The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Act One - City of the Damned — Chapter 11
Overview
Cristina visits David’s gloomy house to confide her fears about Pedro Vidal’s decline. She reveals Pedro’s self-loathing over his unwritten novel, heavy drinking, and destroyed pages. Shocked by his mentor’s secret despair, David commits to helping Pedro recover his hope, even if they must do it without his knowledge.
Summary
David anxiously prepares his house for Cristina’s visit, fussing over cleaning, flowers, and appearances. When Cristina arrives, she surveys the home and asks why David chose such a large, gloomy place. David admits he moved there after long dreaming of it, revealing a rare fulfilled desire amid his otherwise lonely existence.
Cristina then redirects to her purpose: concern for Pedro Vidal. She explains that as Pedro’s secretary and friend, she sees beyond his elegant facade to a man unraveling over his failed novel. For years, Pedro has drafted and destroyed pages, drinks heavily, and calls himself a fraud, convinced praise masks others’ self-interest.
She recounts finding Pedro drunk and crying, fearful he might do something rash. Cristina has told no one, certain Pedro would forbid troubling David. Hearing this, David is struck by guilt for missing his mentor’s suffering while consumed by his own work.
When Cristina worries she shouldn’t have come, David reassures her and resolves to act. Together they agree to help Pedro regain hope; if Pedro resists, David and Cristina will intervene discreetly to support him without his noticing.
Who Appears
- David MartínHost and narrator; prepares nervously for Cristina’s visit and vows to help Pedro regain hope.
- CristinaPedro’s secretary and friend; reveals Pedro’s despair, destroyed pages, and drinking; seeks David’s help.
- Pedro VidalMentor discussed offstage; mired in self-doubt over his novel, drinking, and secretly destroying pages.