The Prisoner of Heaven (TPOH) is the third (and I believe final) installment in the story that started with The Shadow of the Wind (TSOTW), by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, which I reviewed earlier this year. TSOTW was followed by The Angel's Game (TAG), reviewed here.
TPOH is much shorter than the first two books. It mainly focuses on revealing the history of one of the main characters of TSOTW, Fermin Romero de Torres. Fermin's sordid history is only hinted at in TSOTW, so it was really nice to finally know more about what made him such an intriguing character. Fermin is also intertwined with Isabella, a main character from TAG, so this installment helps round out what we know about her, as well. And of course, The Cemetery of Forgotten Books makes an appearance, although it is not until the very end.
This book was a pleasant and engaging read. I'd put it probably close to the level of TAG, and give it a good 3.5 stars. TSOTW set the bar so high that pretty much nothing else Zafon writes is going to compare, but I'm glad he went ahead and added the two subsequent books. Reading this one reminded me how much I want to go back and re-read TSOTW.
I wasn't particularly ecstatic about how Zafon chose to end this story in the epilogue. The end of the book itself seemed to hint that all was well with everyone, a nice resolution. It wasn't sugar-coated or unrealistic, it had just wrapped things up pretty darn well. But then the epilogue came along and strongly hinted that more adventures in violence and revenge were ahead. I don't necessarily think that Zafon is going to write more to the story; I just think for some reason he wanted to leave it on that note. Which I could have done without.
Anyway, I stand by my recommendation last time-- if you read any of the books, read The Shadow of the Wind. If you love it as much as I did, you'll probably seek out and read the next two. That is all.
What are all of you reading? Anything? Anyone?
Showing posts with label books about books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books about books. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Book 29: The Angel's Game
I have fallen behind on my reading, mostly due to falling asleep every five minutes. With a slight increase in energy this past week, I dove into The Angel's Game and finished it fairly quickly. It is nice to have another book done, though if I were on schedule I'd be in the middle of my 31st book right now.
TAG is a sort of prequel to The Shadow of the Wind, which was my tenth read of 2012 and which I reviewed here. I say it's a sort of prequel because, while you go into it knowing that it is connected to the first book, you don't exactly understand the full connection until the end, and even then the connection isn't as deep as in most prequels. I'll just say that some of the characters are the same, and The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, which was introduced in TSOTW, plays a role in TAG, as well.
TAG uses the same setting as TSOTW, a dark and sometimes mystical Barcelona. The way Zafon describes the city is at times breathtaking and/or frightening. (And it must be said again, the woman who translates his work really does a phenomenal job.)
At the center of the book is a man named David Martin, a writer of penny dreadfuls who longs to write something truly meaningful. When an opportunity comes along to do just that, David takes it, unknowingly entering into way more than he bargained for. Soon drawn into a decades old mystery, David can't rest until he knows the truth. Zafon unfolds a mystery within a mystery again in this book, taking the reader on quite the ride. There are many surprises along the way-- I definitely didn't see the end coming.
I gave TSOTW five stars and I wouldn't change that rating now. TAG, however, didn't leave quite the same impression on me. It's definitely enjoyable, but it's a much darker book, which I wasn't expecting. Towards the end of it, it seems like every chapter ends with a death-- and these aren't gruesome, gory detailed deaths, which I appreciated, but man, the body count is high.
Additionally, Zafon introduces a few little things into the story that never fully get resolved, in my opinion. They aren't major plot elements that leave the reader feeling confused, but there are a few questions I would have liked answered.
My rating for this book has to fall somewhere around a 3.8. I can't give it a full four stars-- I just don't think it quite makes it. But it's not a three star read either. Can you tell I am conflicted?
There is a third installment to this sort of series called Prisoner of Heaven that I am very excited to read. I have heard great things about it.
One recommendation-- even though this book is sort of a prequel, if you are at all interested in reading anything by Zafon, please start with The Shadow of the Wind. It is a fabulous introduction to Zafon, his beautiful, gothic Barcelona, and The Cemetery of Forgotten Books. If you enjoy that one, definitely read this one next. If not, you won't be missing out by skipping this one altogether.
TAG is a sort of prequel to The Shadow of the Wind, which was my tenth read of 2012 and which I reviewed here. I say it's a sort of prequel because, while you go into it knowing that it is connected to the first book, you don't exactly understand the full connection until the end, and even then the connection isn't as deep as in most prequels. I'll just say that some of the characters are the same, and The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, which was introduced in TSOTW, plays a role in TAG, as well.
TAG uses the same setting as TSOTW, a dark and sometimes mystical Barcelona. The way Zafon describes the city is at times breathtaking and/or frightening. (And it must be said again, the woman who translates his work really does a phenomenal job.)
At the center of the book is a man named David Martin, a writer of penny dreadfuls who longs to write something truly meaningful. When an opportunity comes along to do just that, David takes it, unknowingly entering into way more than he bargained for. Soon drawn into a decades old mystery, David can't rest until he knows the truth. Zafon unfolds a mystery within a mystery again in this book, taking the reader on quite the ride. There are many surprises along the way-- I definitely didn't see the end coming.
I gave TSOTW five stars and I wouldn't change that rating now. TAG, however, didn't leave quite the same impression on me. It's definitely enjoyable, but it's a much darker book, which I wasn't expecting. Towards the end of it, it seems like every chapter ends with a death-- and these aren't gruesome, gory detailed deaths, which I appreciated, but man, the body count is high.
Additionally, Zafon introduces a few little things into the story that never fully get resolved, in my opinion. They aren't major plot elements that leave the reader feeling confused, but there are a few questions I would have liked answered.
My rating for this book has to fall somewhere around a 3.8. I can't give it a full four stars-- I just don't think it quite makes it. But it's not a three star read either. Can you tell I am conflicted?
There is a third installment to this sort of series called Prisoner of Heaven that I am very excited to read. I have heard great things about it.
One recommendation-- even though this book is sort of a prequel, if you are at all interested in reading anything by Zafon, please start with The Shadow of the Wind. It is a fabulous introduction to Zafon, his beautiful, gothic Barcelona, and The Cemetery of Forgotten Books. If you enjoy that one, definitely read this one next. If not, you won't be missing out by skipping this one altogether.
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Shadow of the Wind
I have been trying to come up with the perfect description or opening line for my review of this book, my tenth read of 2012, and I just can't do it justice.
This book swallowed me up. It enveloped me. I was so drawn into the story, I couldn't wait to find out how everything would come together in the end. Zafon's writing is phenomenal. This book made me wish I knew Spanish only so I could read the original writing-- but with as amazing as it is in English, the translator must have done a fantastic job, as well.
The story is set in post-Spanish Civil War Barcelona. A young man named Daniel is invited into the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, little knowing that a choice he makes there will alter the rest of his life and many others'. In Zafon's Barcelona, the Cemetery of Forgotten Books is a huge, ancient library, full of forgotten books lovingly preserved by a group of the city's booksellers and book lovers. Its very existence is a well-kept secret, and few are ever invited in. According to tradition, invitees are allowed to select one book to take home, and that they must protect for life. Daniel feels drawn to a volume by a man named Julian Carax called The Shadow of the Wind. After becoming completely engrossed in his reading of the novel, Daniel sets out to find Carax's other works, and discovers that they are very rare, indeed. In fact, a mysterious figure is hell bent on destroying by fire every last copy of every book Carax wrote.
Thus begins an adventure bigger than anything Daniel could imagine as he works to uncover the truth behind Carax, his books, and the person bent on their destruction. He will end up drawn into a web of lies and deceit, true friendship and loyalty, forbidden and unrequited love, anger, forgiveness, revenge, redemption, abuse, passion, murder, and mistaken identity, among other things. This book is a story within a story. Just when you think you have it figured out, it takes another crazy turn. At times, it could have easily crashed and burned, but Zafon is just that good.
Along the way, Daniel befriends a former intelligence officer turned beggar, Fermin Romero de Torres, who provides most of the humor in the book through his ridiculously funny dialog. I am not joking when I tell you he made me burst out laughing on multiple occasions. Aside from the insane story line and the incredible command of language exhibited by Zafon, de Torres is one of the best parts of the book. He is just hilarious.
Carlos Ruiz Zafon wrote this book (in Spanish) in 2001, and it was translated into English in 2004. This is yet another book about books-- and I am quickly beginning to realize how much I love that plot choice. Something about it... when it's done well, it's so wonderful.
I give this book five stars. One of the highest compliments I can give a book is the desire to re-read it, and I definitely want to re-read this one, preferably my own copy next time. Be forewarned, there is some language, some violence, and some sex. Nothing gratuitous, nothing too graphic, nothing that turned me off of the book.
Since so many others have said it so much better than me, here's a smattering of what the critics have had to say about this book:
"If you thought the true gothic novel died with the nineteenth century, this will change your mind. [The Shadow of the Wind] is the real deal, a novel full of cheesy splendor and creaking trapdoors, a novel where even the subplots have subplots . . . This is one gorgeous read." -- Stephen King
"The Shadow of the Wind is a dazzling novel about the power that one book can exert over the right reader, a remarkable debut from a young Spanish writer . . . [It] is one of those lovely books, like A.S. Byatt's Possession, that celebrates the strong bond between reader and book, while showing us how elusive the truth of literature can be." -- The Times-Picayune
"Part detective story, part boy's adventure, part romance, fantasy, and gothic horror, the intricate plot is urged on by extravagant foreshadowing and nail-nibbling tension. This is rich, lavish storytelling..." -- Booklist
"The plot is labyrinthine, the characters and coincidences Dickensian, the whole echoing with literary flourishes and references. It's a bit like A.S. Byatt's Possession and Arturo Perez-Reverte's The Club Dumas, with touches of Jorge Luis Borges, Umberto Eco, Ross King, Charles Palliser, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Bibliophiles will feast on its riches." -- Orlando Sentinel
Entertainment Weekly described the book as "wondrous," noting that "[t]here are places in which the book might seem a little over-the-top (doomed love, gruesome murders) but for Zafon's masterful, meticulous plotting and extraordinary control over language."
Read it!
This book swallowed me up. It enveloped me. I was so drawn into the story, I couldn't wait to find out how everything would come together in the end. Zafon's writing is phenomenal. This book made me wish I knew Spanish only so I could read the original writing-- but with as amazing as it is in English, the translator must have done a fantastic job, as well.
The story is set in post-Spanish Civil War Barcelona. A young man named Daniel is invited into the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, little knowing that a choice he makes there will alter the rest of his life and many others'. In Zafon's Barcelona, the Cemetery of Forgotten Books is a huge, ancient library, full of forgotten books lovingly preserved by a group of the city's booksellers and book lovers. Its very existence is a well-kept secret, and few are ever invited in. According to tradition, invitees are allowed to select one book to take home, and that they must protect for life. Daniel feels drawn to a volume by a man named Julian Carax called The Shadow of the Wind. After becoming completely engrossed in his reading of the novel, Daniel sets out to find Carax's other works, and discovers that they are very rare, indeed. In fact, a mysterious figure is hell bent on destroying by fire every last copy of every book Carax wrote.
Thus begins an adventure bigger than anything Daniel could imagine as he works to uncover the truth behind Carax, his books, and the person bent on their destruction. He will end up drawn into a web of lies and deceit, true friendship and loyalty, forbidden and unrequited love, anger, forgiveness, revenge, redemption, abuse, passion, murder, and mistaken identity, among other things. This book is a story within a story. Just when you think you have it figured out, it takes another crazy turn. At times, it could have easily crashed and burned, but Zafon is just that good.
Along the way, Daniel befriends a former intelligence officer turned beggar, Fermin Romero de Torres, who provides most of the humor in the book through his ridiculously funny dialog. I am not joking when I tell you he made me burst out laughing on multiple occasions. Aside from the insane story line and the incredible command of language exhibited by Zafon, de Torres is one of the best parts of the book. He is just hilarious.
Carlos Ruiz Zafon wrote this book (in Spanish) in 2001, and it was translated into English in 2004. This is yet another book about books-- and I am quickly beginning to realize how much I love that plot choice. Something about it... when it's done well, it's so wonderful.
I give this book five stars. One of the highest compliments I can give a book is the desire to re-read it, and I definitely want to re-read this one, preferably my own copy next time. Be forewarned, there is some language, some violence, and some sex. Nothing gratuitous, nothing too graphic, nothing that turned me off of the book.
Since so many others have said it so much better than me, here's a smattering of what the critics have had to say about this book:
"If you thought the true gothic novel died with the nineteenth century, this will change your mind. [The Shadow of the Wind] is the real deal, a novel full of cheesy splendor and creaking trapdoors, a novel where even the subplots have subplots . . . This is one gorgeous read." -- Stephen King
"The Shadow of the Wind is a dazzling novel about the power that one book can exert over the right reader, a remarkable debut from a young Spanish writer . . . [It] is one of those lovely books, like A.S. Byatt's Possession, that celebrates the strong bond between reader and book, while showing us how elusive the truth of literature can be." -- The Times-Picayune
"Part detective story, part boy's adventure, part romance, fantasy, and gothic horror, the intricate plot is urged on by extravagant foreshadowing and nail-nibbling tension. This is rich, lavish storytelling..." -- Booklist
"The plot is labyrinthine, the characters and coincidences Dickensian, the whole echoing with literary flourishes and references. It's a bit like A.S. Byatt's Possession and Arturo Perez-Reverte's The Club Dumas, with touches of Jorge Luis Borges, Umberto Eco, Ross King, Charles Palliser, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Bibliophiles will feast on its riches." -- Orlando Sentinel
Entertainment Weekly described the book as "wondrous," noting that "[t]here are places in which the book might seem a little over-the-top (doomed love, gruesome murders) but for Zafon's masterful, meticulous plotting and extraordinary control over language."
Read it!
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Thirteenth Tale-- and my third read
Title: The Thirteenth Tale
Author: Diane Setterfield
Published: 2006
406 pages
Meg's rating: 5 stars
I loved this book.
Just had to get that out of the way.
The Thirteenth Tale is awesome. It is a mystery and a ghost story. It is about books and book lovers. It features writers and storytellers, siblings and twins, forbidden affairs and unnatural passions, a larger-than-life dessert caterer, a reclusive bestselling author, a destructive house fire, and loss, heartbreak, and reunion. Among other things.
Diane Setterfield hit one out of the park with this book. I was drawn in almost immediately-- and though I thought I liked it at the beginning, I liked it more and more with every chapter I read. Though I read this book concurrently with another one (which I shall be reviewing shortly) it was this book that stayed on my mind all the time-- this book that I couldn't wait to get back to every day.
The main character and narrator of this book is Margaret Lea, the daughter of a loving, book-shop-owning father and a mostly absent, ever grieving, depressed mother. Margaret dabbles in autobiographical writing when she is not helping her father out at the shop and so is only mostly shocked when she receives a letter from one of the most prolific authors of the day, Vida Winter, who wants Margaret to write her biography. Ms. Winter has written numerous bestsellers, but has managed to keep her personal life a tightly-held secret. Though reporter after reporter has come to call, Ms. Winter gets her thrills by answering their questions with complete fabrications. She is a master storyteller.
Margaret decides to accept Ms. Winter's request, and what follows is an enchanting, gripping, enthralling tale. To say it was mesmerizing is not an exaggeration. And I will leave it there, because I don't want to risk spoiling anything. Suffice it to say, I highly recommend this book. I give it five stars because, not only did I love it, I can't wait for some time to pass so I can read it again. I would absolutely LOVE to see a film adaptation, and will not be at all surprised if I do at some point.
From the back of the book:
"Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her own painful history, Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good. Margaret is mesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness-- featuring the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Together, Margaret and Vida confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves."
Author: Diane Setterfield
Published: 2006
406 pages
Meg's rating: 5 stars
I loved this book.
Just had to get that out of the way.
The Thirteenth Tale is awesome. It is a mystery and a ghost story. It is about books and book lovers. It features writers and storytellers, siblings and twins, forbidden affairs and unnatural passions, a larger-than-life dessert caterer, a reclusive bestselling author, a destructive house fire, and loss, heartbreak, and reunion. Among other things.
Diane Setterfield hit one out of the park with this book. I was drawn in almost immediately-- and though I thought I liked it at the beginning, I liked it more and more with every chapter I read. Though I read this book concurrently with another one (which I shall be reviewing shortly) it was this book that stayed on my mind all the time-- this book that I couldn't wait to get back to every day.
The main character and narrator of this book is Margaret Lea, the daughter of a loving, book-shop-owning father and a mostly absent, ever grieving, depressed mother. Margaret dabbles in autobiographical writing when she is not helping her father out at the shop and so is only mostly shocked when she receives a letter from one of the most prolific authors of the day, Vida Winter, who wants Margaret to write her biography. Ms. Winter has written numerous bestsellers, but has managed to keep her personal life a tightly-held secret. Though reporter after reporter has come to call, Ms. Winter gets her thrills by answering their questions with complete fabrications. She is a master storyteller.
Margaret decides to accept Ms. Winter's request, and what follows is an enchanting, gripping, enthralling tale. To say it was mesmerizing is not an exaggeration. And I will leave it there, because I don't want to risk spoiling anything. Suffice it to say, I highly recommend this book. I give it five stars because, not only did I love it, I can't wait for some time to pass so I can read it again. I would absolutely LOVE to see a film adaptation, and will not be at all surprised if I do at some point.
From the back of the book:
"Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her own painful history, Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good. Margaret is mesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness-- featuring the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Together, Margaret and Vida confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves."
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