Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Marina
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
In May 1980, fifteen-year-old scar Drei suddenly vanishes from his boarding school in the old quarter of Barcelona. For seven days and nights no one knows his whereabouts. It all began the previous autumn when, while exploring the dilapidated grounds of what seemed to be an abandoned house filled with portraits, he inadvertently stole a gold pocket watch. Thus begins Oscar's friendship with Marina and her father Herman Blau, a portrait painter. Marina takes scar to the gardens of the nearby cemetery to watch a macabre ritual that occurs on the fourth Sunday of each month. At 10 a.m., a coach drives up to the cemetery and a woman with her face shrouded, wearing gloves, and holding a single rose is helped down from the coach and walks over to a nameless gravestone, where she sets down the flower, pauses for a moment, and then returns to the coach. The gravestone bears no marking but the outline of a strange-looking butterfly with open wings. On one of their subsequent walks Oscar and Marina spot the same woman and determine to follow her. Thereupon begins their journey into the woman's past, and that of the object of her devotion. It is a journey that takes them to the heights of a forgotten, postwar-Barcelona society, of now aged or departed aristocrats and actresses, inventors and tycoons; and into the depths of the city's mysterious underground of labyrinthine sewers, corrupt policemen, beggars' hovels, and criminal depravity.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
TheSpineView
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Eggs Beautiful 👏🏻📚🙏🏻 3y
54 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
SusanLee
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Eggs Perfect 🖤❤️🖤 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Pretty cover!! 🖤❤️ 3y
9 likes2 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

A low pick. I had randomly picked this up at the dollar store recently, and then it was suggested for #Booked2021 as a lesser known work. I had no idea that Zafon started out writing YA, and his earlier work is definitely overshadowed (ha ha, unintended pun!). He builds a good Gothic atmosphere, I liked that he managed to keep Marina from falling over the edge into full manic pixie dream girl, and the last 75 pages were gripping. 👇

TheKidUpstairs Unfortunately there was some dragging and wandering to get there. There is something about Zafon's writing that just never fully clicks with me. But it was entertaining enough. 3y
57 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
TheKidUpstairs
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Cooking dinner, reading Marina to finish off #Booked2021, and drinking Plum Cherry Jelly King from Bellwoods Brewery (soooo good). It's a nice moment.

LeahBergen That beer sounds tasty! 3y
TheKidUpstairs @LeahBergen oh my gosh, so good. Sweet and sour and a little hint of bitter. Yum! 3y
63 likes2 comments
quote
TheKidUpstairs
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

"Marina once told me that we only remember what never really happened."

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

blurb
SusanLee
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

#haunted #hauntedhouse @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
I remembered there is a house thought to be haunted in this book! It‘s a novel which I‘ve truly enjoyed!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤😱 🏠 3y
Eggs Well done 👍🏼 3y
6 likes2 comments
review
Iszy
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Mehso-so

This gothic novel follows Marina and Oscar as they step into downtown Barcelona and become engulfed in mystery and dark secrets buried in the past. Set in post-war Barcelona, May 1980, this book is easy to get lost in.
It is told from Oscar‘s perspective, but we still get an idea of what Marina is feeling through Oscar‘s speculations. Marina comes to a definite and emotional ending where there can be no way for them to ever journey together again.

review
Nitpickyabouttrains
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

A lonely boy meets some new people and gets caught up in discovering a story from the past.

15 likes1 stack add
blurb
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

#3books that made me want to travel.

Marina: Barcelona
Bonjour Tristesse: French Riviera
Slouching Towards Bethlehem: Northern California

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

tjwill I definitely got the urge to travel to Barcelona because of (edited) 4y
emz711 @tjwill all CRZ all Barcelona! 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @tjwill @emz711 Marina was my first CRZ book so I chose it here, but when I read Shadow and listened to Prisoner I again had serious travel vibes. I'm also trying to not repeat books and might need Shadow later in the month. 4y
See All 8 Comments
tjwill @emz711 Yes! @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I still need to read Prisoner! It‘s the only in the series I haven‘t read. I have been looking forward to reading it since I first heard about it and even preordered it, but also don‘t want it to be done. 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @tjwill I know the feeling! After I listened to Marina I found Prisiner on audio. I listened to it and liked it, but since I didn't read Shadow or Angel's Game, I felt a little lost. (I'm also learning to focus on audio). I read Shadow a few months ago. Since CRZ's death, I'm torn on reading them all (so far, he's been good) but also not wanting to read them all since there's a finite number of books. Did you read Labyrinth already? 4y
tjwill @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I totally mixed up the titles. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I have read Prisoner of Heaven, not yet Labyrinth of Spirits. That‘s the one I meant above. 4y
OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚👍🏻 4y
emz711 Labyrinth of spirits is incredible. I immediately read it over and then immediately read the whole series again. Enjoy the journey! 4y
46 likes1 stack add8 comments
review
CyaneFillion
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Pickpick

This was initally a very curious, creepy sort of murder mystery. However, as the story progressed, it dealt with sadness and the passage of time. I can't articulate quite how I felt after reading other than a strange solace and acceptance. I have to say, when the book meant to be tense and creepy, it most certainly was. Not at all the type of book I thought it was going to be. I highly recommend it.

6 likes1 stack add
blurb
tjwill
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Audible is having a 2-for-1-credit sale on select horror, mystery, and thrillers right now. I got these!

29 likes2 comments
review
ItsAnotherJen
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

What a great October read! Dark, twisty, descriptive, scary. I liked 'Shadow of the Wind' so much, so it was fun to read another book by this author. I can't say I fully understand the entire plot line of this book, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
*this pic is from the internet...used it because it looks spooky and perfect for this month.👻🎃🧙‍♀️

KT1432 Oohhh this does sound perfect for Fall!! 🍁🍂🎃🏚 5y
sprainedbrain I loved this one too! 5y
85 likes3 stack adds2 comments
review
sprainedbrain
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

The Shadow of the Wind is one of my very favorite books, and this little piece of gothic horror is almost as beautifully written and poetic. 🖤

Fantastic characters, gorgeous language, some really scary parts, and truly touching rumination on life and death. Combining mystery, love story, and science fiction seamlessly. I devoured this book in one day, and I‘m certain I will read it again.

A perfect #screamathon read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BookmarkTavern That sounds amazing! 5y
BookwormM Stacked 5y
alisiakae Stacked! 5y
87 likes11 stack adds3 comments
blurb
IuliaC
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Lovely gothic fantasy on love, life and death

review
Naj
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

What a ride! I hated having to put this down and get back to real life. There were some real scary parts that I wouldn't recommend reading at night and perfect, atmospheric writing. Two minor complaints: the ending dragged out for a couple of extra chapters after the main action was over. The narrator — a 15yo boy —was pretty annoying at times, but I guess that was to be expected. Highly recommend, especially if you like Gothic fiction.

25 likes2 stack adds
blurb
SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Spent my $25 birthday giftcard wisely 🙂📚
...now to practice my patience as I wait for them to arrive.

The coupon code if anyone wants: WEEKIVERSARY

Crazeedi I really enjoyed , there is a sequel too 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🎉🎊📚 6y
SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime @Crazeedi awesome! i had never even heard of it until recently, then saw it suggested on multiple "list your favorite underrated book" posts so I had to pick it up... I'm sure ill be buying the sequel soon! haha 6y
See All 6 Comments
Crazeedi This is the other one! 6y
SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime @Crazeedi thank you so much! added to my tbr 🙂 6y
15 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Pageturner.Cliffhanger
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

This novel drip-drip-drips with cold, slimy gothic delight.

Teenage Marina and Oscar spy on a woman in a graveyard one Sunday. They follow her...and from that moment on they are hunted by a nightmare from the depths of Barcelona‘s old quarter.

There are eyeless puppets, masked women, severed hands, tunnels, lashing storms, spooky houses, flasks of elixir, creatures from nightmares...

#CarlosRuizZafon #Marina #gothic #Barcelona #ya #flatlay

Pageturner.Cliffhanger Who‘s read any of The Shadow of the Wind quartet? 6y
7 likes1 comment
quote
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Yay! I've completed my first audiobook and I might even try another one! I really enjoyed the gothic tone of this book and the narrator did a great job having different voices for the characters without sounding ridiculous or jarring. It didn't all come together the way I expected, but I'm glad for it. Dragged a little in the final quarter of the book, but overall an interesting story with great imagery and some food for thought. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

21 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

I picked up Marina on audio a few weeks ago at a used book sale. I've failed to get into audiobooks because my mind wanders, but I bought it anyway. It is slow going because I listen on my commute to & from work and I sometimes have to restart a section to make sure I know what's going on, but I'm really enjoying it so far, even feeling the tension in some chapters.

review
sparrowssavvy
Marina | Carlos Zafon
post image
Pickpick

A stunningly beautiful gothic tale! Such a gorgeous read that was so hard to put down! And the language was so beautiful and flowed! The characters were so rich and came to life perfectly for me! Made me tear up a few times and I will definitely be rereading this! Only my second book by Carlos Ruiz Zafón but I absolutely need to read his other works!

review
sherryvdh
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Pickpick

Wow! I think this book is going to sit with me for awhile. I loved it! @Maike I can't wait to get into my next from your list! #freakyfriday
@monalyisha @Clwojick

Maike 😊 seems like my picks really hit home so far! 7y
35 likes1 comment
blurb
sprainedbrain
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

#Flowers on the spines 🌸 🌺 🌹

(Haven‘t read a single one of these yet 😳😂)

#readingresolutions

jamie_in_the_library I‘ve only read Marina. It was so creeptastic ☠️ Definitely don‘t recommend reading it at night like I did 😵😱 7y
ephemeralwaltz Marina was so good! 7y
155 likes2 stack adds2 comments
quote
justagirlwithabook
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

I love this author, this book, and this character! ❤️

quote
justagirlwithabook
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

blurb
GatheringBooks
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

#ThisRemindsMeOf... 🌹 I have to read Zafon again soonest. A kindred just told me that the last book in The Cemetery of Forgotten Books series is coming out this year. This means I will have to re-read The Shadow of The Wind and finally read Books 2 and 3. Anyone who has been reading/following this series closely?

RebelReader I have been waiting forever for this book. I love this author. I met him in person after The Angel‘s Game. He is amazing! He writes a lot of YA too. 😀 7y
41 likes1 comment
blurb
McFarchie
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Just started this.... oh the prose 🤘🏽

CareBear That cover ❤️ 7y
SilversReviews I love his books. My favorite is Shadow of the Wind. 7y
91 likes6 stack adds2 comments
review
Macnjen
Marina | Carlos Zafon
Pickpick

Finished Z for the #litsyAtoZchallenge with my favorite author! Great language and imagery! I have completed the challenge!

Centique Whoop whoop! 🙌🎉 7y
15 likes1 comment
review
niha923
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Pickpick

This book is a great mixture of gothic and adventure. LOVED reading it. Had tears without realisation at the end.

DebinHawaii Welcome to Litsy! 🎉📚👍😀Hope you enjoy it here! 7y
niha923 @DebinHawaii thanks a lot! I'm loving Litsy already. Need to add a lot of things. Yet to add like 20 books to "have read" and review haha. 7y
RaimeyGallant Nice review! And welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon Some of us put together Litsy tips to help new Littens navigate the site. It's the link in my bio on my page in case you're interested. :) 7y
niha923 @RaimeyGallant Thanks ❤ I'll check it! 7y
6 likes1 stack add5 comments
blurb
sprainedbrain
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Oh my goodness, Kari! You spoiled me. 😍

I absolutely love everything in this package. Thank you so much!!!

#LitsyGoesPostalOG

DiruVamp Those socks!! 😍 7y
Kaye Jackpot 👍🏼 7y
Cinfhen Socks are awesome 😍😍😍 7y
See All 20 Comments
shendrix413 I must have those socks! 😍😍😍 7y
LeeRHarry Wow those socks are fab! 😍 7y
AmyG Ha! I just got those socks. ❤️ 7y
AceOnRoam What a nice package! 7y
Owlizabeth Yaaaaayyy!! 7y
Cupofjo Love those socks!! 7y
Annl I want those socks! 7y
CatLass007 Must have those socks!! 7y
KimM Those socks 😻 7y
MrBook Wow! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 7y
SconsinBookyBadger Fabulous socks! 🧦❤️ 7y
Grrlbrarian Glad you enjoyed, Jenni! You deserve all. And I can‘t take credit for the socks - they were on her wish list! 😂👍 7y
sprainedbrain @Grrlbrarian I‘ve been wearing them since I opened the package. 😂 7y
Amandajoy Those socks are amazing! I‘m going to have to find me a pair! 7y
Chab256 Omg...love the socks. Where can one order them? 7y
sprainedbrain @shendrix413 @Annl @CatLass007 @Amandajoy @Chab256 They are made by Blue Q... you can find them on Amazon! 7y
Grrlbrarian @sprainedbrain Perfect - and I too applaud your taste 👏👏👏 7y
140 likes1 stack add20 comments
review
cocomass
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book, and the audio was fabulous. It‘s my first Zafón, but I own The Shadow of the Wind and am now moving it up on my TBR.

This was also my 8th and final #screamathon read. What a fun way to celebrate this month! ???

blurb
cocomass
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Started a new gothic #audiobook today for #screamathon. I‘m trying to gear up for a Halloween party tonight 🎃 👻 🦇

sprainedbrain Oooooooh... The Shadow of the Wind is one my favorite books of all time. I would love to read some gothic horror by this fantastic author. Stacked! 7y
19 likes3 stack adds1 comment
blurb
bookish_wookish
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

This cover!!! Im in love!! 😍

39 likes4 stack adds
review
pitou215
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

Could not put this down today. Definitely a sad one! The theme is something that unfortunately we all have to deal with in our lives. Could not recommend enough!

4 likes2 stack adds
blurb
pitou215
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Hoping this is good!

quote
Bibliozoco
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

Germán estaba acurrucado en una de las butacas, inmóvil como una estatua, tan sólo las lágrimas persistían en su movimiento. Nunca había visto a un hombre de su edad llorar así. Me heló la sangre. La vista perdida en los retratos. Estaba pálido. Demacrado. Había envejecido desde que le había visto por última vez. Vestía uno de los trajes de gala que yo recordaba, pero arrugado y sucio. Me pregunté cuántos días llevaría así.

1 stack add
review
Aliking1986
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Mehso-so

A little formulaic for my tastes, with lots of exposition and every other chapter devoted to a minor character who has appeared just in time to relay information crucial to an upcoming plot twist. I love this writer and he creates atmosphere like no one else but I found I didn't really care about these characters, particularly the narrator. I also felt it wasn't so much one cohesive tale as a patchwork of different stories.

review
A_Biblioteca_da_Joao
Marina | Carlos Zafon
post image
Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Uma imaginação prodigiosa que converteram 260 páginas numa história fantástica!

9 likes1 stack add
review
PageDreamer
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

I just finished reading Marina by #CarlosRuizZafon and let me tell you, the feeling of nostalgia I have is overpowering. I already miss the characters, I miss a city I've never even been to, but mainly I miss a childhood that I've barely just begun to leave. The writing is so descriptive that I can vividly imagine myself in the room alongside Oscar and Marina! The plot seems so ordinary but the further along you read, the more intricate it becomes

6 likes1 stack add
quote
PageDreamer
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon

"Sometimes, the things that are the most real only happen in one's imagination, Oscar," she said. "We only remember what never really happened."

blurb
The_Heeler_Booklife
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image

What do you all think? I find this quote very interesting. #books #quote #litsy

southerninlaw Very interesting! But I kind of hope it's not true... what happens if you read about serial killers?! 😜 8y
The_Heeler_Booklife @southerninlaw That's very true. Or assassins, I don't think I have that in me either because I'm a klutz. 8y
9 likes2 comments
review
SusanLee
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Pickpick

An awesome read with engaging plots. A mix of gothic Frankenstein and Dr Jekyl & Hyde with a gleeful romance to boot. Amazing!

2 likes1 stack add
review
mdemanatee
Marina | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

I am in my childhood bedroom for a few days and have access to more of my books which means things I have acquired more than 2 years ago for #recommendsday. Today this precursor to Shadow of the Wind that was finally translated to English a couple of years ago. Gotta love that modern gothic atmosphere.

17 likes1 stack add
blurb
Louloubelle
Marina | Carlos Zafon
post image

Please help. I think this might be YA but no one else is around and as a general fraidy cat I'm not sure if I should be finishing it with out a friendly face...

blurb
erzascarletbookgasm
Marina | Carlos Zafon
post image

#photoadaynov16 Seems that I do have quite a number of books with #onewordtitles. Here are my picks. #diversereads
@RealLifeReading

read_diverse_books I just got my hands on Kerry Young's newest novel, Show Me A Mountain. It'll be the first book of hers I read. Hope I like it! 8y
41 likes1 stack add1 comment
quote
Bib-lios79
Marina | Carlos Zafon
post image

"We only remember what never really happened."