Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion

This is the discussion thread for the October 2013 group read of, The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco.


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. He collects evidence, deciphers secret symbols and coded manuscripts, and digs into the eerie labyrinth of the abbey where extraordinary things are happening under the cover of night. A spectacular popular and critical success, The Name of the Rose is not only a narrative of a murder investigation but an astonishing chronicle of the Middle Ages.

I read this last year. I'll be curious to see everyone's opinion. I'll save mine for the end.

I read this years ago when it first come out, was my first historical mystery.

This was a close poll. Only 2 votes made this a winner.

I've never been interested in reading this one but I'm curious to see what everyone thinks. Just in case I need to change my mind about reading it. :)

I enjoyed this book immensely when I read it years ago. I am very keen to see if upon a reread, I enjoy it as much.

I'll be reading it...as long as it comes in the mail on time then I should be starting Oct 1.

I just bought my copy of Name of the Rose. Should be here in two weeks.
(Bought it from The Book Depository in the UK and that usually takes two weeks).

I was delighted to buy the cover in this topic heading. The 'red buildings one' as I find that cover absolutely stunning.
Hope it is lovely in person too.

That is a lovely cover too.
They had this cover at the same price as the one I bought.

Thought it was lovely too, but didn't love it as much as the red buildings cover.

I had this book in my possession for a very long time. I think I will join in. This will be my first group read in this group.

Mark wrote: "I read this years ago when it first come out, was my first historical mystery."

The same for me. It's thanks to this book if I "discovered" this genre, and I re-read it a couple of times. It's very well written, I hope you'll be able to find a good translation.

Simona wrote: "Mark wrote: "I read this years ago when it first come out, was my first historical mystery."

The same for me. It's thanks to this book if I "discovered" this genre, and I re-read it a couple of ti..."

I did, it was a hardback I got from the library, I cant remember if I read the book first or watched the film.

Parvathy wrote: "I had this book in my possession for a very long time. I think I will join in. This will be my first group read in this group."

Welcome, Parvathy, to your first group read. A few people have said they had the book laying around for the longest time. Seems the group read is a good excuse to cross it off the list and get it read.

See you October 1! :)

I read this book maybe 25 or 30 years ago, when it first came out. I enjoyed it up to the end, when you learn the motive for the murders, which seemed a pretty peculiar motive to me. I would be interested to hear what others think of it.

I read it about 20 years ago, I've forgotten too much to rate or review. This thread might prompt my memory. I was underwhelmed but I can blame that on a couple of factors that needn't be the book's fault.

I have never read it, but I have seen the movie and usually I never read/watch what I have already watched/read.
As mentioned in a different thread however, I was very young when i first saw the movie and remember only the actors who were in it and the dark gloomy atmosphere.

I read it ages ago. It took a while to get going, as I recall, and the semiotics was a bit hard to follow, but in the end I loved it. Finishing felt like a real achievement.

Once it picks up about 1/3 through, it's very absorbing. So don't be discouraged by the slow start.

The movie is a different animal. It just gives the bare outline of the plot. It's like watching a movie of War and Peace—nothing like reading the book.

I probably need to re-read it. It's been years, but I remember struggling at first, and then really liking it after 100 or so pages. It was one of those that I almost gave up on, but I was glad I didn't after I got into it. If that makes any sense at all.

That makes sense. I come across books like that all the time.

Derek, if only you knew how much sense that does make! Lol

I'm looking forward to this group read! I've been wanting to read this book for a while.

It is a good excuse to cross it off the reading list isn't it, Anastasia? :)

People have been pushing me to read it for years. I had seen the movie so kept saying 'no'. Looks like I have no more excuses.

I read this book when it first came out. I loved it. The intrigue and the catalyst for the murders and the literary devices Ecco used influenced many mystery and suspense writers that came afterward, in my opinion. I may reread it so I can follow the discussion clearly.

I was on the fence about reading this book. Cynthia's comments helped me decide to read The Name of the Rose. Thank you. I am reading one of Jane's recommendations presently.

Linda,
I'm glad my comment helped you to decide in favor of reading
The Name of the Rose. It's quite good. :)

Started the book in advance since I own it on paper, and my ereader is dead. I still love it, and if the 3rd time (or maybe more?)you read a book you still find it really really good it maybe means that...well, it is.
I'm on page 57 (italian edition) and there the author is sketching an image of the complex european history at the time.
As C.P. said, it starts slowly, but the writing is so good it's actually just a better way to enjoy it.

I'm going to try the author's , having read and liked
The Name of the Rose. I didn't feel like the latter was worth rereading, at least for me.

Jane wrote: "I'm going to try the author's , having read and liked
The Name of the Rose. I didn't feel like the latter was worth rereading, at least for me."

I read a few years ago, before I knew much about the 4th crusade, which is described in the book but is not central to the story. It is a strange novel, which took me a while to finally finish. I would put it aside when the author got too weird with the story. I think the story has layers that I just did not get or understand. It seemed more allegorical than your typical novel.

Many others of those by Eco I started and abandoned, but the 4th crusade always interested me. The Seven Hills of Paradise by Rosemary Simpson was excellent.
I've read only a few pp. of Baudolino and it's odd already.
Thank you for your tip and your experience with the book, Eileen. It sounds like it will be picaresque.

The Name of the Rose seems to be Eco's most accessible novel for the average reader.

Jane wrote: "I'm going to try the author's , having read and liked
The Name of the Rose. I didn't feel like the latter was worth rereading, at least for me."

I liked Foucault's Pendulum and The Prague Cemetery better, but Baudolino is IMO also good

Those two you mention I absolutely could not get into.

Still waiting for my copy of Name of the Rose to come in the mail.
only bought it last week though. It will be another week before it arrives.

I readFoucault's Pendulum but found it harder to get through. Ecco's mind is indeed complex!! If I ever met him, I'd probably be so tongue-tied. :)

Cynthia wrote: " If I ever met him, I'd probably be so tongue-tied. :)"

...and you may need a translator, which means he wouldn't have much work to do. If you are tongue tied that is. :D

Simona's lucky; she can read them in the original.

Jane wrote: "he 4th crusade always interested me.

Memory freeze. Is the 4th the Children's Crusade?

No, Sack of Byzantium. Crusaders never even got to the Holy Land; they plundered Constantinople.

Yes, of course. I should have known that. Thanks!
Slinks away, blushing. ;-)

Goodness, C.P., not necessarily. Who can remember each little fact?

BTW, those horse statues on St. Mark's came from the Hippodrome in Constantinople. [another useless bit of trivia :) ]

I love useless bits of trivia. :)

A fascinating bit of trivia. Thanks, Jane!

Ok. All your comments convinced me to dive in. I should get my copy soon. Once the discussion starts, what are the rules about spoilers?

Spoilers aren't a problem, but we do recommend the html be used (see the 'some html is ok' link above the comment box). This way, everyone can decide whether they want to read the spoilers or wait.

Some people will note either the page number or the chapter outside of the spoiler section so that it helps others decide, but it's not necessary.

ETA: Terri rode up a guide for tips on spoilers. I thought I should I add it
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...

Thanks! I am going to have to practice that. Hope it works on the Android app.

I can't speak for the app, I don't use it. It does work if you go through a browser on your android though.

Browser is best I have found.

Jane wrote: "Many others of those by Eco I started and abandoned, but the 4th crusade always interested me. The Seven Hills of Paradise by Rosemary Simpson was excellent.
I've read only a few pp. of Baudolin..."

Yes, definitely picaresque. Eco is a fine writer, but perhaps a bit eccentric. The Name of the Rose must be his most accessible book.

Jane wrote: "Goodness, C.P., not necessarily. Who can remember each little fact?

BTW, those horse statues on St. Mark's came from the Hippodrome in Constantinople. [another useless bit of trivia :) ]"

...but they aren't the original ones anymore. These are kept inside. :)

Eileen wrote: "Eco is a fine writer, but perhaps a bit eccentric. The Name of the Rose must be his most accessible book. "

It probably is. But maybe it's a matter of translation, his books must be really difficult to translate.

Jane wrote: "Simona's lucky; she can read them in the original."

Hah. But you get to read all the other books we have talked about in the original version, and sometimes I have to surrender: that's what happened with Gates of Fire, I had to buy the Italian translation. Luckily, it was very good.

Yes, translations are uneven--some very good, some poor. Baudolino's practicing his writing skills when the book starts must have been miserable to translate.
I agree on the accessibility of Name of the rose