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A review by dontpanic42
The Prague Cemetery by Umberto Eco
2.0
Overall, I was sadly disappointed by this book. The subject matter is interesting: the protagonist, Simonini, motivated by his hatred for all others, but particularly the Jews, retells about the series of decisions and choices he has made that have gotten him involved in some of the various dramatics, scandals, and crimes of 19th century Europe. He is, in his way, the anti-Forrest Gump. We get to see the battles of Garibaldi in Italy, the unrest in France, the Dreyfus affair, and the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, among much more.
My problem, in the end, was that the book was very dry. Eco's thrillers have never been as airy as the Da Vinci Code (which is a good thing), but they've generally had more going for them in terms of reader engagement. Here, though, the characters are flat and the plot is plodding. I got the sense that this was more an intellectual exercise for Eco, who provides a wide array of true history as a setting for Simonini's misdeeds. But the novel lacks true suspense or intrigue. Without that, and without the development of any characters, what is billed as an intellectual historical thriller turns out to be little more than a deranged look at European history.
I am sure that all Eco novels get some blurb on the cover calling them the equal of the Name of the Rose, but don't be fooled on this one. The foundation is there, but this novel falls short.
My problem, in the end, was that the book was very dry. Eco's thrillers have never been as airy as the Da Vinci Code (which is a good thing), but they've generally had more going for them in terms of reader engagement. Here, though, the characters are flat and the plot is plodding. I got the sense that this was more an intellectual exercise for Eco, who provides a wide array of true history as a setting for Simonini's misdeeds. But the novel lacks true suspense or intrigue. Without that, and without the development of any characters, what is billed as an intellectual historical thriller turns out to be little more than a deranged look at European history.
I am sure that all Eco novels get some blurb on the cover calling them the equal of the Name of the Rose, but don't be fooled on this one. The foundation is there, but this novel falls short.