A long, and sometimes confusing novel about late 19th century European history, confusing because it was hard to follow all the espionage and counter-espionage, secret societies and movements. Perhaps if I knew my European history from this era better I would have found the book more engaging. As I was the only aspect of the book I truly appreciated was its portrayal of how antisemitism was expanded and promoted and used as a political tool in the lead up to the 20th century.
I found Eco's use of the double narrator plot device somewhat pretentious and the conclusion of the mystery anti-climatic. This is not to say I didn't enjoy the book on some levels, but I would hardly call it "magnificent" as apparently the Sunday Times did. I picked this book up in a Paris train station book store, it seemed an appropriate choice because we were heading to Prague that very day. I was surprised when the story opened in the very part of Paris we had just stayed in during our vacation there (the Latin Quarter). The book revealed some of the roots of antisemitism, but I still I think I learned more about that from our guide in Prague when we walked about the old Jewish Quarter. While there we took a peek in the Cemetery referred to in this book, but unfortunately we didn't actually go it - when I think back on that opportunity now I wish we had taken the time to go inside the cemetery and look around more closely.
Finally I think I didn't enjoy this book as much because none of the characters are really anyone worth rooting for, they are all rather despicable people - and I get weary of reading endless depravity.
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