
Original photo by Allegra, via CC. Adapted by Writer’s Caravan.
I recently finished The Shadow Of The Wind by masterful storyteller Carlos Ruiz Zafón and before I go any further… Fear not – NO SPOILERS in this post.
The Shadow Of The Wind (click the link to go to GoodReads) is defined as a mystery novel but I would add that in its richness and complexity, it also bears the signs of historical fiction all the while being a coming-of-age story about a young boy whose life is forever changed through the power of a single book.
I read this novel with the avid eyes of a young adult and reflected upon it with the analytic spirit of the writer I praise myself to be.
Here are a few tips I want to share with writers and minds alike.
1) Setting is key.
The story is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, in a Barcelona whose memory of the events is still fresh and traumatic. The Franco dictatorship is looming over the present time of the plot without being mentioned once.
Such an informed account of the events taught me this : do your research but don’t let it show. This is a fictional book, set against a non-fiction backdrop. The latter needs to be incorporated in the former imperceptibly and with an added perspective and emotion.
2) Suspense can be created in any genre.
For it to work, pace your story. Be patient with the answers you reveal. Drop subtle hints – misleading hints – and trust the reader to bear with ‘not knowing’ something until as far as the last 100 pages or so.
3) A character’s voice can make or break the story.
Fermin’s sarcastic sense of humour and crude language distinguish him from the rest and give the novel an unexpected sense of humour. When we are faced with a dialogue, we don’t need clarifications such as ‘Fermin said’. We know exactly who’s who and the author made sure of that by giving his characters peculiar traits, a voice so unique we don’t need anything else to find our bearings.
4) A character is human, ergo it has flaws.
This is difficult without giving away spoilers but I will only say this. Daniel – the young boy and narrator – is naive, inexperienced, obstinate and at times, rather selfish. Every other character is flawed too, in their own special way.
Why do we still care for them? Because they acknowledge their flaws and feel bad about their mistakes. They repent, we empathise. Simple.
5) A character doesn’t have to be human.
Let me explain. By that I mean that Barcelona in itself becomes a character. It accompanies us everywhere we go. It has its own fits of rage in the likes of violent snowstorms and its own secrets which will remain safe with me.
The Aldaya Mansion plays a key role too. It has a life of its own. It has a past, a present and a future. A voice that is all too human and once again, flawed. The doors creak, the windows slam shut, the cold reigning inside is almost palpable.
I could go on but I will leave you with this: read The Shadow Of The Wind. If you’re not impressed, come back here and defend your argument. I dare you. :)
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Thanks for reading.
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Interesting. And, insightful. As I mentioned, I have been giving a lot of thought to writing style and technique recently. Your post is timely. Helpful. And now I want to read The Shadow of the Wind even more :)
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I’m glad you found it helpful. And you definitely should read it – if you like the kind of book of course! :)
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Adding this one to my ever-growing list. A Barcelona setting with historical overtones is irresistible with a good story as frosting!
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I love the way you put this and yes, I agree! It’s a great combination, isn’t it? :)
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Great post! I loved this book, but never thought to learn any writing lessons from it. Thank you for pointing them out!
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I’m so glad you liked this post! The book was fantastic, I loved every minute of it.
Thanks for stopping by Gargi! :)
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Interesting post, Ellie. I’ll add the book to my TBR pile.
More importantly, though, where have you been? Or have I just not been getting notifications of your posts?
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Graeme!! Hi! This is an old post I decided to reshare but I’m slowly easing back into blogging. I’ve moved to Italy!! What’s new with you? Off I go to catch up on your blog.
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Italy?! I thought next stop was going to be the US – or did the Trump election change your mind?
A few things happening with me at the moment, but probably too many to go into here. Things will become clearer over the next few months, though.
Be interested to hear about why you’re in Italy – will you blog about that?
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Well… Trump did not make it easy but I applied anyway. Fingers crossed for a 2017 start in the fall. Italy is an in-between chapter.
Oh, you’ve got me intrigued about those “few things”. Eager to find out…
I’ll definitely blog about it all, yes, but to answer your question, I’m here teaching English, among other things!
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I’m glad you’re still hoping to go – it sounded like it was something you really wanted to do. And besides, Trump is on the list I’m placing bets on.
I’ll look forward to reading your blog and learning what happened to you between Paris and Italy. As for the intrigue, I realised that I’ve already written about some of what’s happening, so (to save you looking), here’s a link;
https://graemecumming.net/2016/11/01/ravens-gathering-the-paperback/
Can’t wait to read about and share more with you
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It’s funny how intrigued everyone is, maybe I should start being a little more generous with what I share with you guys…
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I’ve got a feeling we’ve had that conversation before
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Oops…
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