Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Profile

Carlos Ruiz Zafón (1964–2020) was a Spanish novelist from Barcelona, best known for the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, which began with The Shadow of the Wind (2001). He also wrote acclaimed young-adult novels including The Prince of Mist and The Midnight Palace.

Set many novels in Barcelona; blended gothic, mystery, and historical fiction; achieved worldwide success with the Cemetery of Forgotten Books tetralogy.

A single review praises The Shadow of the Wind for its hypnotic pull, genre-blending craft, and breathless pacing. Set in postwar Barcelona under Franco, it follows Daniel Sempere and a life-altering book. Themes of identity, love, hate, and societal hypocrisy surface. The tone is ardent and atmospheric.