As it was National poetry day yesterday, and several blog friends have been talking of books, I thought I’d tell you a story about a book I took to the Lakes with me last week.
Nine years ago I was in the library looking for a new author, and decided to let fate play a part by choosing the very last book in the fiction section.
The last book was, “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I took it home along with several other books, but I was so busy I didn’t have a chance to even read the back cover to see what it was about and a few weeks later the book was returned and I forgot all about it.
A few months ago I was shopping in the village when I spotted a book sitting all alone on a bench. Nobody was around so I picked the book up and took it home.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the book was The Shadow of the wind……
When I opened it I saw a note taped on the inside cover. The note said….
I am a very special book. You see I’m travelling around the world making new friends. I hope I’ve met another friend in you. Please go to www.BookCrossing.com and enter my number and you’ll discover where I’ve been and who has read me, and you can let them know that I am safe in your hands. Then read and release me.
I decided to take the book with me to the lakes as somehow the title seemed to fit the place. So, the first evening I sat in front of the log burner, with aching legs, and while listening to the roaring waterfall outside I read the following blurb.
Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the Cemetery of forgotten books, a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles. To this library a man brings his ten year old son, Daniel, one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax.
I was struck by how odd this was given I’d chosen the book from a library randomly nine years before!!!! Coincidence or what!!! And I’d actually found the book twice in odd circumstances. So I curled up and got stuck in.
Each evening I relaxed with the book in front of the fire while owls hooted all around and water thundered outside. By the end of the holiday I had read it.
Now, given the fact I’d found it twice, and that it was a story about a book being found, I half imagined it may hold a message of sorts, just for me, but….it didn’t. I enjoyed it nevertheless, even though parts of it were dark.
A character in the book claimed that every book has a soul, the soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it, and every time a book changes hands, and every time someone runs their eyes down it’s pages, it’s spirit grows and strengthens.
I rather liked that idea.
So there you have it! When I got home I checked the bookcrossing website and listed the book and how I found it. It seems it had been missing for six years before I found it.
But…. now that I’ve read it I have to decide what to do with it. I could leave it somewhere for somebody to find, or I could give it to a charity shop….or…..I could post it to one of you and leave you to pass it on? What say you????? I rather like the idea of it travelling to a blog friend….
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I really enjoyed the post. Loved the pictures, and enjoyed the message about the soul of books. I think it happens sometimes… but not always. And as much as I enjoyed your post, I’m not sure that I’ve been moved to read the book. I thought the recommendation was sort of lukewarm. Could be that I got the message through your post… I’ll have to think about it.
Thanks Shimon. Yes, I’d agree about the recommendation being lukewarm. It was a very strange book and moved in all sorts of directions….when I’d finished it I knew I’d enjoyed it but there were parts that I didn’t enjoy so much. It was hard to put down and really well written. And it’s a book that I’ll remember…..I don’t want to say anything about the plot in case you do read it….so…Yes, I would give it a go, I’d love to know what you think of it!xxxx
How spooky that the book kept turning up. You were obviously destined to read it. I will see if I can get it from our library. And what beautiful photos of the lakes I like the one of the heron, but especially the one of one of your dogs in the water with rings all around him. What a great relaxing holiday.I used to go to the lake district at least one a year, but haven’t been in the last few years. It is a special place indeed xxx
Thanks Keggy, I’d love to know what you think of the book.
Yes, the lakes are so special, maybe a week would do you good.xxxx
What a fabulous post Snowbird, that book sounds really good, I’ve never read any by that author and set in Barcelona, a place I love. I love the idea of the bookcrossing as well. Books are so special. I recently downloaded a couple of books to my tablet to read on holiday but its just not the same. I read one but couldn’t wait to get back to normal books once I got home. I’m not ever going to be converted to electronic books. Sometimes just seeing a book cover can get me interested in a book, plus I’m a bit nosy and I like to look at what people are reading on trains and get very frustrated nowadays when seeing people with ereaders!
Thanks Annie, it is a wonderful book, and now it’s gone to Canada so it’s still travelling!
Oh I can relate to the kindle, I know they are popular but like you I love to hold a book in my hands, that’s the real deal. And I like to see what others are reading too and now feel cheated when I can’t…..lol xxxx
I do love the idea of a book swop….it is good to have someone recommend a book…..and as you say, lots od discoveries ready to be found! Thanks Linda xxxx
Sorry I’m rather behind with my comment. I can understand why you’re drawn to the Lakes. I’ve not been there for years and enjoyed hearing about our grandson’s camping and walking experience there recently.
The’ travelling book’ experience is fascinating. I remember our son saying he enjoyed reading that one and he’s not a great reader of novels. I never took him up on the recommendation. When I get a book out of the library I often wonder who read it before me. Tomorrow we have a book swop in town as part of the literary festival. It’s a great way to share reading experiences and I always feel there must be a book surprise waiting there for me to discover rather than limiting my choice of what novels to read or listen to.
That is a beautiful post.It’s many years since I was walking up there but it still is strong in my mind…and how strange about the book..your blog is so beautiful…:))
The Lakes get into your blood don’t they. I can’t get over how quiet it is there, and it’s such a deep aged silence that seems all knowing….
Thanks for your lovely comment Kath.xxxx
I read Shadow of the wind some years ago. I was riveted. The translation was wonderfully, done by Robert Graves daughter. Her father was a wonderful wordsmith. Disappointingly, the second book, it goes back a generation, lacked substance and I did not rate it very highly.
I had explored Barcelona a few years before, I could visualise many of the places mentioned and described in the book. It added to my enjoyment and connection with the work.
I gave a book to someone, so far, it has travelled from one end of the American continent, to another. It is currently with people who will fulfil the book’s underlying potential. It was written and published in the USA and published I the UK, where I found it.
It’s great stuff.
I thought the translation was wonderful too Menhir and I too was riveted, it’s certainly a compelling book isn’t it?
I must go to Barcelona one fine day, it sounds like a wonderful place.
What is the title of the book that is now travelling across America? Thanks Menhir.xxxx
I love the idea of a book being on a continuous journey and finding new people, I think posting it to a blog friend is a great idea. The pics came out fab didn’t they, especially that Heron one x
Yes, now the book will go to a blog friend, who may it on to another blog friend, so it will continue travelling. I’ve never seen so many herons as this time round in the Lakes.xxxx
Ahha! A mystery within a mystery….YES!!!!
Delighted to pop your name into the hat.
We always have a wonderful time in the Lakes….thanks Glo.xxxx
What a wonderful story about the book! A mystery within a mystery 🙂 I hadn’t heard of the book, but looked it up on our regional library and found that it has 11 holds on the 10 books available throughout the island ~ so I’d like to be put on your draw for your book as well. Thanks for the opportunity!
Looks like you had a great time in the Lake District and a wise move to reserve for your next vacation.
What a fascinating post about a book with two stories, the original plot penned by the author and then the story of the book travelling around the world. I like the idea of bookcrossing – I’d never heard of it before. I did read this book a few years ago and I think I still have it somewhere but I haven’t got round to reading any more from the same author. I must do so.
Wonderful photos of the beautiful lakes. I’m glad you had a good holiday and I love your descriptions of the waterfalls and the owls and the roaring fires. Your gorgeous dogs look as though they had great fun, too!
There seem to be lot’s of odd things connected to this book…. I was amazed when I read the plot was about someone randomly choosing it just like I did, and then to find the same book again….weird!!!
I plan on reading more of his books too….I hope we both get to enjoy them,
The lakes are so beautiful Wendy….everywhere you look is another delightful scene. They have it all….mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests, babbling brooks….and the dogs just adore being there.xxxx
Perhaps you are yet to have a Eureka moment that you know was all destined from the way you came to have the book on two occasions etc etc…. Who knows! Sounds a very lovely title.
I have heard the thing about people leaving a book for somebody else to find, read and leave in another place for somebody else to find – there was a person talking about it on the radio years ago. Fancy you finding it like that! what fun!
The cottage in the lake District sounds wonderful and what lovely pics and great to see the dig-dogs having such a lovely time!
xxx
Lol….I was a tad disappointed to find there was no meaning for me in the book, but hey….yes, maybe it’s early days!!!!
It is a wonderful idea isn’t it……and it’s a lovely thing to come across one of the books that is travelling.
Ah yes, I think you’d like to stay in that cottage, it would be perfect and you could take spot spot dog, ours love going there.xxxx
He is such a funny thing he might be frightened of the noise of the waterfall…. If you say ‘bath’ to him sternly he shakes all over….. poor Spotty!xxx
I smiled, reading your post, observing the quiet of that blue lake resembling remotely at the one I see out my window… There, open spaces, fresh and peaceful in the nature, certainly better than our poor Lake Verbano with too many buildings around!
With regard to the Spanish writer Zafron, eh eh eh “nothing is left to chance” I have an almost “morbid bond” with books (for various reasons). Since I was a little girl I’m collecting them. I got it from my dad… I remember my father, he had subscribed to a publishing house and every month he received two or three books… But he had to work hard, with three kids to support, the time to read was scarce. “I will read them when I get older and retire”… Those were his words.
Then when he was 55 years old, the doctors diagnosed him a fatal disease that would gradually make him blind. I’m filled with sadness and sweetness thinking I had become his “eyes” and I read for him a lot… even on his deathbed, the cancer metastases had spread around, I read a novel that also left its mark in my heart: “Seven Years in Tibet” by Harrer, an auto-biographical novel.
Nothing is left to chance, and since I’m buddist, for me this novel was a sort of “enlightenment.” My father’s “escape” was from materiality, close to death, he understood… The “escape” of every human being is linked to the ephemeral…
Dear Dina, each message enclosed in a good novel, always comes to the reader’s heart! As Gill says, it’s true that a novel should always be read in the language of the author… even if a translator is brilliant, it’s difficult to be faithful to the feeling enclosed in a complete sentence. But maybe, I speak for myself, each book becomes a symbiosis so deep with the person who wrote it that perhaps only the author manages to evoke the soul of the novel it self! Serenity and a lovely week-end :-)claudine
What a beautiful comment Claudine, I was very moved hearing about your father and saddened to think he couldn’t read once retired, but what a gift to be able to read to him, that must have been very special for both of you, and the book you chose at the end seemed to have a message for you both.
I do agree that a book should be read in the author’s tongue as there are bound to be parts that don’t translate perfectly…..and this one is probably the same but I did enjoy it. You have a beautiful way with words too. Thanks Claudine.xxxx
Gorgeous photos; what a heavenly spot to relax. I read Shadow of the Wind many years ago and loved it; thanks for reminding me of its lovely themes about stories and their spirits…Blessings as you sink into autumn and the wonderful work you do at the rescue!
Oh I love the Lakes Kitty, the atmosphere changes continually, it’s such a beautifully haunting place that lingers with you well after you’ve got home. It’s a place I think you’d enjoy very much.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the book too, it’s the type of book you think about isn’t it…
I do love autumn….and the rescue, although we have just had to rescue thirty rabbits so the work load has shot up. Thanks Kitty. xxxx
What an amazing find, and what a wonderful place to read it.
I agree that books have a soul though I’ve never thought of it like that before.
I’m off to find the bookcrossing website 🙂
Rose H
x
Just a quick thought…you wouldn’t do that with a Kindle!
x
Lol……that’s a good point!!!xxxx
It was the perfect place to read it…..I loved that idea of books having souls too, and I also liked reading a book about a book….
Enjoy Bookcrossing, I think it’s a brilliant idea. I hope you release a book.xxxx
Great story! I listen to a lot of books on tape while driving, which I have to do for my job. After I finished all the books on tape in the library by authors I know I like, I started going alphabetically (though excluding authors I knew I didn’t like.) I am now on the Cs and have discovered a lot of great authors, plus a few duds.
What a great idea Jason. I love listening to audio books in the car, but I get so into them I never want to get out and end up sitting in the oddest places trying to catch a few more minutes of the book. Good luck with the D’s….xxxxx
Yes! I have that problem too!
Sounds like you had a wonderful and relaxing sort of holiday.
I just loved the romantic mysterious theme of this post Snowbird! Imagine running into the same book in such chance circumstances. What are the odds! Did you go to the website to see who else had read it? I love the idea of leaving it in a charity shop or passing it on to another blogger. I wouldn’t mind reading it, but it would cost too much to send it here. I am sure you will find the perfect spot to leave it for someone else to discover.
We had a wonderful time, as always in the Lakes, but it is a torturous, enjoyable [on the way down] battle up the peaks so we end up like zombies in the evenings….even the dogs are worn out!!!! So a good read in front of the fire with sleeping dogs is blissful….especially with a glass of wine!
I thought it was mysterious, running into the same book twice…..and I love the uncanny!
The book started out in Dublin, and then was found on a plane coming from India and eventually ended up in Liverpool… where I found it six years later…
I’d love to put your name in the hat Jennifer, the cost is really not a problem………and it may end up in another country!xxxx
I think an author must put their soul in to each book they write. How mysterious to come across the book like that, I’ve heard ot BookCrossing but have never come across one ot the books yet. Loved your photos, I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Sam’s up to his old tricks again I see. It looks like both Sam and Annie had a fabulous time.
Y’know Jo, I hadn’t heard of Bookcrossing before but love the romance of it. I may even release a book myself…..I’d have to choose a classic though ….so where to start?
Yes, I don’t doubt that all great books have had heart and soul poured into them……how wonderful it must be to write well!
We had a blast Jo, and lol….Sam…sighs…..what is to be done with him????? He just has to take the high ground!!!!xxxx
Ooh, what a mysterious book to find!
P.s. I love the clarity of your pics.
Thanks Hannah, it was a deliciously mysterious find, and I love all things mysterious!
Lol….my pics are accidentally goodish….more luck than anything…although they have improved after advice from a good friend Shimon….a hug to him.xxxx
Brilliant book…Yes! A Classic…arguably! Thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Read’….Most delightful pictures….Hugs! :)xx
Glad to hear you enjoyed it Bushka, it really is such an unusual book isn’t it, I’ve never read anything quite like it. I love the fact it was all about books…..Thanks.xxxx
Me please ….. I’d like a good read!!!!!
We must meet up soon
Smashin’! I’ll put all the names of those interested into a hat. Good to know that it will now go to a blogfriend….although you are now a real life one too….smiles….xxxx
What a fascinating post…the book sounds intriguing. I hope it carries on its journey. I certainly believe most good writers put their heart and soul into their story. Great pictures of your holiday too! 🙂
Hi Karen, thanks and lovely to hear from you. I hope all is well with you and yours.
I hope this book keeps moving too and hope it goes to someone here who will pass it on or leave it somewhere.
Yes, I agree about good writers pouring everything into a story….xxxx
What an interesting post, and terrific photos.
I’ve never come across a bookcrossing book. I enjoyed reading this book soon after it came out. I’m sure someone here will like it, and if not then I’d leave it somewhere suitable. xx
I hadn’t heard of Bookcrossing books before, but I do really love the idea of it. It was fun seeing where it had come from and who had read it. Thanks Flighty.xxxx
I read that book a few months ago – it’s unusual but that’s what to expect with a book translated from another language, I guess. What wonderful photos – so atmospheric of the Lakes! – but relieved to see that you did get SOME sun … 😉
What did you think of the book Gilly? I thought it was translated brilliantly, often some books read rather oddly after translation…..
Oh my….you wouldn’t believe how much sun we got, weird for the Lakes!!!xxxx
What a fun idea 🙂 Curious, I read a little synopsis and was surprised to find that it is a quite well-known book.
Your images in this post are just wonderful — especially that first one. I feel as though I’d taken a mini vacation with you.
Lol….I thought it was a lovely idea too. Maybe you should release a book! I didn’t expect the book to be a best seller, usually they tend to disappoint, but this one didn’t. It did really fit into the Lakes somehow.
Love that you feel you took a vacation with me, thanks Nikki.xxxx
What a great post – I love that a book has a soul, and what an unusual premise that the book should be passed around like that. Fortunately I have read this book and all the rest of Carlos Ruiz books too. I am never quite sure if I understand them and as you say they are quite dark. Love the photos particularly the one with your two dogs playing peek-a-boo under the table. Glad you enjoyed your break at the Lakes.
I haven’t read any of his work before, but I will now. It is a book you think about afterwards, and it was very unique. Overall I think I really enjoyed it. Yes, I too love the thought that a great book has a soul, and a little piece of those who have handled it seeps into it…..and so the energy grows….
Thanks Elaine, we all had such a fantastic time at the Lakes, the dogs love it and as soon as I get home I book another week in the cottage. The place pulls me back again and again….xxxx