611 pages
English language
Published Aug. 13, 1984 by Warner Books.
The year is 1327. Franciscans in a wealthy Italian abbey are suspected of heresy, and Brother William of Baskerville arrives to investigate. His delicate mission is suddenly overshadowed by seven bizarre deaths that take place in seven days and night of apocalyptic terror. The body of one monk is found in a cask of pigs' blood, another is floating in a bathhouse, still another is crushed at the foot of a cliff.
A wonderful, distinctive tale. Although it has the deep research of a historical novel, it's really a detective story.
Must be ready for deep literary devices though: page-long descriptions and passages in actual Latin.
The different levels this book operates on coming together in the end is incredible. It can be difficult to read some of the debates, but you are well rewarded for taking the time to understand them.
