Umberto Eco’s first novel, an international sensation and winner of the Premio Strega and the Prix Médicis Étranger awards
The year is 1327. Franciscans in a wealthy Italian abbey are suspected of heresy, and Brother William of Baskerville arrives to investigate. When his delicate mission is suddenly overshadowed by seven bizarre deaths, Brother William turns detective. His tools are the logic … detective. His tools are the logic of Aristotle, the theology of Aquinas, the empirical insights of Roger Bacon — all sharpened to a glistening edge by wry humor and a ferocious curiosity. He collects evidence, deciphers secret symbols and coded manuscripts, and digs into the eerie labyrinth of the abbey, where “the most interesting things happen at night.”
“Like the labyrinthine library at its heart, this brilliant novel has many cunning passages and secret chambers… Fascinating… ingenious… dazzling.” –Newsweek
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A wonderful intelligent book that makes the reader think. Umberto Eco uses words
and sentences, forming them into paragraghs that make sense, not Tweets.
Not easy reading, but a very fine book
This has got to be one of my favorite books of all time. It has just the right amount of mystery, intrigue and great story telling to keep you fully engaged from beginning to end.
Haunting is a great description. A true classic that rates with the old masters. The author gives the reader a very realistic idea of mid-evil Europe and life in an Abby, twists and turns extra. If you like that era you will find it difficult to put down. If you don’t stay away.
One of the BEST BOOKS I have ever read. Deep, mysterious, gripping, challenging – truly unique. In my opinion, Eco never came up to the standard of this book again. A MUST READ.
I read this book quite awhile ago. You know that it was a good read when you see the title and your reaction is ” Oh, that was really good. I’d like to read it again.”
Quite the story. One that makes you do lots of additional research. For the avid reader.
This wonderful, atmospheric and mysterious novel may be a bit arcane for some tastes. It is beautifully and intelligently crafted.
Loved the time period and the characters. After reading this book I went on to read his others.
Not one of my favorite authors. Writing is often turgid and plots a little too convoluted. I haven’t found his books to be all that entertaining.
This was the first book I read by Umberto Eco and I enjoyed it very much. It was informative about a period of time and monastic life that has always intrigued me. The fact that it is a mystery added to its appeal.
It helps (but is not required) to have a knowledge of history–religious, esp.–to appreciate the finest points of the plot. But the twists and turns never cease. Memorable characters, twisted plot, somewhat unexpected ending. Wonderful translation from the Italian.
Great read
The movie was better.
Boring.
A slow, painful read
I first began this book as a young man and found it slow-moving and laborious. This time, however, the story caught my imagination and held my interest from the beginning. Eco’s style of writing and attention to detail obviously require from the reader a level of intellectual curiosity and a degree of maturity that many Americans sorely lack.
A great period who done it. Imaginative and thought provoking.
It is a very good read. Like the review I gave it, it is haunting.