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July Read #2 - The Shadow of the Wind
This one is new for me.. Am looking forward to reading it this month :):) Yayyy :)
I didn't know the wind had a shadow.:)
Its really nice :-) As you said, nice to read a non English author. He writes about Barcelona very well.
@Aaron - once again please restrain yourself from making such statements. This is a thread to discuss the book and its various nuances. I hope you will join us in reading this book in July and discuss it. However, this is not a forum for such statements.
I agree with Sri, Aaron. I doubt if anyone is interested in your 'conquests'. Please desist from tasteless remarks, especially on discussion threads.
When I first joined Goodreads,this was the 2nd book on my TBR list. Its still there :D
Such a great book, love to join the discussion! I've read it years ago, so would like to re-read!
Sounds like a good choice.I like books with mysterious and complex plot.Hope to join the discussion after finishing reading.
I just finished reading this book and its awesome.. Hope all of you finish soon so that we can discuss :) :)
Started this.Intriguing sentence: few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart (page 6)
I tried to recollect, but as I started reading very early in my childhood I don't recollect a particular book which has left an indelible mark in me. I have many books which are dear to me, but can't pinpoint an exclusive one.
Smitha wrote: "Started this.Intriguing sentence: few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart (page 6)
I tried to recollect, but as I started reading very earl..."
I guess it does not always happen :)
@Smitha - I totally agree with you for even I can't remember any such book as all my childhood reads have been special. However, one thing I do carry from my childhood reading days, is how much I envied the Famous Five (Enid Blyton's series) of the food they ate. I never knew what they were actually eating but the constant mention of food and that too mentioned in such a mouthwatering manner, made me actually hungry at that time and also made me want to at least taste that fare once :) In fact, even today I can't think of that series without thinking of the food. :)
I've got a slightly different perspective.The line doesn't talk about the first book that a reader reads - it talks about the first book that finds its way into the reader's heart.
I remember reading an abridged version of Oliver Twist, and how blessed I felt after reading about poor Oliver's life and how much he had to suffer through.
While I agree with you Sumit, often readers are not confined to just one book making that difference in their lives. For instance, in my case, different books at different times have taught me different things and I cherish each of them for that. To say that the first book that makes its way to your heart is the only one to leave an indelible mark is not true at least for me.
Once again, I will try to play devil's advocate and spring to the author's defence. He says, 'few things make a deeper mark'. So, he does leave room for exceptions.Moreover, it is a fictional book anyway. So, anything and everything the author says can be wrong or not valid for us, right?
I will concede to the fact that it is a fictional book and therefore such liberties are acceptable. However, he talks about books leaving a mark in a comparative degree, which could or could not be true in any individual's case, if we were to think about it with respect to our own individual lives. Of course, all this is a general discussion on the personal interpretation of that statement and is in no way a critique of the book or the story in question.
Order order, I want order in this court room :P
I do remember reading The musketeers very clearly. And in a way the book has always stayed in my mind.
@Anirudh- I doubt that there will be any such order in this court room :PIn my case, it was A Tale of Two Cities but then I also place an equal level of importance to Nevil Shute's Round the Bend, for it was my first of the author and it has simply remained strong in my mind even after reading some equally or in some cases more wonderful books written by him or others.
@Sri, when I read that line in the book I certainly felt thrilled :D putting aside the viability of that claim, it is very well written, as is the rest of the novel :)
I totally agree with that part Anirudh, it is a well written statement and does bring a certain amount of nostalgic thrill in your mind. I felt the same way. I agree with you that the entire book has been well written. This is another in my list of cherished books :P
Srividya wrote: "I totally agree with that part Anirudh, it is a well written statement and does bring a certain amount of nostalgic thrill in your mind. I felt the same way. I agree with you that the entire book h..."Good to know you liked it so much :) I am yet to start book 2.
Srividya wrote: "While I agree with you Sumit, often readers are not confined to just one book making that difference in their lives. For instance, in my case, different books at different times have taught me di..."
Same here, regarding Enid Blyton and food, as well as a single book not making an indelible impression
Started it yesterday night , on chapter 2. Loving it :)
page 55. Rivetting. Yet to understand the purpose of the cemetery.
Anirudh wrote: "How Many finished?"I'm yet to start :P
I'm not going to start before my buddy returns :P
Hajarath Prasad wrote: "I'm not going to start before my buddy returns :P"you're not going to her engagement??
I've only read about 15%, but hopefully will make a lot of progress over the weekend.
I have finished. long back and waiting :P :)
Manu : She didn't invite me :( :( *hides the fact that he couldn't go even if she invited him *
Nice :) Never thought so many would be reading :D
Page 312 (71%). Things are heating up.
I've started it, not sure when I'll be finishing!
Smitha wrote: "Page 312 (71%). Things are heating up."Lot of twists near the end :)
Varsha wrote: "I've started it, not sure when I'll be finishing!"
Before 31st :P
Anirudh wrote: Varsha wrote: "I've started it, not sure when I'll be finishing!"Before 31st :P"
Done!!
Okay people who all have finished?? And more importantly when are we starting the discussions???
Right now,How was your overall reaction to the book?
I loved the book. Loved it for its style of writing, the simplicity yet complex nature of the story, loved the descriptions, it painted pictures in my mind with every word and the build up. The characters were truly memorable and not one character was left out and neither was anyone singled out for more importance than the other. Although primarily a tale through Daniel's narration, I felt that the book did justice to every character and person, he encountered. The twists and turns in the plot were amazing as was its drawing parallels between Julian's and Daniel's lives.
Me too. The writing flowed smoothly without slowing down anywhere. The last few pages were amazing :)I also liked the characters a lot. Especially Fermin
I loved Fermin. he was like a breath of fresh air in that book. I loved the way he got out of all the situations, especially how he talked himself into the Abbey and then into that sanatorium. also loved his different aspects, he was full of frolic at one part while full of love and concern and genuine warmth. An ordinary human being made totally extra ordinary by the author :)And yeah the last few pages had my heart thumping as well. I had to read the last few chapters twice to see if I understood it correctly.
I think this is a great choice for our second read in July. Non-native English writers are often lyrical and paint such vivid pictures with their words. Let's read and discuss this one too.