I found this bizarrely easy to read, and then when I read the bio about Zafon in the back of the novel I realized why that was; ‘first published in Barcelona as young adult fiction.’ Right, well that may have had something to do with it. The book is largely about magic, and the outcome of making a pact with the ominous Mr. Cain. When Max Carver and his family move into a house at the beach to escape war time terror in the city, a whole new set of dangers are posed to them as dark secrets of the past are dragged up.
There aren’t too many characters in the novel; it is mainly Max and his sister Alicia and their friend Roland. Whilst Roland’s grandfather Victor Kray, and the other members of the Carver family are involved hugely, they are more passive whereas the three young adults are the main focus. I felt that the characters were one of the best parts of the novel actually. They were used to capture the atmosphere via their reactions, which also brought us closer to them. The brother – sister relationship that developed was also a very interesting element.
The themes toyed with good versus evil, but also debt and pacts. Cain never forced people to make pacts with them, though he did seem to target children, however he always expected his end of the bargain to be upheld. He does insinuate that he is the Devil, and interestingly, at the end of the novel he is not ‘defeated’. There was an interesting play on the dynamics of friendship, and both sexual and familial love, not just in the present day, but also linking back into the flashbacks.
Stylistically, it is a very artfully crafted novel, in a unique setting. The picturesque beach down is an unlikely setting for the harrowing events, so the novel doesn’t become overtly dark, and as such, when Cain does strike, it has much more impact. Overall, given that it is young adult fiction, it is a well written, interesting book, but too easy for an adult reader.
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