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  • The Name of the Rose

  • By: Umberto Eco
  • Narrated by: Sean Barrett
  • Length: 21 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,424 ratings)

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The Name of the Rose

By: Umberto Eco
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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Summary

This hugely engaging story of murder, superstition, religious politics and drama in a medieval monastery was one of the most striking novels to appear in the 1980s. The Name of the Rose is a thrilling story enriched with period detail and laced with tongue-in-cheek allusions to fictional characters, the most striking of which is the Franciscan friar William of Baskerville, who displays many characteristics of Sherlock Holmes. Although he looks at the past through a postmodern lens, Eco catapults his listeners into the dark medieval world as Brother William tries to discover why people are dying inexplicably and nastily in the monastery. There is something not altogether right within the library that is the pride of the establishment.... The old man Adso, who was an impressionable novice at the time, tells the story.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1980 Gruppo Editoriale Fabbri-Bompiani, Sonzongo, Etas S.p.A (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooks
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What listeners say about The Name of the Rose

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A brlliant narrator brings this to life

Sean Barrett derseves all praise possible for this remarkable narration. The book is simply wonderful (and far superior to the film).
I am delighted to see that Mr Barrett narrates other books by Umberto Eco.
What a treat.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

an incredible work

It's no wonder this book is so famous and considered a classic. The narration was first class. The story is magnificent. It's a fantastic read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautifully read

Knowing the book well, it was a delight to listen to this reading. Sean Barrett delivers a tour de force of characterisation. Outstanding.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A literary work out

This is not an easy book to read in any format but this version is compelling. Intricate detail & medieval philosophy combine to make a stunning murder mystery.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Masterpiece

Incredible writing read by the best voice actor I have heard in an audio book.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Heavy Going...

Don't get me wrong.
Loved the book & Movie.
This however I struggled to finish.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Massively complex and atmospheric

Both engrossing and exasperating. This book seems to divide readers though I feel mixed, having read it before but first time I listened to the outstanding narration by Sean Barrett. A book of massive complexity in its philosophising, which left me quite often baffled to be honest. Enormous levels of detail, erudition, lists which are sometimes tedious and feel unnecessary and discursions.Also a lot of Latin as has been mentioned by others which to the general reader is impenetrable and frustrating, as I found some of the politics.
On the plus side it is a book of enormous atmosphere and gives a terrifying and authentic-feeling glimpse into the medieval theological world ...supposed heretical practices, complex disputation into theological beliefs which seem to be always shifting according to the times, terror of damnation and the inquisition , violence, mysogyny, and the rabidly held beliefs that lead to the events narrated.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A slog, but worth it

The story has a tendency to fall into rambling passages regarding the state of religion in the 13th century, which none but the true enthusiast will find really interesting. That said, all details are relevant to a certain extent and the narration of this version keeps the story full of interest and tension throughout.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic

Wonderful and derailed medieval whodunnit. Loved the film - for me Sean Connory’s finest performances The audible version is excellent too

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Decent

The narrator was amazing. The book itself... Well, I kind of expected more from it. Still, very entertaining and captivating, especially good if you have a lot of time to kill.

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