Tamara Abikhalil
By

“Welcome to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books”

It all started with one magical sentence “Welcome to the cemetery of forgotten books”. And just like that, I entered Zafon’s intricate labyrinth.

I usually find my escape in flipping through pages, but this time, I was completely immersed; physically, mentally, and emotionally transported to my beautiful Barcelona. I walked the narrow streets of the Raval corner, imagined the secret entrance to the cemetery of forgotten books, looked over the church of Santa Anna to see the Sempere’s apartment, walked by the Sempere and Sons bookstore, had crema catalana at the 4Gats… I don’t even know if my most vivid memories are from my actual experience or from the amazing description by Zafon of this beautifully bewitched gothic city, where a whole world takes place from the Raval quarter, to the Ramblas, up until avenida Tibidabo.

 
Throughout the four books of the series, this genius writer succeeds at interlocking characters who appear, younger, older… no chronology needed, all linked somehow by books, and this magical place. You get attached to each character, smile with them, cry with them, feel your heart skip a beat with them. You wonder what happens next after The Shadow of the Wind, you feel mindblown, confused and at loss of words after The Angel’s Game, you start getting a few answers and fall in love with Fermìn’s character after The Prisoner of Heaven… and then you finish The Labyrinth of the Spirits; the masterpiece of 800 pages that’s a whirlwind of memories, key moments, new characters interlocked with old ones, and answers, to every question you asked yourself throughout the series.

 

Finishing the four books was more bitter than sweet for me; I did not want to leave this world I had been lost in.

 

I know for a fact that a piece of my heart will forever stay in the story, in Barcelona, my beautiful, dark, foggy, mysterious Barcelona.

 
 
 
Uncategorized

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome to my website

I am Dr. Tamara,I hold a PhD in Psychology of Communication and Change, with expertise in communication models, theories, and their impact on personal and organizational growth. My academic journey, combined with certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Fitness, and Yoga, allows me to take a holistic approach in promoting both mental and physical wellbeing.