The Name of the Wind
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Opinion of the Name of the Wind
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Osvaldo
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Apr 23, 2011 11:04AM
A general discussion of this complex book, I plan on posting any comments here
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I love the way this guy writes. Very witty. The way he plays with words reminds me of a modern day Shakespeare.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book when I read it a couple of years ago. Rothfuss's storytelling ability is almost magical. I'm not a fantasy fan, but the story was just so well told. I went out and bought Wise Man's Fear as soon as it came out and am enjoying it too. It's the kind of book where you just fall into the story and "go away" for a while.
It pains me to say this, but I think I may be abandoning this book. The writing is very clunky and for some reason I feel very apathetic to the main character. Perhaps it is that it took so long to start or the voice just unnerves me, but there are too many books in the world to stay with one you cannot identify with.
That's interesting because in my opinion this book is really well written. It must be, because there are things that really bother me about the main character and yet I read this book several times, and bought Wise Man's Fear the day it came out and read it immediately. I think the glimpses you get of Kvothe as Kote the innkeeper are vital for this. Young Kvothe is too good at everything, and it only gets worse in WMF. He is the best at magic, music, and now fighting and sex too. But the fact that as the innkeeper he appears older and broken, afraid or defeated somehow, somewhere, helps keep him human and likable.
I hate to say it, but thrown into the book return bin, perhaps when I finish my work and his series is complete I will return to it.
R wrote: "I love the way this guy writes. Very witty. The way he plays with words reminds me of a modern day Shakespeare."I love Rothfuss' writing style also. He reminds me of Hemingway in that his writing seems exceptionally simple and clear, but he always uses the perfect word or phrase to conjure a scene vividly.
There are lots of his phrases I paused at and rolled them around because they sounded nice and made me smile: "like unexpected cake on a rainy afternoon"; apples "sorted and stored". Now that you mention it, I agree with the Shakespeare reference also.
I suppose it's normal that some people won't take pleasure in his writing, but I can't help but feel slightly sad for them, missing out on the sheer glee I felt reading his books.
Looking forward to the next one. :)
Melissa wrote: "There are lots of his phrases I paused at and rolled them around because they sounded nice and made me smile: "like unexpected cake on a rainy afternoon"; apples "sorted and stored""This I very much agree with. There are many phrases like those that I couldn't help but laugh at, either because they fit so perfectly, or because they were just clever, or even blunt.
I love the story. The plot sucked me in. Perhaps it's because you (as a reader) see him as the innkeeper and then as a boy before his life really begins. Perhaps it's the writing style. Perhaps it's the mystery of wanting to learn how he became what he became. Perhaps it's the whole rooting-for-the-underdog thing. It's an epic journey, but one I found I couldn't put down. And the second book, though it had some completely wacky fantasy sections (one in particular, but I refuse to spoil anything) in it that I admit I found myself skimming, was well worth the wait.
Ditto Tamara. I'm going to read "A Wise Man's Fear" as soon as I'm finished with "The Pursuit of Happiness".
I loved it. I really liked how Rothfuss took his time with the story. It wasn't short like a lot of novels these days are... especially romances (girl meets boy and *gasps* they fall in love all of the sudden). But as long as it was, the pace was perfect, not a lot of info dumping or areas where the story lagged. It was great and it's different. I can't wait until the next one.
I've got about 200 pages left in Wise Man's Fear. I have enjoyed the book - Rothfuss has such wonderful turns or phrases - although not quite as much as the first one. Kvothe is such an interesting character, but I have a very hard time picturing him in my mind. I never see someone who looks 16 years old, that's for sure. Nor do I see him as handsome or "heroic" looking.
This book is one of my favorites. I love how it feels like puzzle pieces falling into place the further along with the story he goes. It feels as though every detail has a purpose and been planned out...it will end up being one of those trilogies where, by the end of book three you're frantically looking for book one to remind yourself about some small detail that just came back into play in a major way. I love his voice as a writer, he draws me into the story the way Sanderson can. He carries a cast of characters the way Rawn can (Though I will admit, he gives them far more depth.) And the plot, Truly unique. Not the same old, same old...hum drum. I highly recommend reading his blog as well. Hysterical, man can he write. Fan for life.
Provided that the third book in this series doesn't come out awful, this may be my favorite series of all time. Rothfuss' writing style is simple but very playful and elegant. This series is one of the few fantasy series where I've felt raw emotional reactions to the narrative. I think The Wise Man's fear may have run me through every emotional reaction possible to stir up in a book. The most amazing thing about this series is just how polysemous interpretations of the story have been. I think it is remarkably difficult to find another text so open to interpretation in genre fiction.
I finished Wise Man's Fear yesterday, and while I liked it - some parts of it very much - I didn't love it the way I did Name of the Wind. Anyone know of any threads on GoodReads discussing Wise Man's Fear?
This book is easily my favorite book, and I don't say that lightly. You get so emotionally invested in the character, and you feel happy when he is, and sad when he is. It's written so poetically; this is the only book I've ever cried while reading.
I generally read a lot of fantasy, and I was so taken with this book that I couldn't stand waiting for the upcoming volumes. One of the upsides of this was that I got it confused with The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Zafon, which is also a good book and a fantasy of a different type. Back to Rothfuss, however, I don't know if he's done anything prior to this, but I thought this one was outstanding. It's frustrating to get involved with a character or a setting and then have to wait for the next installment. I've had that with Robert Jordan's series, which is finally being completed posthumously.
You just get captivated and enthralled by the inspiring and witty lead, and the story as a whole. Its so unique in how the plot and story is created, that its not just one plot, it has many different aspects to it. It'll always be one of my favourites, and its written so creatively and cleverly, especially the start and end of 'The Wise Mans Fear'.Beautiful.
Lydia wrote: "You just get captivated and enthralled by the inspiring and witty lead, and the story as a whole. Its so unique in how the plot and story is created, that its not just one plot, it has many differe..."I liked the beginning and the ending, too. I just thought the time with Adem was drawn out a little too long. I still think the writing was wonderful, but I do think a good editor would have trimmed it a bit. I found myself impatient to get through parts, whereas I never wanted Name of the Wind to end.
Name of the wind was good but not perfect. The last hundred pages are bad (minus the very end) where K goes off to look for a clay pot or something. This wasn't in his original draft, what he was trying to do was "book end" the novel and in that he failed.
I think that Patrick Rothfuss is by far on his way to brilliance. The revealing of The Wise Man’s Fear was yet another thread in the tapestry of Kvothe’s life, his world building and his becoming. Each sentence and paragraph a precise step that draws you down the path with him until you’re unwittingly wandering aimlessly through his world. It is a classic in the making; right there with the likes of The Hobbit and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. A tale structured with stories within stories. Layers of magic and imagination, much like the main character as he is finding himself and the reasons for what placed him on this road to begin with.
The cliff that the ending leaves you teetering on was highly irritating – I must say – and I pray that Mr. Rothfuss doesn’t leave us waiting another two years for the next installment.
Best ~ K.
Loved it for the most part. Some parts did tend to drag a bit so I used a little judicious skimming when necessary.
I found it boring and long winded. I didn't finish it.I didn't care for the characters. Personally I felt what did read seemed like 150 pages of filler. I will say the author sure loves metaphors but I think he used them to excess. Perhaps Scifi isn't for me.
Nora wrote: "Perhaps Scifi isn't for me. "Minor nitpick, but this is a major pet peeve for me. This isn't science fiction, it is fantasy. While similar, they are different things.
lol it is like saying I read the bible but I do not like historical fiction
Random wrote: "Nora wrote: "Perhaps Scifi isn't for me. "Minor nitpick, but this is a major pet peeve for me. This isn't science fiction, it is fantasy. While similar, they are different things."
Sorry. Then perhaps it's fantasy that isn't my style.
There's lots of different types of fantasy, look on listopia, perhaps there is something else you may like.
Osvaldo wrote: "It pains me to say this, but I think I may be abandoning this book. The writing is very clunky and for some reason I feel very apathetic to the main character. Perhaps it is that it took so long to..."Couldn't have said it better myself.
I found the beginning a bit dry, but finished it and loved it. It is one of my favorite books of all time.
This book was superb. It reminded me of the 'classic' fantasy of the past with an epic feel. The author expertly jumps back and forth from the past to the present, and it works so well. The writing is strong, clean, and displays a command of excellent storytelling and pacing. It won't be appreciated by people with short attention spans and those who don't revere the written word. I regret that I've yet to read the second book. I hope to remedy that in the future.
Well interesting opinion. I hated it and I do not have a short attention span. As for revering the written word the vast majority of us who read as our main source of entertainment would qualify. Does it make you feel that your opinion counts more if you insult those who didn't like the book?
Nora wrote: "Well interesting opinion. I hated it and I do not have a short attention span. As for revering the written word the vast majority of us who read as our main source of entertainment would qualify. D..."This response may be a waste of time when someone makes an assumption or jumps defensive...but here goes.
Actually, 'my opinion' wasn't directed at you or anyone in this discussion. It was just what it was a 'comment' about THE BOOK no more or less. There are lots of books I don't like that others do, so what? Who cares?
This 'opinion' wasn't a reply to anyone, it was just general commetary take it or leave it.
There's no need to be defensive since I wasn't insulting anyone in this discussion--nor was it aimed at anyone. I don't know anyone in this discussion to make a judgement about them. I would like to 'assume' that everyone here generally 'reveres' the written word, loves to read, can read so they have a solid attention span enough to be on this site to voice their 'opinion' as well.
I wasn't being defensive, I was just curious. I was also not insulted both were nice assumptions on your part. Really it wasn't an attempt to insult saying that "It won't be appreciated by people with short attention spans and those who don't revere the written word."
Interesting.
I really like listening to the audio book.The narrator is great and the writer really did a fine job!
It won't be appreciated by people with short attention spans and those who don't revere the written word...In the interests of us all getting along nicely, how about a minor amendment: "It won't be appreciated by people with short attention spans, those who don't revere the written word and, I'm sure, some other people as well."
Unfortunately, I don't know the html code for a Venn Diagram.
:)
Well, I don't really get the impression that Patrice meant to insult anyone about having a short attention span. It was a big book, and there are as many legitimate reasons for not liking it as there are readers who did not like it. After that, I happen to think it was one of the finest fantasy novels I've read. It does all that I require from that genre, and I enjoyed the read immensely. I am really looking forward to reading the second part, and I hope that I will get along with everyone regardless of the length of their attention span. Mine happens to be rather short, when it comes to life sciences; bad, bad experience in biology 101 many years ago. On the other hand, I happen to think Venn Diagrams are really cool.
I just wanted to quickly interject my opinion of this book. I thought it was amazing. In my top two of all time. Definitely epic.
Trisha wrote: "I just wanted to quickly interject my opinion of this book. I thought it was amazing. In my top two of all time. Definitely epic."What's the other one?
Don't laugh at me.. But, Rose Madder by Stephan King.
Just to reiterate an earlier comment of mine, I spent some time confusing "The Name of the Wind" by Rothfuss with "The Shadow of the Wind" by Zafon. Both are terrific books, IMHO, and both are fantasies, but of a different genre. I can't get into ranking books beyond the level of I liked this and I didn't like that. I might be able to justify one other category, "I really liked this or that," but I probably wouldn't be able to justify a corresponding "I really disliked ..." category. Those would likely be books that I just put down and didn't finish.
Nora wrote: "Well interesting opinion. I hated it and I do not have a short attention span. As for revering the written word the vast majority of us who read as our main source of entertainment would qualify. D..."Taking things so personally makes no one happy. She didn't write that ONLY people w/ short attention spans and those who don't revere the written word wouldn't like it. But it is a long book. People w/ short attention spans would have a hard time completing it. And those who don't revere the written word probably don't enjoy very many books to begin with.
So stop taking things so personally. She didn't attack you or anyone else.
The fact that you didn't like this book tells us nothing about you other than maybe your taste in books is a bit different. Not better or worse. Just different. And that is never a bad thing.
Nora wrote: "I wasn't being defensive, I was just curious. I was also not insulted both were nice assumptions on your part. Really it wasn't an attempt to insult saying that "It won't be appreciated by pe..."
Glad you didn't take it personally, but then you should have left out the last remark about her feeling her opinion counted more by puttin down those who didnt' like it. That WAS personal.
This just demonstrates one of the biggest problems w/ strangers communicating through text. It's really hard to convey tone and you don't know the people well enough to tell when they're being defensive, sarcastic, ironic, encouraging, etc...
Everyone should just think about what they've written before hitting that post or send button. Be mindful of how others may interpret it.
It was simply a question. A valid question. Many people managed to express their feelings about the book without adding snarky comments about those who feel differently then they do. I just wondered what the point was to doing such. It didn't hurt My feelings but comments like that are generally intended to insult someone or other.I agree with you everyone should be mindful of how others may interpret what they write.
It's unfortunate that our online dialogue, which is admittedly limited in the manner Megan mentioned, " one of the biggest problems w/ strangers communicating through text. It's really hard to convey tone and you don't know the people well enough to tell when they're being defensive, sarcastic, ironic, encouraging, etc..," is also characterized by somewhat over the top put downs. The idea of someone being "flamed" by another for a possibly misinterpreted or partially understood statement makes the on-going dialog resemble a minefield. It's hardly conducive to a free exchange of ideas or to the creation of a forum in which to explore ideas together. I'm probably dating myself, but I'll live with that. There was a time when a different type of Lone Ranger or Don Quixote roamed the savage plains of the media seeking justice, righting wrongs, and deflating pomposity wherever it was to be found. His sword of justice was a pie in the face, and the hero's name was Soupy Sales. Nobody was flamed; the worst that happened was that your suit had to go to the dry cleaners, and some laughs were to be had at the recipient's expense. Perhaps it was a kinder, gentler time that I recall.
Nora wrote: "I found it boring and long winded. I didn't finish it.I didn't care for the characters. Personally I felt what did read seemed like 150 pages of filler. I will say the author sure loves metapho..."
OH, dear lady. Do not give up on Sci-fi so quickly. Perhaps his style is just not to your liking. There are so many wonderful sci-fi books out there.
Try Enders Game by Orson Scott Card. It was the first sci-fi book I ever read and I thought I would hate it. I was 15. The moment I finished the last sentence I was so sad that it was over that I immediately flipped back to the beginning and read it again. And if you like it, it's only the first in a wonderful series.
Name of Wind is not sci fi
Megan wrote: "Try Enders Game by Orson Scott Card. It was the first sci-fi book I ever read and I thought I would hate it. I was 15. .."Oh I have read it, didn't care for it either.
Want good sci fi read Dune.
Michael wrote: "Want good sci fi read Dune."Is the book better than the tv miniseries/movie? I found that quite awful.
Vastly better, Dune is just too complex and good to be made into a movie or series. I had seen both the series and movie, even liked both, but the book blew me away. It is sci fi's supreme masterpiece. Very well written. If you don't like Dune your probably should try another genre.
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