The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Act One - City of the Damned — Chapter 9
Overview
David brings his mysteriously returned Great Expectations to Sempere, who confirms it is the same childhood copy. The enigmatic publisher Éditions de la Lumière cannot be found, deepening the mystery around Andreas Corelli. David briefly reconnects with Cristina Sagnier while helping deliver Vidal’s books, and Sempere keeps the volume to investigate.
Summary
David visits Sempere’s bookshop to show the returned copy of Great Expectations. Sempere meticulously examines the volume—pages, paper, spine, and David’s bloodstained fingerprints—and concludes it is the exact same book from David’s childhood. David asks about Andreas Corelli and mentions Éditions de la Lumière in Paris.
Sempere doubts the publisher exists and proposes consulting Gustavo Barceló. He hands David a catalogue of European publishers, but David cannot find any trace of Éditions de la Lumière. While Sempere attends a customer, David overhears mention of Pedro Vidal and steps out to the counter.
There, David meets Cristina Sagnier, Vidal’s secretary, who is collecting books. She does not immediately recognize him, then recalls him when he introduces himself. Seizing the chance to help, David carries the heavy stack to the Hispano-Suiza on the corner, straining himself but masking the effort.
At the car, Manuel, the chauffeur, greets David warmly. Cristina thanks David and departs with Manuel. Returning to the shop, David endures Sempere’s gentle teasing about his obvious attraction to Cristina.
The scene closes with Sempere asking to keep Great Expectations for a few days to research its provenance and the publisher mystery. David agrees, leaving the book with Sempere as the unanswered questions around Corelli and Éditions de la Lumière deepen.
Who Appears
- David MartínProtagonist; brings his childhood Great Expectations to Sempere, probes Corelli’s publisher, and assists Cristina with Vidal’s books.
- Señor SempereBookseller; verifies the book is the same copy, finds no record of the publisher, and keeps the volume to investigate.
- Cristina SagnierPedro Vidal’s secretary; briefly meets David while collecting books and accepts his help to the car.
- ManuelVidal’s chauffeur and Cristina’s father; greets David and helps load the books into the car.
- Sempere’s sonShy assistant in the shop; alerts his father to a customer and observes events.