“The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is about a young boy named Daniel who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library called the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.
His fascination with the book’s author, Julián Carax, leads him into a dangerous web of secrets, betrayal, and untold stories in post-war Barcelona. As he uncovers the truth, the city’s dark corners and vibrant streets come alive with intrigue and mystery.
“The Angel’s Game” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a dark and atmospheric tale set in 1920s Barcelona. It follows David Martín, a young writer who is offered a mysterious deal by a stranger to write a book that will change the world.
As David works on this project, he uncovers secrets linked to an abandoned mansion and finds himself caught in a web of danger, deceit, and obsession. The rich descriptions of Barcelona’s streets and hidden corners add to the story’s eerie and mysterious mood.
“Cathedral of the Sea” by Ildefonso Falcones takes place in 14th-century Barcelona. It follows Arnau Estanyol, a peasant who escapes his harsh life in the countryside and rises through the city’s social ranks.
The story weaves around the building of the Santa María del Mar church and explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal. Arnau’s life intersects with wars, the Inquisition, and the ties of family and friendship, giving a vivid sense of medieval Barcelona.
Eduardo Mendoza Garriga wrote “The City of Marvels,” a novel set in late 19th and early 20th-century Barcelona. It follows the story of Onofre Bouvila, a country boy who arrives in the city during the run-up to the 1888 Universal Exposition.
Through ambition and cunning, Onofre rises from a penniless outsider to one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in Barcelona. The book captures the city’s transformation during that era, filled with political scheming and the rapid growth of urban life.
“Offside” by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán is a crime novel where private detective Pepe Carvalho investigates the murder of a famous soccer player in Barcelona. As he digs into the case, he uncovers corruption and hidden power struggles in the world of professional sports.
The backdrop of the city adds depth to the story, with its neighborhoods and atmosphere playing a key role in shaping the narrative.
“No Word from Gurb” by Eduardo Mendoza Garriga is a quirky and humorous novel about an alien who takes on human disguise while searching for his missing companion in Barcelona.
The story unfolds through diary entries, as the alien navigates the city, interacts with its inhabitants, and takes on various forms, including impersonating famous figures like Madonna.
The book uses absurd situations to paint a vivid and offbeat picture of Barcelona during the 1990s.
“Mariona Rebull” by Ignacio Agustí is a historical novel set in 19th-century Barcelona. It tells the story of Mariona, a woman married to a textile magnate, whose life becomes entangled in love, betrayal, and the societal tensions of the era.
The book vividly captures the city’s industrial growth, political unrest, and the challenges faced by the bourgeoisie during that period.
“Marks of Identity” by Juan Goytisolo follows Álvaro, a man returning to Spain after years of exile in France. The story captures his reflections on his life, the betrayals of his past, and the oppressive political landscape under Franco’s regime.
Álvaro revisits his memories and wrestles with the fragmented identity shaped by personal loss and societal decay, creating a portrait of a man and a country in turmoil.
“Origin” by Dan Brown takes readers to modern-day Barcelona, where Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor of symbology, is invited to a futuristic museum for a groundbreaking announcement by a tech genius.
As the event takes a chaotic turn, Langdon is thrust into a puzzle involving art, religion, and science, all against the backdrop of Barcelona’s landmarks like Gaudí’s Sagrada Família.
The story weaves through secrets and discoveries tied to humanity’s biggest questions about creation and destiny.