THE ANGEL'S GAME

Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon ISBN: 9780385528702 6/2009 FICTION Publisher: KNOPF DOUBLEDAY

In the turbulent and mysterious Barcelona of the 1920s, David Martin, a young novelist obsessed with a forbidden love, receives an offer from an enigmatic publisher to write a book like no other before — a book for which “people will live and die.” In return, he is promised a fortune and, perhaps, much more. Once again, the author of The Shadow of the Wind takes us into the gothic universe of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and creates a breathtaking adventure of intrigue, romance and tragedy, and a dizzingly constructed labyrinth of secrets where the magic of books, passion and friendship blend into a masterful story.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE ANGEL’S GAME is one of those masterfully written books that once read is never forgotten. I was swept up in the story from the very first page, when the unlikely hero finds himself as drawn into an enigmatic plot that is unlike any other I’ve read. This is almost a voyeuristic journey, where ancient beliefs dull the line between good and evil, right and wrong, past and present—as well as love and hate. A vivid portrayal of the nature of obsession, this is a tale that will remain in my mind for a long, long time.

Martin is a writer who is on his own journey toward self-actualization in 1920s Barcelona, when he is approached and asked to write a story. The tale, he is assured, will change lives. Intrigued, and with little else calling him, Martin accepts. Thus begins the true journey of his lifetime. Martin is at times implored to grant a dying man’s last request, relinquish his hold on his heart, and accept what seems surreal. The best part of this book is that the writing is so true and clean, so heartfelt and passionate, that the reader is alongside Martin on every step of his journey.

I loved THE ANGEL’S GAME. It is one for the keeper shelf, and is so outstanding that I’m compelled to pick up a copy of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s earlier novel, THE SHADOW OF THE WIND. I was enthralled by this gifted storyteller’s ability, and I believe others will be, as well.

Kay James