I’ve been talking a lot about writing lately, so I feel like I’ve neglected the reading side of my blog lately- it’s high time I did a review! And since it’s still November… why not talk about a book about writing? (Did you actually think I wasn’t going to have some kind of spin there?)
“The only way you can truly get to know an author is through the trail of ink he leaves behind him.”
Because where the Shadow of the Wind was a book about reading, this one was about writing. It is all about the crazy intensity and difficulties and frustrations and sheer joy of writing (ok maybe I put that last one in). Nevertheless- the book was tinged with doubt, despair and most importantly madness.
“We spend a good part of our lives dreaming, especially when we’re awake.”
Though it is slow to start, it is through the meandering prose that one gets to know the character of the author- an oddly relatable figure that is more relevant in what he represents than who he is. Much of this book is devoted to his journey into the wish fulfilment of his dreams. The strange religiosity in tone and subject matter allows the reader to explore the devotion art can inspire.
“Do you know the best thing about broken hearts? They can only really break once the rest is just scratches.”
But the part that really captured my heart was the dash of romance. Strangely enough, the book only gives you a taste, never quite satiating the character’s (or reader’s) appetite- and yet this was so exquisitely placed that I was almost satisfied.
Almost. Because while this book was an excellent read, it was not the sheer perfection of the first. Still, I can wholeheartedly award it:
Rating: 4½/5 bananas
Either way- I am definitely looking forward to the third in the series! How about you? Have you read any of Zafon’s books? Did you like them? Let me know in the comments!
the orang-utan librarian 