This novel by author and semiotics professor Umberto Eco takes place during the middle ages. The backdrop of the plot is set against a 13 th century benedictine monastry. William from England and his trusty novice side kick accompany each other on a trip to the Italian monstary for diplomatic reasons hoping to resolve theological disputes between the pope and the Franciscan order. However when the two charaters arrive monks begin to die for no apparent reason. The secret to solving the mystery lies in the Aefcidium (library) were our protaginst piles through volumes and volumes of literature from roger bacon to Aristiotle from Latin To greek.
This is a very intellectually stimulating novel. Supposedly some would say that its even better and more cerebral than the Da Vinici Code. In fact the first few chapters that meticulously detail the abbey and scriptorium where the protaganist stays his detailed with mathmatical precision.
There are times where the book is painstaking to read and comprehend because of the arbitrary dispensing of latin phrases throughout the text and Ecko's immense research thoughrly displayed throughout the text. Some critics have complained that the political and religious discourses have tangetially distracted the reader from the point of the story. However, i felt it provided a necessary backdrop for the culture of its time. Theological debates intensified over whether or not Christ preached a doctrine of poverty and the fighting that insued because of it. They also disscuss the philosophy behind understanding those who are 'simple" in addition to talking about whether or not Jesus laughed.
The most whimisical and ecenntric part of the book is were the narrator, Adso, has a fantastical dream about all the biblical characters interacting with him and with one another rather esotric.
This 500+ page masterpiece of monastary history can be a bit byzantine at times but the central theme of the book is never lost. Besides if anything the theological disertations that take place between monks makes for an interesting read on church history.