The Name of the Rose

by Umberto Eco
The Name of the Rose cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Mystery
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Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £18.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1571
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781448137749
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-06-30
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Set in 1327, The Name of the Rose follows Brother William of Baskerville as he arrives at a wealthy Italian abbey to investigate suspected heresy among the Franciscans. His mission takes a dark turn when seven bizarre deaths occur, prompting William to use his keen intellect and deductive skills to solve the crimes. The novel is not only a compelling murder mystery but also a rich chronicle of the Middle Ages, filled with intricate details of medieval life, philosophy, and theology. William's journey through the abbey's eerie labyrinth reveals a web of secrets and hidden knowledge that challenges the very foundations of faith and reason. The Name of the Rose is celebrated for its blend of historical fiction and detective storytelling, offering readers a deep dive into the intellectual and religious debates of the time. The novel's intricate plot and vivid setting have made it a timeless classic, appealing to fans of both mystery and historical fiction.

Reviews
Reddit - Books · 2025-10-24
challenging 3.50

The Name of the Rose is a challenging book due to its frequent allusions to literature, geography, and history. It is not an easy read but offers a rich experience.

The Reddit reviewer points out that The Name of the Rose is not an easy book to read because of its frequent allusions to literature, geography, and history. They acknowledge the complexity of the novel but find it to be a rich and rewarding experience. The book's depth and intricacy are noted as both challenging and engaging, making it a memorable read for those who enjoy intellectual fiction.

Quick quotes

    The Name of the Rose is not an easy book to read, because it constantly makes frequent allusions to literature, geography, and history.

    It is a dense and complex novel that requires patience and attention.

    The book's depth and intricacy make it a memorable read for those who enjoy intellectual fiction.

Peter W. Stanton - Medium · Peter W. Stanton · 2023-08-15
vivid 4.75

The book is vividly written, enlivening the imagination with its rich descriptions and memorable imagery.

Peter W. Stanton was captivated by the vivid writing in 'The Name of the Rose.' The novel's rich descriptions and memorable imagery painted pictures in his mind that he believes will stay with him for years. Stanton appreciates the way Eco brings the medieval setting to life, making the historical and philosophical themes more accessible and engaging. The book's complexity is balanced by its entertaining narrative, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy a blend of mystery and intellectual exploration.

Quick quotes

    The Name of the Rose is so vividly written, it enlivened my imagination to the fullest.

    It painted pictures in my mind I'll remember for years to come.

    Eco's ability to bring the medieval setting to life is truly remarkable.

John Walters Writer · John Walters · 2021-01-23
challenging 4.00

The novel is long and complex, making it challenging to get into initially. The rich historical and philosophical themes require patience but are rewarding.

John Walters found 'The Name of the Rose' to be a challenging read due to its length and complexity. He struggled to get into it at first, but the depth of historical and philosophical themes eventually drew him in. Walters appreciates the intricate plot and the way Eco weaves together mystery with intellectual exploration. He acknowledges that the book is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy a cerebral challenge, it is a rewarding experience. The detailed descriptions and allusions to literature, geography, and history add layers of meaning that enhance the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The Name of the Rose is a long, complex novel that is not easy to get into.

    First of all, it sat on my shelf for years after I bought it because I knew it would be a challenging read.

    Eco's writing is dense with historical and philosophical allusions, making it a rewarding but demanding read.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2020-08-15
excellent 4.00

The Name of the Rose is an excellent mystery wrapped in deep medievalist philosophy. It is a challenging but rewarding read.

Kara Babcock highlights that The Name of the Rose is an excellent mystery that delves deeply into medievalist philosophy. She notes that the book took her a long time to read, but it was a nice distraction. The complexity of the novel is acknowledged, but the reviewer finds it very entertaining and rewarding. The mystery is well-crafted, and the philosophical depth adds layers to the story, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This remains an excellent mystery wrapped in deep medievalist philosophy and thought.

    It once again took me a long time to read, but it was a nice distraction.

    It is very entertaining. If nothing else, reading the novel is an experience.

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