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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Hard to read and dull to boot. Stay away unless boredom is your thing.
Stunning. Read it. Then read it again.
I know this book got wonderful reviews, but I found it impossible to finish. Too convoluted.
I loved the historical aspect of this book. The characters were believable. Love the author.
This is not a quick read but it is so rewarding once you are in to it. This is another all time favorite and favorite author.
A brilliant Pomo novel.
Sherlock Holmes with the tonsure.
A must read book.
Eco is an intellectual snob who has no respect for his readers. That aside, this is a great piece of historical fiction.
Very well written. It is a complex, challenging read.
Fascinating and engaging. Read it 20+ years ago and still recall it brilliant writer
Not only do you get a great mystery, but you get an amazing look at monastic life during that time.
Eco has pulled together a historical masterpiece with a wonderful mystery thriller. I love to reread this book every so often.
It moved very slowly and was a heavy read. Can’t say I enjoyed it.
Eco’s Middle Ages mystery is part homage to Sherlock Holmes, part detailed medieval studies, part biblical analysis and part literary semiotics arcana. The latter three sometimes overwhelm the former to the detriment of all of them.
Inventive, challenging and engrossing. A long book that held my attention all the way through
I hated this book.
Breath taking …. opens up new vistas in your mind
If you can put up with the pace, you’ll read a fabulous story.
Loved this book. Great read