The Name of the Rose

by Umberto Eco
The Name of the Rose cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Mystery
Technical:
  • ID: 1571
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780156001311
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 1994-01-01
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £18.99

Set in 1327, The Name of the Rose follows Brother William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar with a sharp mind and a keen eye for detail, as he arrives at a remote Italian abbey. His mission is complicated by a series of bizarre deaths that seem to be connected to the abbey's vast library. Alongside his novice, Adso of Melk, William must navigate the labyrinthine corridors of power and faith to unravel the truth behind the murders. The novel is a rich tapestry of historical detail, philosophical debate, and intricate mystery, blending the intellectual rigor of medieval scholarship with the suspense of a classic whodunit. Umberto Eco's masterpiece is not just a detective story but a profound exploration of the power of knowledge, the dangers of dogma, and the enduring human quest for truth. The abbey's library, with its forbidden texts and hidden passages, becomes a character in its own right, symbolizing the complexities and contradictions of the human mind.

Reviews
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.

She Reads Novels · 2019-02-13
compelling 4.50

As a murder mystery, the book is quite good, with a compelling solution and culprit. The depth of medieval philosophy adds to its appeal.

The reviewer from She Reads Novels found 'The Name of the Rose' to be a compelling murder mystery. Even though they knew the solution and the culprit from a previous reading, the intricate plot and the depth of medieval philosophy kept them engaged. The book's complexity and the way it blends mystery with historical and philosophical themes make it a standout. The reviewer appreciates the rich detail and the intellectual stimulation provided by the novel, making it a worthwhile read despite its challenges.

Quick quotes

    As a murder mystery, The Name of the Rose is quite a good one.

    Reading it for the second time, I remembered the solution and the culprit, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment.

    The depth of medieval philosophy and the intricate plot make it a standout novel.

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