Name: Marina
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Year Published: 1999
(Second read)
Date Started: 05/31/26
Date Finished: 06/01/26
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Year Published: 1999
(Second read)
Date Started: 05/31/26
Date Finished: 06/01/26
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis
Marina is, as it says on the book cover, a gothic tale- set in 1980's Barcelona. It follows the protagonist Oscar, a 15 year old boy, who happens upon an eerie, seemingly abandonded house one day. Much to his surprise, this house isn't empty at all, but rather the home of a retired painter and his daughter, Marina. Oscar becomes quick friends with Marina and her father, and from this friendship blooms a strange mystery surrounding a nearby cemetery, in the shape of a black butterfly...
Tags: gothic fiction, paranormal, emotional
Review
Carlos Ruiz Zafon is, without a doubt, one of my favorite authors of all time. His use of imagery, and the ability he has to engulf the reader into the atmosphere of his novels, is unmatched. The use of actual locations and references to the culture gives the reader a sense that this actually happened- that it isn't a work of fiction, but rather, a retelling of a passed down memory.
As I mentioned in my Goodreads review of this book, Marina is about the only novel I've read thus far that has made me emotional. (As for why, well...I'll let you find out by reading it yourself >v*) You will find yourself invested in the characters, and, along with them, you'll go on their adventures and ponder what will happen next.
The plot itself is easy to follow; while the book does go from the present day to the past off and on, it's never jarring and flows very nicely. The story has elements of mystery, horror, and what I would consider coming-of-age for our protagonist. It hits all those key notes of gothic fiction, so any fan of the genre will certainly enjoy this.
I really do think that Zafon's work should be read by more people. Marina in particular, since it can be enjoyed by both young and old. Zafon has a way of inspiring you when you read his novels- it makes you wish that you could write with such imagination and description. I highly suggest this book for anyone who wants to dive into a Carlos Ruiz Zafon novel, and in general, anyone who wants to read a genuinely wonderful story.
As I mentioned in my Goodreads review of this book, Marina is about the only novel I've read thus far that has made me emotional. (As for why, well...I'll let you find out by reading it yourself >v*) You will find yourself invested in the characters, and, along with them, you'll go on their adventures and ponder what will happen next.
The plot itself is easy to follow; while the book does go from the present day to the past off and on, it's never jarring and flows very nicely. The story has elements of mystery, horror, and what I would consider coming-of-age for our protagonist. It hits all those key notes of gothic fiction, so any fan of the genre will certainly enjoy this.
I really do think that Zafon's work should be read by more people. Marina in particular, since it can be enjoyed by both young and old. Zafon has a way of inspiring you when you read his novels- it makes you wish that you could write with such imagination and description. I highly suggest this book for anyone who wants to dive into a Carlos Ruiz Zafon novel, and in general, anyone who wants to read a genuinely wonderful story.
Quotes
"I didn't realize then that sooner or later the ocean of time brings back the memories we submerge in it...We all have a secret buried under lock and key in the attic of our soul. This is mine."
"I've always wanted to have my own cathedral," said Marina. "Any suggestions?"
"Let's make it Gothic. Give me time and I'll build it for you."
The sun hit her face and her eyes shone, fixed on mine.
"Promise?" she asked, offering an open palm.
I shook her hand tightly. "Promise."
"That night Mijail said he believed each one of us is only granted brief moments of pure happiness. Sometimes only days or weeks. Other times years. It all depends on our luck. The rememberance of such moments stays with us forever and becomes a land of memories to which we vainly attempt to return during the rest of our existence. For me, those moments will always be found in that first night, walking through the city..."
"I've always wanted to have my own cathedral," said Marina. "Any suggestions?"
"Let's make it Gothic. Give me time and I'll build it for you."
The sun hit her face and her eyes shone, fixed on mine.
"Promise?" she asked, offering an open palm.
I shook her hand tightly. "Promise."
"That night Mijail said he believed each one of us is only granted brief moments of pure happiness. Sometimes only days or weeks. Other times years. It all depends on our luck. The rememberance of such moments stays with us forever and becomes a land of memories to which we vainly attempt to return during the rest of our existence. For me, those moments will always be found in that first night, walking through the city..."
Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Marina
