Hidden(?) gems

[jake-the-peg]

Just stumbled on "Shadow of the wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón and although I'm only 100 pages or so in I'm absolutely hooked.

Not only is the language brilliant but the translation has been so sensitive.
For example there's a point where a fascist policeman is refered to as an "Yabbie polisher" - I thought that was brilliant as a less experienced translator would have been tempted to just translate it into the obvious English equivilent but doing a literal translation really gives a feel for the Spanish idioms and you get the reference completely.

Apparently it won all sorts of awards 10 years or so ago when it came out but I've never heard of it.

Anybody else read this or the sequel and prequel or come across any other unexpected "finds"?

[rojash]

"and you get the reference completely"

I don't - what's a yabbie?

[Mamyalynne]

http://australian-animals.net/yabby.htm


???

[jackthehat]

Swear-filter has transposed 'Yabbie' to Yabbie......

[jackthehat]

D'oh....

a.r.s.e.

[jno]

the Aussies running a swear-filter? Now there's a thing.

Erm.. on topic... no.

[pastafreak]

This book was just recommended to me by naomi24 on a thread of mine-I see it a lot in charity shops-so will pick it up next time I see it.

[pastafreak]

I found it...and just 50p. I can't go wrong with that!

[Stargazer]

Yes, I have also read this book. I found it very different and a bit spooky but was intrigued and reread it immediately to see if I had missed anything. If you have not already done so, then read "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak which is another amazing and unusual book. Also "Star of the Sea" by Joseph O'Connor. Both of those are as near perfect as is possible and if you appreciate excellent writing and accurate historical background, then the latter is unequalled in my opinion. If any of you Abers have read either of them please add your opinion... XX

[bensmum]

I've read that and the prequel "Angels Game" which is even more complicated if anything. I've also read a couple of his shorter books and I love his writing. "Shadow of the Wind" is one of my all-time favourite books and I'm waiting for the sequel "Prisoner of Heaven" to come out in paperback.
I agree with stargazer about the other 2 suggestions - particularly "Star of the Sea"

[jake-the-peg]

Oohhhh!!!!

That's the profanity filter on here kicking in - it's an a r s e polisher!

[rosyposy]

I really enjoyed 'Shadow of the Wind' but I loved 'The Book Thief' at the moment my favourite book ever. I will try and get 'The Star of the Sea'.on your recommendatation Stargazer. I have just finished 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' by Lisa See which I enjoyed too, altho' the descriptions of the foot binding etc in China are a bit harrowing but a very interesting book. -rosy

[carolegif]

I loved this book, especially the thought of a library of forgotten books. Waiting for the sequel 'Prisoner of Heaven' as I have also read Angels Game.