The Shadow of the Wind: Days of Ashes: Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

The next day, Daniel sets off to the Ateneo library to find Barceló. He finds the collector seated next to a woman dressed in white who looks like an angel. Barceló begins to examine the book, telling Daniel that The Shadow of the Wind is Carax’s last novel. Moreover, this is the only copy remaining, since the rest have been burned.

Barceló introduces the woman as his niece, Clara, who is an “expert” on Carax. He scuttles into another room with the book, leaving Daniel to talk to Clara. She says that Daniel has earned Barceló’s respect by refusing to part with the book for money.

Clara is blind, and Daniel is entranced both by her beauty and the fact that he can observe her without her noticing. Even though she’s twenty-six and he’s eleven, he’s immediately attracted to her. Clara runs her hands over Daniel’s face to “read his features,” and Daniel blushes.