A must read for any paperback enthusiast. Provides an interesting glimpse into the world of post War War II publishing and the struggles publishers anA must read for any paperback enthusiast. Provides an interesting glimpse into the world of post War War II publishing and the struggles publishers and authors had to contend with. Very, very good....more
The Lew Griffin books are character driven stories which put depth and meaning ahead of the criminal element. In Moth, Griffin, less the private detecThe Lew Griffin books are character driven stories which put depth and meaning ahead of the criminal element. In Moth, Griffin, less the private detective, more the acclaimed author and educator is pulled back into the seedy underworld of the lone wolf detective business when his former flame, Verne passes away leaving behind a daughter Lew knew nothing of.
The daughter isn’t Lew’s but it doesn’t stop him searching for her as if she was. Along the way he discovers her drug addiction and deep dive into depravity while also finding answers about himself he didn’t know he was looking for as past and present fuse in an interesting, albeit slowly moving, novel.
Towards the later stages of the novel, Sallis gives Lew a stock standard case which, drug dependencies aside, has little in common with the main plot but it does round out the story well to leave more of that tried and true formulaic P.I novel flavor.
My rating: 3.5/5, not as good as The Long Legged Fly, but a nice addition to the Lew Griffin series. ...more
Expanding upon the literary universe set within the fictional landscape of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN focuses on one of mExpanding upon the literary universe set within the fictional landscape of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN focuses on one of my favourite characters, Fermin, and his seemingly unjust imprisonment prior to forming the bond he now shares with bookstore owners Sempere Snr and son Daniel.
Author Carlos Ruiz Zafon has once again written a book for book lovers. Like the previous instalments in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books universe, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN envelopes the reader in the velvety mist of Barcelona circa 1930’s and 1940’s whilst the narrative waxes poetic the allure and intimacy a cherished/sought after book has on a reader.
There’s secrecy, mystery upon mystery, and multi faceted storytelling yet the glue that holds it all together is the rich and vibrant characters Carlos Ruiz Zafon has steadily built into his Barcelona. Whilst Fermin’s back-story and involvement with a mysterious visitor to the bookstore is the highlight, there are also delicious revelations about Daniel and co that are sure to satisfy fans of this series of books.
As the third book, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN reads well as a standalone yet, having read THE SHADOW OF THE WIND (twice) and THE ANGEL’S GAME, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN is that much more enjoyable. If you like books – irrespective of genre, this is a must read series.
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