and spans the first half of the 1900s, a fascinating time in Spanish history, covering the Republic, Anarchy, Civil war and lastly Franco’s rule. It is against this background of death, betrayal, and constant change that the plot develops.

A young bookseller takes his 10 year old son to the ‘cemetery of forgotten books’ hidden the heart of the old city of Barcelona. The boy is allowed to choose, and keep one book, and he picks out The Shadow of the Wind, by Julian Carax. From here, the story opens up like a Russian doll, layer upon layer of mysteries unfolding until you eventually get to the heart of the matter; the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax.

There are many literally connections in the novel, and most of the characters in the book share a love of books with the author. One character says ‘that books are the windows to the soul of the reader’ and I tend to agree. There are a few booky cross-references; e.g. a cat called Kurtz, after the main character from Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. This is a book that revels in the love of books, and attempts to explain why we love books.

The author obviously believes in love, and is in love. His belief comes over loud and clear, although the consequences of this love can often be tragic, leading to a life of unhappiness and emptiness. Another element that plays an important part in the book is humour, sometimes naughty and often coarse, the book is brought to life by sprinkles of wit throughout. This is used to counterpoint the darkness of the story in places, the evil times of the 30s and 40s Spain loom with a menacing blackness.

I guess it is a reflection of the Spanish view of sex and sexuality, that this book is peopled with ladies of the night, old letches and deflowered virgins. There seems little room for ‘normal’ relationships.

Overall the book is a corker, a real page-turner that sucks you in, makes you laugh, makes you think, and moves you, right to the very end.

9/10