Scan barcode
cantrememberthedreamthatihad's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
hellishnell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
yohan234's review against another edition
5.0
A must read. This opinion will be explained below.
It is not an easy read; in the beginning. However, as the narrative winds its way through the pages and you with it you fall into a rhythm. It could be described as slow and to those who don't enjoy lengthy dialogs on, for example laughter, might find the book tedious especially due to the frequency and length of such episodes. This is not to discourage budding readers, in fact Eco dose a masterful job of conveying these discussions in such a way that both engages the reader and encourages them too to argue, all without sounding condescending and being officious as most writers do; trying to impress the reader with the shear vastness of their intellect and the book essentially ends up being an ego trip. But not here.
The main plot too is engaging (while in retrospect it seems that the main plot itself was a side story, a mere linguistic device used by Eco to explore... I can't say what: the medieval period by not presenting it in the stark black and white as we are used to. The differences between the then contemporary philosophy, theology and logic. And sometimes into human nature. I now sound like my English teacher did, reading meaning into the simplest of prose). As a detective novel it ticks all the boxes: a complex puzzle, a Sherlock Holmsesque "detective" (who however, is far more human than holms), constant suspense and a seemingly endless series of suspects and motives. I dare no say more in fear of giving spoilers. But, “The name of the rose” is not a detective novel, and those looking for a fast easy read expecting one will be disappointed. My one piece of advice take breaks and mull over what has transpires and been said, not for the complexity of the book but so that you may better enjoy it and understand the subtleties. Furthermore the book is excellently researched and nothing is glaringly incorrect (providing a very visual glimpse of the medieval world, or at least one part of it) or gloating (so as to announce to the reader “look at the work I put into this, aren’t I special aren’t I amazing. Come on say it with me” the obvious and natural reply to this is “no” to all three accounts, I digress). Overall, to virtually anyone; read it there is no reason (that I can think of) not to.
It is not an easy read; in the beginning. However, as the narrative winds its way through the pages and you with it you fall into a rhythm. It could be described as slow and to those who don't enjoy lengthy dialogs on, for example laughter, might find the book tedious especially due to the frequency and length of such episodes. This is not to discourage budding readers, in fact Eco dose a masterful job of conveying these discussions in such a way that both engages the reader and encourages them too to argue, all without sounding condescending and being officious as most writers do; trying to impress the reader with the shear vastness of their intellect and the book essentially ends up being an ego trip. But not here.
The main plot too is engaging (while in retrospect it seems that the main plot itself was a side story, a mere linguistic device used by Eco to explore... I can't say what: the medieval period by not presenting it in the stark black and white as we are used to. The differences between the then contemporary philosophy, theology and logic. And sometimes into human nature. I now sound like my English teacher did, reading meaning into the simplest of prose). As a detective novel it ticks all the boxes: a complex puzzle, a Sherlock Holmsesque "detective" (who however, is far more human than holms), constant suspense and a seemingly endless series of suspects and motives. I dare no say more in fear of giving spoilers. But, “The name of the rose” is not a detective novel, and those looking for a fast easy read expecting one will be disappointed. My one piece of advice take breaks and mull over what has transpires and been said, not for the complexity of the book but so that you may better enjoy it and understand the subtleties. Furthermore the book is excellently researched and nothing is glaringly incorrect (providing a very visual glimpse of the medieval world, or at least one part of it) or gloating (so as to announce to the reader “look at the work I put into this, aren’t I special aren’t I amazing. Come on say it with me” the obvious and natural reply to this is “no” to all three accounts, I digress). Overall, to virtually anyone; read it there is no reason (that I can think of) not to.
schrikes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
10501's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m done!!!! Brush up on the differences between various orders of monks & the history of religious debate in the 1300s before you start. It would also probably help to read the Book of Revelation or The Library of Babel by Borges.
testaroscia's review against another edition
5.0
This is a third re-read after thirty years, and it was illuminating. I can look back and see where my occasional love of rather convoluted, somewhat posturing erudite fiction comes from. I need a narrative thread (whodunnit in this case, but historical or scifi works great otherwise) but then i don't really care how fast or slow the plot meanders as long as I enjoy the ride. Hence i love Stephenson or Mantel. Eco was a very good writer who delighted in knowledge and symbols but you don't have to care about any of the untranslated latin passages to enjoy the book. Cross the 100 page mark and you are in classic Murder Mystery territory but will learn about an important period of the pre-reformation church tensions Franciscans and Benedictines, between the Papacy in Rome vs Avignon, or Avignon vs the Holy Roman Empire.
hthacher's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
illyanadallas222's review against another edition
5.0
Since I was little, my mother (an avid reader herself) raved about this book. The plot navigates itself around two Franciscan monks (one a rendition of Sherlock and the other, his apprentice still figuring out if monk-hood was his destiny) who travel to a famous monastery for a conference about the application of Jesus and whether his depictions should be illustrated in wealth or in poverty. Franciscans naturally believe the later. That said, what makes monastery grand, is due to its labyrinthian towered- library, that is almost gothic (ie. spookie). Because Eco is a semiotician, the symbols themselves in this book move the plot forward. Unfortunately for our two monks, a murder happens at the library, and that, my friends, is where the plot thickens.
I could go on and on how amazing this book is and how it’s elevated my expectations on what makes a “great novel”. It has been adapted many times (avoid the Sean Connery one pls
I could go on and on how amazing this book is and how it’s elevated my expectations on what makes a “great novel”. It has been adapted many times (avoid the Sean Connery one pls
itsyakidalex's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
eher1305's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0