Barcelona’s Sant Pau Modernist Complex recently hosted a unique event, recreating the iconic Cemetery of Forgotten Books from Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s acclaimed novel, The Shadow of the Wind. This special opening celebrated the 25th anniversary of the book’s publication, drawing readers, influencers, and journalists.

A guide, dressed in a jacket and tie, greeted approximately 60 selected guests at the entrance. He reminded them of the story’s core premise. “Stories have memory, and if no one cares for them, they die,” the guide proclaimed.

The event led attendees on a puzzle-solving journey through the complex. This culminated in the recreated mysterious library, a central setting in Zafón’s work. One attendee murmured, “It was The Shadow of the Wind, by Julián Carax,” as they followed the clues provided by editorial Planeta via iPads.

Celebrating a Literary Phenomenon

The Shadow of the Wind became an unusual publishing phenomenon a quarter-century ago. The novel, set in Barcelona in 1945, achieved bestseller status in Spain, Italy, China, Germany, Australia, and the United States. Its widespread appeal cemented its place in contemporary literature.

It won readers’ awards in the Netherlands and booksellers’ awards in Canada. In 2004, France recognised it as the best foreign novel. The prestigious New York Public Library also named it a Booksense Book of the Year, a “book to remember.”

Penguin Classics selected The Shadow of the Wind in 2014 as one of 26 works representing the history of universal literature. Zafón joined authors like Jane Austen, Marcel Proust, and Charles Dickens in this esteemed collection. This recognition highlighted the novel’s global cultural significance.

Journey to the Catacombs

On Tuesday evening, the guide prepared guests to enter the complex’s catacombs. Here, the Cemetery of Forgotten Books awaited them, alongside a standing dinner and a freshly printed copy of the lavish commemorative edition. Columna publishes the Catalan version, which recovers Josep Pelfort’s translation.

The guide engaged the audience with questions about the novel’s intricate plot. He asked, “Do you remember the forbidden love story between the rich Penélope and Julián Carax, son of a humble hat maker?” He later inquired, “In which neighbourhood is the heart of this story located?”

Carlos Ruiz Zafón drew inspiration for the mysterious Cemetery of Forgotten Books from a Los Angeles warehouse and the second-hand bookshops of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella district. This evocative setting captivated a vast global readership. The novel has been translated into over 40 languages and sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.

Global Acclaim and Lasting Impact

Illustrious author Stephen King described the work as “marvellous” and an “authentic gothic novel.” King added, “To fully appreciate it, you have to be a true romantic.” His endorsement further boosted the novel’s profile.

A brief round table discussion preceded the dinner. Planeta finalist Ángela Banzas, Madrid bookseller Pablo Cerezo from Pérgamo, and influencer/novelist Fernando Bonete participated. They all agreed the novel changed their lives as readers.

The 60 enthusiastic Zafón fans left the event determined to continue spreading their passion for the novel. This celebration underscored the enduring legacy of The Shadow of the Wind and its profound connection to Barcelona’s literary landscape.

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Originally published by Ara Cat. Read original article.