Inspiring Young Readers
The Watcher in the Shadows by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a Spanish novelist and composer. Born in Barcelona, he has lived in Los Angeles, United States, since 1993, and as well as writing novels, he also works as a scriptwriter.
A mysterious toymaker, Lazarus, lives an isolated life in a crumbling mansion by the sea, surrounded by the mechanical beings he has created. Strange lights seem to shine through the mists that surround the small island where the old lighthouse stands, and somewhere in the woods nearby, lurks a shadowy creature…
This book was filled with many twists and turns. I can honestly say that I found it extremely hard to put it down. Every chapter had left me wanting to read on further and before I knew it, I had finished it in one sitting! The character of Lazarus is shown to be mysterious and full of secrets - he lives alone in an isolated mansion in the middle of nowhere away from people: what may be the reason? Has he been shunned by the community? Is he a widower who has resigned himself to die alone and unloved?
Well, you have to read to find out, and the reason will be clear.
Irene is the daughter of a woman who has signed up to work as a housekeeper for the strange yet kind Lazarus. New friendships are formed as Irene soon meets Hannah and her sailor cousin, Ismael. The writer has introduced these new characters in such a way, readers are engaged and want to find out more about these characters. While Irene and Ismael go through twists and turns, dark secrets are revealed on the way in which they both find themselves wrapped around in as the mystery of The September Lights.
The writer adds suspense as well as excitement throughout the whole book, which makes it hard to put down, even for a second. Overall, this book was a spectacular story, which had really caught my attention, every sentence, and every last paragraph made me want to know more straight away. What is the mystery that surrounds the strange Island?
I am hoping to read additional books from this author as they are utterly inventive and riveting.
Yushra Fatima
May 2020