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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Even though I had seen the movie, the book was so much better. I knew the plot so the ending was not a surprise, but How it ended was!
If you are thoroughly familiar with the Catholic Church, its history, and its rituals, you could read this book more easily. The plot is complex and hard to follow. Certainly not for lite bedtime reading.
This is a REAL classic, beautiful wordy sentences, amazing language, colorful scenes and characters. If you like a good long read, this is for you. See the movie with Christian Slater and Sean Connery if you can. It’s one time when the movies is as good as the book.
Very slow. Could not finish
This book is good but over-rated.
An intriguing murder mystery with a sharp sleuth reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and other great literary detectives. But what sets The Name of the Rose apart is Eco’s decision to blend his story with the historical drama of the Medieval Catholic Church. It is fascinating to look at the varying metaphysical beliefs in play 700 years ago—religion, …
I saw the movie made from this book many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. If the book is as good as the film, it is a real winner.
My second dip into older fiction this week with Umberto Eco. The Name of the Rose was catapulted into fame when Sean Connery starred in the film of the same name, and the script writer did a good job of taking the characters from the book and making them more accessible. It’s not necessarily an easy read, but once you catch the author’s style, and …
No more Eccos.
Historical detail, characters that are vividly defined, and a plot that is well developed with twists and turns make this a phenomenally interesting read.
A great detetive story.
The classic historic novel from my favourite book author.
0 08
loved it
It’s a little dense reading but worth it . I really enjoyed the storyline.
I rate it as one of the top 10 books I’ve ever read.
An excellent mystery.
Classic story of the Middle Ages and corrupting influence of the church at that time. The plot is wonderful. Read the book then. Watch the movie with Sean Connery
I read this years ago & enjoyed it, & found it a real page turner.
One of my favorite reas ever. Never forget this book.