The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana

By: Umberto Eco

Narrated by: George Guidall

Internationally best-selling author Umberto Eco is a master stylist whose books, including The Name of the Rose and Baudolino, have been savored by millions around the world. Now, with The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, Eco crafts another of the ambitious and breathtaking novels that are his trademark.

When book dealer Yambo suffers amnesia, he loses all sense of who he is, but retains memories of all the books, poems, songs, and movies he has ever experienced. To reclaim his identity, he retreats to the family home and rummages through old letters, photographs, and mementos stored in the attic. Yambo's mind swirls with thoughts, and he struggles to retrieve the one memory that may be most sacred, that of Lila Saba, his first love.

Steeped in nostalgia and filled with vivid, sometimes wondrous imagery, The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana is a magnificent addition to Eco's literary legacy.

Translated by Geoffrey Brock.©2004 RCS Libri S.p.A. (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Compelling storytelling and greatly sympathetic characters." (Booklist)
"An absorbing exploration of how that most fundamental master-narrative, our memory, is pieced together from a bricolage of pop culture." (Publishers Weekly)
"A head-spinning tour through the corridors of history and popular culture, and one of this sly entertainer's liveliest yet." (Kirkus Reviews)

Long, but worthwhile

I had tried reading one of Eco's books some time back and found the text very dense and too hard to read.

The audio version would be better I thought, so why not give it a try, even though it was a very long book. (For what it's worth, I have no difficulty with reading, comprehension, of vocabulary - his writing style just made it difficult.)

This book at times could be tedious (He really didn't have to spend so much time in the attic!) but just as often was like talking to an old friend.

The narrator was excellent. I was apprehensive when I heard an older man with an unusual accent and delivery, but he was certainly a good choice for this - the book could not have been the same without him.

A long listen, but I would do it again.

Mysterious, rambling and intriguing

After a recent diet of rather good thrillers and mysteries, I decided to try the most recent Umberto Eco, for a change of pace. A change it most definitely was! The pace of Queen Loana is decidedly slow (occasionally practically coming to a standstill), the tale intriguing, the atmosphere foggy and the concepts challenging. George Guidall (who I will always associate with Crime and Punishment) narrates this work in exactly the right manner. I can recommend this book to listeners with patience, and who want to think, but if you are after a fast-flowing narrative with twists and turns, this is not for you.

Entrancing and Philosophical

Eco is so great at creating a sense of mystery and wonder as a man tries to reassemble his life after a stroke that turns him into an amnesiac. He really lets one think about what it is about me that I identify with. He had to rediscover all his preferences and re-question all his values as his entire life and even bodily functions are completely strange and new. Do our memories make us what we are, or our preferences? Are we responsible for sins that we don't even remember making?

Why is there a lead-in which shouts "Audible Kids"? This is an adult book but someone at Audible has mislabeled it.

Umberto Eco Reminiscing..,

One of his finest works, Eco is opening a window into the life of a boy during the war while taking us along on a journey through the thoughts of a dying man.

Excellent Narrative Performance, But The Story Itself Will NOT Appeal to Many Listeners

The performance of George Guidall is excellent. However this is a slow moving tedious story. It is definitely NOT light literature. The story seems to ramble on endlessly and seemingly pointlessly. I am positive it is a serious intellectual exercise. Perhaps something like James Joyce’s Ulysses. The first time I read Ulysses I might as well not have. Maybe I will reread this in a few years. But I would not recommend this novel as a light listening experience. Thank You…

Simple and brilliant

I love the simple concept that gives this book power and cohesion. A simple structure. Divided in three parts. I think that simple concept gives extraordinary insights and a chance for a wonderful writer to look at life and relationships from different perspectives. I feel this is such a comfortable read, and flows so effortlessly and naturally. I revisit it often, in print and in audible. And it is always poignant.

TOTTALLY ENGROSSING

I LOVE Umberto Eco. I have read nearly everything he's ever written that has been translated into English. This is not an easy book. The writing is very dense. But the details of the atmosphere are rich. And the Eco's books are packed with historical acuracies that teach you about a period of our past.
I am always smarter for having read Umberto Eco.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CONSIDER THE ABRIDGED VERSION. Trust me. You will be missing the brilliance of this writer.

This book is an amazing journey into a man's discovery of who he might have possibly been. It's not your typical american story. So sit back and enjoy and don't worry about figuring out how it all is going to work out.

I have also fallen in in love with the narrator and have purchased several other books just because he narrates.

A great read

For being by Umberto Eco this book is an easy read. As a reader, you really get to travel throughout the mind and memories of this old gentleman. Although I have not yet reached the age of this literary figure, I quite enjoyed the journey. Also the book was well read and easy to follow and understand (even the Italian references).

Only half way, ABSOLUTELY INLOVE W THIS AUDIO BK

Would you consider the audio edition of The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana to be better than the print version?

I've not read the print version of this book. I've read other Umberto and found the print versions riveting. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy an audio version bc part of loving Umberto is loving his use of the written word. However the language is portrayed beautifully by the narrator so I feel this audio version is as riveting as reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana?

The poetic descriptions of the fog and confusion Yambo finds himself in during the first chapter or so are...breathtakingly beautiful.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

I'm only part way through, so it's all Yambo at the moment and I like him very, very much.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I'll hold my silence for now.

Any additional comments?

The narrator is a superb actor and narrator. Seriously. He's magic. I listen to this as I go to sleep and sometimes find I can't turn it off, his voice and the language of Umberto is such a soothing combination.

Horrible!

I have never waited so long to be interested in a book in my life - finally I gave up. Rambling drivel . . .