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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
A monastry in the dark ages, a murder, an inquisitive monk.
An ending i didn't see coming (and i usually do)
Between the excellent writing and the flawless plot, this is a must read
An ending i didn't see coming (and i usually do)
Between the excellent writing and the flawless plot, this is a must read
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Smartly written whodunnit murder mystery that takes place in a medieval monastery.
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
“Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we mustn't ask ourselves what it says but what it means...”
I was in the mood after reading the first instalment of the Shardlake series by C. J. Sansom for some more medieval detective/investigative tales, so I was led along to The Name of the Rose. We are taken to an abbey in Italy suspected of heresy, and here we see our key characters explore the mysteries of those who live there as they also attempt to find the perpetrator who has committed murder. The investigation forces them to challenge their own beliefs, what good and evil means, and far more. There are some great moments, but sadly there are also large portions of what I found to be dry and repetitive monologues and academic discussions.
I was gutted that this did not click with me, especially after I enjoyed the first thirty or so pages so much. I really felt confident I was going to love it. But then in my opinion it got far too tangential. Now, I love a tangent that adds to the story. Sadly I felt like these different, and at times it also felt jarring with how it enforced the themes so strongly. It slowed the plot down a lot, and then sadly when the revelations regarding the crime started happening, I had lost any investment I previously felt.
Still a book I would recommend, as I am in the minority, and I could see how many people would enjoy this. There are beautiful passages, and some powerful moments, but sadly I did not connect with the story.
2/5 STARS
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
“Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we mustn't ask ourselves what it says but what it means...”
I was in the mood after reading the first instalment of the Shardlake series by C. J. Sansom for some more medieval detective/investigative tales, so I was led along to The Name of the Rose. We are taken to an abbey in Italy suspected of heresy, and here we see our key characters explore the mysteries of those who live there as they also attempt to find the perpetrator who has committed murder. The investigation forces them to challenge their own beliefs, what good and evil means, and far more. There are some great moments, but sadly there are also large portions of what I found to be dry and repetitive monologues and academic discussions.
I was gutted that this did not click with me, especially after I enjoyed the first thirty or so pages so much. I really felt confident I was going to love it. But then in my opinion it got far too tangential. Now, I love a tangent that adds to the story. Sadly I felt like these different, and at times it also felt jarring with how it enforced the themes so strongly. It slowed the plot down a lot, and then sadly when the revelations regarding the crime started happening, I had lost any investment I previously felt.
Still a book I would recommend, as I am in the minority, and I could see how many people would enjoy this. There are beautiful passages, and some powerful moments, but sadly I did not connect with the story.
2/5 STARS
Heavy stuff. It's a good mystery with long descriptions of the complex political situation and pondering of many philosophical questions.
I was very invested in the mystery but less so in the many political and religious discussions. The different religious groups and unfamiliar words were confusing. There were many slow, long-winded parts. I didn't understand the many religious references or words, which annoyed me. It felt like the author presumed I knew more than I did. Still, the writing quality was top-notch. I enjoyed some of the deep conversations about philosophical questions.
It’s one of the books you read and you already know it will still linger in your mind years later.
I was very invested in the mystery but less so in the many political and religious discussions. The different religious groups and unfamiliar words were confusing. There were many slow, long-winded parts. I didn't understand the many religious references or words, which annoyed me. It felt like the author presumed I knew more than I did. Still, the writing quality was top-notch. I enjoyed some of the deep conversations about philosophical questions.
It’s one of the books you read and you already know it will still linger in your mind years later.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No