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A review by carlalaureano
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
5.0
Easily the most impressive recent fantasy debut I've read. Patrick Rothfuss is a master at creating engaging characters and setting and displays the most accomplished use of the framed narrative as a storytelling device that I have read by a contemporary author. A must read for anyone who even thinks they might like fantasy.
As an aside, Rothfuss is funny and personable "in real life" and takes the time to personally respond to fans who contact him through his website. It's worthwhile to note that he is the only author whom I've ever contacted for any reason, and he was kind enough to offer encouragement in my own writing endeavors.
3/27/11 - I'm currently rereading this before starting into the second book "Wise Man's Fear," and once again, I'm blown away. It is so unusual to find a genre book that can pass for literature in terms of style and voice. The shift between omniscient narrator (the frame) to first person narration (story within the frame) works to add tension and slow the pace of the story as needed. It also beautifully contrasts the two Kvothes we know-- the man he is versus the boy he was-- and causes the reader to wonder what could have created such a dramatic change, giving the impetus to continue reading. Well done, indeed.
As an aside, Rothfuss is funny and personable "in real life" and takes the time to personally respond to fans who contact him through his website. It's worthwhile to note that he is the only author whom I've ever contacted for any reason, and he was kind enough to offer encouragement in my own writing endeavors.
3/27/11 - I'm currently rereading this before starting into the second book "Wise Man's Fear," and once again, I'm blown away. It is so unusual to find a genre book that can pass for literature in terms of style and voice. The shift between omniscient narrator (the frame) to first person narration (story within the frame) works to add tension and slow the pace of the story as needed. It also beautifully contrasts the two Kvothes we know-- the man he is versus the boy he was-- and causes the reader to wonder what could have created such a dramatic change, giving the impetus to continue reading. Well done, indeed.