Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a deliciously atmospheric gothic tale set in Barcelona, blending mystery, romance, and just the right dash of the macabre. Zafón's descriptions make the city feel haunted and alive, while the friendship between the main characters, Oscar and Marina, tugs at the heartstrings. The story weaves together secrets, creepy rituals, abandoned mansions, and a bittersweet coming-of-age journey. It's perfect for fans of classic gothic fiction, YA mysteries, and anyone who loves stories full of mood, suspense, and a bittersweet edge.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the gothic elements a bit cliché or too melodramatic, and the story’s supernatural twists stretched believability. If you prefer straightforward realism or struggle with slower-building plots and occasional info-dump storytelling (lots of characters narrating backstory), this might not be your cup of tea. Longtime Zafón fans also note it’s not as polished as his later work, so if you’re expecting another 'Shadow of the Wind,' temper your expectations.
About:
'Marina' by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is a gothic tale set in Barcelona, following the adventures of fifteen-year-old Oscar and his newfound friend Marina. The story is filled with mystery, horror, and elements of the supernatural as the protagonists uncover dark secrets in the city's decaying mansions and sewers. The narrative is atmospheric and fast-paced, with a sense of nostalgia for a lost childhood, as it weaves together themes of friendship, first love, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.
The writing style of 'Marina' is described as gothic, romantic, and lyrical, with detailed descriptions that bring the scenery and characters to life. The author, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, creates a dark and captivating atmosphere, immersing readers in the streets of Barcelona and evoking emotions of fear, love, and togetherness. The story unfolds through the perspective of the protagonist, adding layers of depth to the narrative and inviting readers to question the meaning of storytelling.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers for Marina might include themes of grief, elements of horror and madness, and the exploration of death and loss, providing a medium level of content warnings.
Has Romance?
The romantic elements between Oscar and Marina are present but understated, giving more focus to their friendship and the overarching mystery.
From The Publisher:
Carlos Ruiz Zafon's haunting gothic mystery, which has long been a cult classic in Spain and is now an international bestseller.
"We all have a secret buried under lock and key in the attic of our soul. This is mine."
Fifteen-year-old Oscar Drai meets the strange Marina while he's exploring an old quarter of Barcelona. She leads Oscar to a cemetery, where they watch a macabre ritual that occurs on the last Sunday of each month. At exactly ten o'clock in the morning, a woman shrouded in a black velvet cloak descends from her carriage to place a single rose on an unmarked grave.
When Oscar and Marina decide to follow her, they begin a journey that transports them to a forgotten postwar Barcelona-a world of aristocrats and actresses, inventors and tycoons-and reveals a dark secret that lies waiting in the mysterious labyrinth beneath the city streets.
Ratings (15)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (4) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (31):
Read It (17) | |
Want To Read (12) | |
Not Interested (2) |
What can you read after
Marina?
About the Author:
Carlos Ruiz Zafón is the author of The Shadow of the Wind and other novels. After Cervantes, he is the most widely read Spanish author of all time. His work has been translated into more than forty languages and published…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
