Scan barcode
A review by uvih_
Ruusun nimi by Umberto Eco
4.0
This is undeniably a book that is an astounding piece of fiction and research and imagination. I was impressed by the richness and detail of the world, I was convinced - for the most part - that I was reading the work of Adson Melk. I love Franciscan history and loved how this piece of fiction was interlaced with actual fact. I found the theological debate on poverty interesting - but hey, I'm a church historian. I wonder how much appeal that discussion would have for most others.
Yet this work did flag. It took me weeks to finish the last 150 pages, partly due to time, partly due to the plot having lost its momentum. This is where Eco crept in and Adson faded out - parts of it felt like Eco flexing his literary muscles, getting too carried away with superfluous detail and discussion that ultimately did not add much to the reading experience. As with many great authors, it felt like no one had the balls/vagina to tell Eco to reign it in a little bit.
Nevertheless this was an astounding feat, a highly intelligent and layered product that was a pleasure to read, and one I have no doubt I will read again in ten, twenty or thirty years time.
Now, to watch the Connery adaptation...
Yet this work did flag. It took me weeks to finish the last 150 pages, partly due to time, partly due to the plot having lost its momentum. This is where Eco crept in and Adson faded out - parts of it felt like Eco flexing his literary muscles, getting too carried away with superfluous detail and discussion that ultimately did not add much to the reading experience. As with many great authors, it felt like no one had the balls/vagina to tell Eco to reign it in a little bit.
Nevertheless this was an astounding feat, a highly intelligent and layered product that was a pleasure to read, and one I have no doubt I will read again in ten, twenty or thirty years time.
Now, to watch the Connery adaptation...