a little about the author

Photo taken from www.carlosruizzafon.co.uk.

Carlos Ruiz Zafon was born in Barcelona in 1964 and has lived in Los Angeles since 1993.  He worked as a script writer as he developed his writing career.  Shadow of the Wind is his first adult novel (he has six total published to date) and was first published in Spain.  Amazingly enough, Shadow of the Wind is the second most published novel in Spain's history (the first being Miquel de Cervantes' Don Quijote).  His work has been published in 45 countries and 30 languages.  His books have sold more than 15 million copies.

Besides being a talented writer, Zafon is also a composer and performer.  Zafon wrote a soundtrack to Shadow of the Wind that matches the dark tone and ominous feel of his most successful work.  You can listen and/or download the music from Zafon's website.

When asked why he writes, Zafon said, "I write because I really have no other choice. This is what I do. This is what I am."  We are so glad that he continues to write because his compelling stories and ability to craft beautiful language is incredible.

[For more information on the author, visit my sources: http://www.carlosruizzafon.co.uk/ or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Ruiz_Zaf%C3%B3n (don't judge me for using wikipedia please).]