This work, which began the tetralogy The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, is currently the second most-read novel by a peninsular author in history, surpassed only by Don Quixote. It has been translated into 50 languages, including Mongolian, and continues to be reissued constantly.
The complete tetralogy, which includes The Angel's Game (2009), The Prisoner of Heaven (2012), and The Labyrinth of Spirits (2017), has accumulated some 50 million readers worldwide.
“"Now, moreover, it especially resonates with readers who love gothic and romantic stories."
According to Ruiz Zafón's editor, Emili Rosales, the novel's impact is so extraordinary that it can already be considered a contemporary classic. Coinciding with this 25th anniversary, a special reissue for young adult readers has been launched, featuring a different cover from the original.
In April, Grup 62 organized an immersive experience at the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, where about sixty people were able to imaginatively wander through the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, the iconic setting of the saga. Over a quarter-century, the novel has inspired various literary routes and even a musical symphony.
The work of Ruiz Zafón, who passed away in 2020, stood out for its masterful ability to blend intrigue, suspense, historical fiction, and comedy of manners. The city of Barcelona, another character in the plot, was repositioned on the global literary map thanks to The Shadow of the Wind.
