Stuart Aken: Patrick Rothfuss

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

#BookADayUK; A Reader Event For October. Day 14

Today's theme is, 'I adore the title of this novel'. I've read thousands, so not an easy task. But one that comes to mind is Patrick Rothfuss' 'The Name of the Wind', which presents the reader with a suggestion of mystery and possibly fantasy, suggesting something of what the book may be about, whilst giving nothing away.
Titles are strange devices; they can make a book instantly recognisable: 1984, The Lord of the Rings, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, to name but a few which will conjure images and memories for many. They can, of course, kill a book stone dead by being inappropriate in some intangible way. Sometimes, a book title will present difficulties that are built in to the book itself. I wonder how many people have passed by the title, 'They F**k You Up', simply because of the implied expletive. This is a book everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE should read. The insight into the behavious of all of us is astounding and the case studies will make you laugh. Read it. You won't regret it.

Monday, 7 April 2014

The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss, Reviewed.

This is the first book of the Kingkiller Chronicle and is so well written that readers will undoubtedly wish to read the next. Questions remain unanswered. In fact, in spite of the great length of the book, it’s clear the story has only just begun. It is a feature of the genre that stories can be very long, complex and wonderfully wandering. That is, in essence, what many readers find enticing and attractive about it: we don’t want the story to end, especially when it’s as entertaining as this one.

Rothfuss has invented a world in which the reader can not only believe but can easily become absorbed. In many fantasy novels, the magic can overwhelm the plot and characters; not in this one. The characters make the story, and the magic, as it should, merely augments their actions. Well drawn, varied and credible, the characters respond to the challenges set them by the author in ways that fit their personalities, but that doesn’t mean there are no surprises. It’s good when a writer finds ways to allow his players to become unpredictable, without forcing them outside their natural spheres of behaviour.

I enjoyed this lengthy and absorbing tale of perseverance, intelligence, courage and talent. I found the villains unpleasant but believable. I loved the underlying romance and its demonstration of the awkwardness of youth. All in all an engaging tale. I recommend the book to all who enjoy imaginative works and look forward to reading the next in the series.