Dollie's Reviews > Foucault’s Pendulum

I got much more out of this story than just reading a book. I had no idea what this book was about and knew nothing about its author than that he also wrote The Name of The Rose. I’ve never read such a well-researched novel. I knew nothing of the Kabbalah before reading this book. I now know more than I’ve ever known, (thank you, Wikipedia). All the chapters are named for the Sephirot of the Kabbalah. I also know enough about Umberto Eco and am so impressed with his research, knowledge and writing style that I want to read everything he’s ever written. As far as mystery and suspense stories go, this one surpassed every other mystery I’ve ever read. This story is about three bored editors at a publishing house in Italy – Belbo, Diotallevi & Casaubon – who enjoy playing word and mind games. They’re all intellectuals, Diotallevi believes he’s Jewish, even though he’s not, but he knows a lot about The Kabbalah, and Casaubon has spent years studying The Templars. They meet Colonel Ardenti, who tells them he has written a book about the Templars, and how they are still waiting to find out some secret knowledge in order to have an understanding of everything and to be able to live forever. Thus, the three editors start playing a game of coming up with their own fictitious history and the consequences of what happens when they think they can play with God’s Plan. This was a fascinating story and although I didn’t really understand what the heck I was reading about when I started reading it, I was determined to continue and I’m so glad I did. This is one of those books where the beginning of the story is actually the end. I would suggest that anyone who plans on reading this scholarly mystery go to Wikipedia and learn a bit about the author and the Kabbalah. I NEVER write in my books, but I have filled this one with notes. I’m now going to read this story again – yes, it’s THAT good – with more understanding of what I’m reading about. While I’m reading it, I’ll be going through my boxes of “to be read” books, looking for The Name of the Rose.