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.

Bought this in a charity shop, but it will have to go on Mt TBR for the time being.

Starting with an interesting premise, this is quite a complex and melodramatic detective novel, as the hero Daniel, obsessed by Julian Carax, sets out to unravel the unexplained mysteries of his life. The pace is slower than a conventional detective story, but the mystery, as it unwinds, is quite compelling.

The first chapter contains some words about books which are so appropriate to bookcrossing:

"...in truth, books have no owner. Every book you see here has been somebody's best friend."

Offered in a virtual bookbox and selected by candy-is-dandy. Posted to her today.

Thanks herrgirl - I've had my eye on this book for a while. What a big book - not your average sized paperback!!

I have had this too long and now have a second copy so as I'll be passing this on to jillbe at Uncon and will update with my review once I've read the other copy.

Hiya candy/herrgirl, great to meet up with you both at the Uncon. Going onto mount TBR etc.

This story promised so much, but I gave up on it in the end.... Going to make available etc.

Sending onto KatePortland, as part of a bookswap/trade, enjoy:0)

Received as a part of a RABCK swap. Thanks very much! I hope you enjoy the Graves!

On its way to Croydon. Happy reading!

Received with thanks as a RABCK! A book I've wanted to read for a long time!