THE ANGEL'S GAME

I finished Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s THE ANGEL’S GAME several days ago. And overall it is a very good book. If it were not being compared to THE SHADOW OF THE WIND all the time it would fare better. I liked it very much and I got more out of it than expected.

The book is set in the 1920’s Barcelona and the main protagonist is a very talented young writer David who turns to writing hack novels to make a living. These books are still loved by many, but he felt he wanted to write a book of his own which he does at the expense of his health. His publishers say that they will publish it for him but if it is not a success he must stick to his contact and keep putting out his very popular thrillers. Naturally they see to it that the book tanks and David is in a quandary. He is now in very poor health and life looks dismal.

He gets a contract from another publisher to write a new book of religious importance amidst promises of help with his other problems. Herein is part of the gem of the story. Some of the great discussions that take place about the nature of beliefs, how they develop, how they are manipulated is very well done, thought provoking and worth rereading. Zafon doesn’t criticize doctrines but he exposes some of the weakness of human’s needs.

‘ There is always someone else to blame for our misfortunes or failures, someone we wish to exclude.

Embracing a doctrine that will turn this grudge and this victim mentality into something positive provides comfort and strength. The adult then feels part of the group and sublimates his lost desires and hopes through the community.’

 In all the book is a love story without a romantic ending. I am glad I finally read it.