Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Foucault's Pendulum
Book Review: Above Average Mystical Thriller
Summary: 4 Stars
Eco weaves an exciting story from the fabric of conspiracy theory and rumor. Building on the mistrust of secret societies, "Foucault's Pendulum" deals with masonry, the Knights Templar and the whole Golden Dawn set as the central focus of this mystery.
The story is satisfying, but I can't help wondering if it would have been so had I not had some background in the subject matter. There are places where one just wishes he would get on with it, already, rather than painstakingly building his case.
The characters run together a bit, but the general writing style and plot promote thought and interest in the story and where it's going. This novel is great as an airport read, ignoring some of the background, or as a wickedly intelligent look at the slightly paranoid mindset.
Book Review: Absolutely Loved This Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is on my personal list of all-time favorites. I loved "Name of the Rose", but "Foucault's Pendulum" is by far the best of Eco's novels (I found his most recent novel, "Island of the Day Before" to be a bit of a disappointment by comparison). The breadth of history, geography, culture, and philosophical thought covered in "Foucault's Pendulum" is amazing. The exciting plot will keep you on the edge of your seat ... particularly, the last 100 pages. In addition to being a clever thinker, Eco has a wonderful sense of humor which is everpresent throughout the entire novel. Although it takes some intellectual commitment at times (particularly through the middle portion), it is well worth the extra time to read/re-read the more challenging portions (for me, these sparked my interest to make some forays in researching historical and cultural areas that were new to me ... which then furthered my appreciation of the novel). Overall, I agree with those who would classify this novel as a literary masterpiece...and I highly recommend it!Book Review: Absolutely unbearable.
Summary: 2 Stars
Absolutely unbearable. I think I gave it about 80 pages of very small type. Another one of these "weird" books that is trying to be clever. It is possible that there is a palatable story in here somewhere, but I really didn't care enough to find out.Book Review: Addictive
Summary: 5 Stars
I really don't want to say too much about this book, for fear of giving too much away, but...Having read a lot of books over my life, this is one of the few ones that I really was unable to put down once I started - it is absolutely fascinating, and completely addictive.
If you don't know Eco's writings, you are in for a treat with this one.
Book Review: All of History is a conspiracy!
Summary: 5 Stars
Umberto Eco has always used his immense talent to create stories that are cerebral yet accessible, supernatural and magical yet grounded in reality. Foucault's Pendulum takes all you know and didn't know about history and turns it on its head. In fact, Eco turns it so many times even the characters don't know which way is up anymore. Following an Eco storyline is like an advanture, the only negative is that it has to end sometime.