Translated to over 30 languages in 40 countries, “La sombra del viento” (The Shadow of The Wind) by Carlos Ruiz Safon broke all records of Spanish publishing with over one million copies sold in 2008.

A record never reached by one single novel. Today, his series add to more than 15 million copies sold worldwide.  Barcelona cannot be thought of without “La sombra del viento.”  There was a before and after this novel, not only in the literary history of Barcelona but in the literary history of Spain.  A young Carlos Ruiz Safon died today at the age of 55 from cancer, making him the king of the national best seller.

Published by Planeta in 2001; a decade later it reached the greatest success in worldwide sales of Spanish narratives surpassing 10 million copies sold.  “La sombra del viento” started the series of the Cementerio de los libros olvidados (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books) set in a Gothic real and imaginary Barcelona. This was one of Zafon’s talents: make us believe that his imagined city was real.  He wrote about known sites: from the highs of Tibidabo to the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarters, but with fantasies inspired by the works of Gaudi, whom he admired greatly, leaving strokes of his works throughout his novel: his organic architecture, his symbols, his mystery . . .

Read more: El Mundo