About the Book:
• Publisher: Harper (July 10, 2012)
About the Author:
My Opinion:
I did not realize when I chose to review this novel that it was part of a series. I didn’t really find it out until I read a couple of reviews for it. I could see where some questions could be answered but I in no way felt that I lost at sea, so to speak. The Prisoner of Heaven can definitely stand on its own and it has certainly piqued my interest in seeking out Mr. Zafon’s first two books in this intriguing Spanish tale.
I was drawn to the story by the promise of a bit of historical novel, a bit of a love story and the hint of mystery. It delivered on all fronts. It’s a very hard book to try and describe as it is quite unlike anything I’ve read before. It is a dark gem full of rich characters of both good and evil and it uses my favorite novel, The Count of Monte Cristo as a reference and a reverence.
Mr. Zafon creates a dark world for war torn Barcelona in 1939. Fermin Romero de Tores is swept up into prison for reasons never fully explained (one of those questions I mentioned above) and he meets famous author David Martin who helps him to escape with the promise that he will look after his friend Isabella and her child.
In present day Barcelona (1957 in the book) Fermin and Daniel, Isabella’s child are best friends and the book details how that came to be through Fermin’s confession to Daniel when the past rises and threatens the peace of the present.
It’s a horrifying and well written tale and it is not over…another book is alluded to and I will look forward to it. The writing is exceptional; Mr. Zafon’s pen sets a mood whether dark or light with words that dance on the page. He draws you into the dank, smelly prison where Fermin suffers and he celebrates the beauty of a sunset just as effectively. He is a seductive writer no matter the subject. I will most certainly seek out more of his work and keep this one in my library.
You can see the Tour Schedule HERE
You can download a free short e-story by Carlos Ruiz Zafon! How cool is that?! Just go HERE – It’s called The Rose of Fire.
You can purchase The Prisoner of Heaven on Amazon.com
Disclosure: I received a copy of The Prisoner of Heaven from TLC Book Tours gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.