The Name of the Rose

This is an outstanding and complex work. It deserves to be released unabridged. So much is lost in an abridgment that it isn't worth listening to. If you are interested in what was one of the few best sellers deserving that status, read the book. If you want to listen, then wait until it is available unabridged. An abridgement is a waste of money.

When I read the print version about 20 years ago, I thought it one of the best novels I had come across. I think the audio version's "brilliant re-creation of the 14th century" and plot suffer in abridgement, or perhaps there are just other good historical novels out there these days to compare.

The narration is good and the story is easy to follow, however - and an abridged rose is still sweeter than none.

This book -- what I heard of it -- was both an excellent mystery novel and, at a deeper level, a fascinating exploration of the way that piety can beget sin and a love of the truth can beget anti-intellectualism. The narrator did an excellent job, particularly with the German and Italian accents (though the British one could have used some help, I thought). I can't address how much is lost in the abridgement, but I do wish an unabridged version had been available -- especially now that I've heard this version. I have the book on my shelf and based on its length it seems that a great deal must be missing. On the other hand, that book has been on my shelf, unread, for some time, and I suppose the abridged version must be pretty good on its own merits if it left me wanting more.

I purchased this novel based on some vague memories of the old Sean Connery movie. I was not disappointed. A very fast, suspensful listen. Imagine Sherlock Holmes as an Italian Monk and you've got the idea. I found that listening in the car at night enhanced the feel of the creepy monastary libray and definitely made the devastating climax come to life as I listened. A great mystery, vivid characters, dry humor, and some nice historical touches round out the tale.

The only drawback of this title is that some of the Italian character names deserve re-reading (it is a whodunit, after all). I found myself skipping backwards every so often to review what I'd heard. For the most part this is impractical. Other than that, an excellent listen!

I highly recommend this title: it has lead me to check out other titles by the author and I will probably listen to it again every other year or so - which for me is a sure sign of a good book.

Yes and Yes! This is one of my favorite books, and Theodore Bikel does a marvelous job bringing Adso to life. His accent and delivery are enthralling!

The only problem is that this version is abridged.

I love this book! The story is gripping

This was my first, but I loved his performance and will look for more!

Since this book is Eco's fictional take on his philosophies on semiotics, I was inspired to read more about semiotics.

Only problem with this book is that it's abridged! Which is terrible. Several of my favorite passages were missing!

The audio version, abridged, is nice because it makes it more accessible. Reading the book can be daunting for someone who is not well acquainted with history and classical languages. The audio version eliminates a lot of the philosophy arguments between the characters. The narrator is fantastic. His voice is rich and mellow. I have found this to be my favorite companion on nights when sleep eludes me.

I really enjoy learning something about history. Most will probably enjoy this book for the murder mystery, but the historical context is fascinating. If you are at all interestged in medieval christianity, this will be for you. The narrator is pretty close to perfect. While the movie is spectacular, this is even better.

I absolutely love Umberto Eco's writing, but Bikel adds so much to the book. The choir that is used at the begining and during transitions also takes you right there. I have listened to this book so many times. It is very relaxing, yet captivating, as well as completely entertaining. If you like Sherlock Holmes and enjoy books written with beautiful description/dialouge, then this is the mystery for you. Man, I love the begining and the many minutes of action in that maze of a library... just cozy, captivating goodness.

Eco masterfully paints the culture and the ethos of the 14th century monastery, but I believe that the motivation behind this murder mystery is weak at best. That so many deaths might result from a desire to keep the world from laughing is laughable. When confronted with his evil in the final 'pages' of the book, the antagonist expands the evil by burning down his beloved library.

I've loved everything I've read of Eco's including this, but I don't buy the motivation.

Sean Connery was a monk in the movie version.. The book fills in the details of the community more than the movie did.. and if you know the way the community was organized you see more intensely the intrigue.. I might listen to it again

Again the rich description of the contemplatives.

Not Laugh or Cry but I am very interested in the way people lived back then. This paints a clear picture of the life in those times..