Scan barcode
sarah_tollok's review against another edition
5.0
Although I did not see the twist in the middle of the book coming (I had to go back and reread it because I was so shocked!) I felt that the thick mirroring of Daniel and Carax made the ending feel too predictable.
The 2 reasons I gave it 5 stars instead of 4:
1. Fermin. I could read a whole book just about that rascal and his life.
2. I love how Zafón wrote with such reverence about books, especially old books. I would very much like to visit the Library of Forgotten Books.
The 2 reasons I gave it 5 stars instead of 4:
1. Fermin. I could read a whole book just about that rascal and his life.
2. I love how Zafón wrote with such reverence about books, especially old books. I would very much like to visit the Library of Forgotten Books.
librosamo's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars. What can I possibly say about this book? Nothing that would add to the numerous things that others have already said.
That said, you need to read this book.
The way the author masterfully weaves together multiple plot strands into a cohesive story that doesn't discard any of those threads is simply amazing. I can admit that about 25-30% of the way through, I was struggling to see why some things were mentioned and why the book was slow in building up anything. However, once you hit a certain point in the book, everything begins to make sense and you can see the cohesion taking place. The plot isn't terribly ingenious and can be a bit predictable if you're paying attention, but I found I didn't mind at all.
The author's writing is masterful in a way that you don't see very often. His ability to write lyrically and descriptively without it being over the top is beautiful. There were times where I marked passages, sentences, even phrases, because of how gorgeous he expressed things.
Just a warning, though: this book will tear out your heart.
“Once, in my father's bookshop, I heard a regular customer say that few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart. Those first images, the echo of words we think we have left behind, accompany us throughout our lives and sculpt a palace in our memory to which, sooner or later — no matter how many books we read, how many worlds we discover, or how much we learn or forget — we will return.”
That said, you need to read this book.
The way the author masterfully weaves together multiple plot strands into a cohesive story that doesn't discard any of those threads is simply amazing. I can admit that about 25-30% of the way through, I was struggling to see why some things were mentioned and why the book was slow in building up anything. However, once you hit a certain point in the book, everything begins to make sense and you can see the cohesion taking place. The plot isn't terribly ingenious and can be a bit predictable if you're paying attention, but I found I didn't mind at all.
The author's writing is masterful in a way that you don't see very often. His ability to write lyrically and descriptively without it being over the top is beautiful. There were times where I marked passages, sentences, even phrases, because of how gorgeous he expressed things.
Just a warning, though: this book will tear out your heart.
“Once, in my father's bookshop, I heard a regular customer say that few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart. Those first images, the echo of words we think we have left behind, accompany us throughout our lives and sculpt a palace in our memory to which, sooner or later — no matter how many books we read, how many worlds we discover, or how much we learn or forget — we will return.”
paulasreads's review against another edition
5.0
gracias a mi novio por esta increíble recomendación
brrlinda's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. I enjoyed it, but it could have been shorter. The majority of the story is laid out, but then there's still a quarter of the book to go. It was seriously entertaining for the first three quarters though.
iamkarla's review against another edition
2.0
DNF - this book was quite drawn out and revolved around a mystery that I never ended up caring about. I didn't feel very interested in the characters or their motivations (probably because I don't know what the motivations are to begin with). It's too bad, this is rated highly and I was hoping to enjoy it but was just bored instead.
marianbarlage's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the writing in this book! Wish I could read Spanish so I could read the original. There were some twists thrown in that I wasn't so sure about. However, you find yourself feeling for the characters. I now want to go to Barcelona!!!
jillyenfuego's review against another edition
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12112310
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12112310