Complex plot with multiple layers, wonderful characters, sweeping vistas of the city of Barcelona in the 50s - language simple enough to understand but with a complexity that reveals many subtle nuances, a mystery, a love story, coming of age story, a gothic novel ... I am no writer so I cannot express any better - but I will say, I could not put the book down.
I was rooting for the characters, thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot and was hoping for a climax that would not disappoint (like many mysteries that fall flat towards the end) - and it did not!
Incredible storytelling and complex thoughts - book is full of eloquent prose such as
"... a deafening silence that I had not yet learned to stifle with words."
"...Destiny is usually just around the corner. Like a thief, a hooker, or a lottery vendor: its three most common personifications. But what destiny does not do is home visits. You have to go for it."
" There are few reasons for telling the truth, but for lying the number is infinite."
I would definitely like to go back and reflect further on some of these - may seem grandiose and fake if I scrutinized them closely - but made for fantastic reading otherwise.
The philosophical insights of Fermin - my favorite character in the book made me laugh! I was horrified by the dark twists in the plot, intrigued by the descriptions (many creative expressions of a "dark and stormy night") and moved to tears and sighed over unrequited love.
Highly recommend! Read it and let me know what you think.
Some other reviews on books I have read
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