Intrigue and mystery in the Middle Ages (The Name of the Rose - Umberto Eco)

Member Name: scribus impius

Product:	The Name of the Rose - Umberto Eco
Date:	19/12/00 (176 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good story, many interesting insights

Disadvantages: Translation, some sections a little tedious, untranslated Latin

I have to admit, I actually saw the film of this before I read the book, and it was good enough. But, as is most often the case, the original work is worlds ahead of the film. Eco's novel is written from the viewpoint of a young German novice, called Adso of Melk, who accompanies William of Baskerville on a special mission to a famous abbey in Italy. There they encounter horrific murders, obscene deviance and terrible intrigue. Yet not only does Eco manage to make this a great and absorbing read(despite the mock-Medieval style) but he also puts in many interesting sections on philosophy and theology. I certainly learnt a thing or two from this book, and it has prompted me to do more reading into what really is a fascinating period.
What more can I say? I very much enjoyed this book, and reading it gives a real sense of achievement, of having gained something. There are one or two faults in it, though. First, it is occasionally apparent that this is a translation from the original; some of the phrasing's not quite right. Also, a few of the theological 'lectures' do go on a bit long, and get a bit confusing. Although it was not a problem for me, I can see how the many untranslated Latin passages could be intensely annoying. But, on the whole, a wonderful, deeply interesting novel.

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