Patrick Rothfuss

[Boneman]

Is The Name of the Wind a book about a kid that is always learning something to accomplish things in the future to become this awesome dude, I am getting bogged down by Kvothe's learning from Ben. Does he just run around doing random things, I don't see much of a story/plot evolving in this book. Am I missing something?

I know this sounds silly, and forgive me if it sounds that way, but you do understand Kote and Kvothe are the same person? Rothfuss likes to give us detailed worldbuilding, (but necessarily from a single pov), and yes, it's either slow, or detailed, depending on your own preferences. Wait a chapter two until sh*t happens, and then see. I like the fact that his magic is explained so well, and fits each time we see it. He could have just said: 'Ben taught me lots of magic in the months we were together' which might suit some...The beginning of LOTR was very slow...

 

[biodroid]

Thx Boneman, yes, I know they are the same character, I will carry on no doubt, just getting used to his descriptions i guess, I do like his style and characterisation.

 

[biodroid]

Boneman - I just read that specific event you mentioned, I almost cried I assume that event is a major catalyst in Kvothes character development and his future actions?

 

[Boneman]

Absolutely.... The existence of the Chandrian, and the desire for revenge now drives him to become who he is. If you have time, after you've finished the book, read some of the other threads because there's a lot of speculation (myself included) about this event. Don't read it first, there are way too many spoilers! Rothfuss does have a 'relaxed' style to his writing, for want of a better word, but Kvothe sees so much, and this comes through all the time. I hope you stick with it - the only carp I have is when certain characters tell stories. I feel they're going to be terribly relevant at some point, but they do go on a bit, IMHO. Luckily it only happens twice.

 

[biodroid]

Thx again Boneman, I just have one more issue, a lot of spoiler free reviews mention that the book is very boring, is that justifiable? Or when they mean boring they want an all action driven book instead of plot/character driven. I think they might be expecting David Gemmell action compared to GRRM intrigue to move the story along, or am I just missing the point?

 

[Boneman]

No, I think you're right. It is a slow book, if you're looking for major actions, threats, resolution, in every chapter. It's character-driven, even though the event that moved you is what drives the story forward initially. There's a very slow-burning love story running through the whole thing, and I doubt you've met her yet, but it's a story of how a kid becomes the most important character in his whole world, told in rich detail (some may say boring detail...) and his worldbuilding still astonishes me, because I remember so much of it. Granted, I've read NOTW at least five times and The Wise Man's Fear three times, but on each read I pick up more detail, little gems that I've missed. Strange this, because I simply detested Wheel of Time after 3 books and gave up reading - a lot of reviews have always praised it for this very aspect. I do like GRRM, but I found so many characters introduced so quickly quite irksome. I'm pretty sure it's because it's told in 1st person pov, and I always have a soft spot for underdogs...

 

[biodroid]

As long as the pace is good I dont mind Not having David Gemmell style action, I like the intellectual stuff more latelt. I get bored of full on action its not interesting enough. I want proper conflict and resolution between characters and plot. Not sure if this makes sense, but i tried reading Magician by Feist and just could not get into it, i dont blame Feist, i think its more like the audience has matured and is expecting more intellect

 

[Lady of Winterfell]

I really enjoyed Name of the Wind. There were a few things that nagged me, but not the pacing. I enjoyed the pace Rothfuss set; I don't need constant action, just constant entertainment, or something to hold my interest. I've read Name of the Wind twice now, and really enjoyed it both times.

 

[biodroid]

I reckon Name of the Wind is highly overrated. I read up to page 250 and can't understand why some old man keeps telling these stories that have nothing to do with the book. Pages and pages of irrelevant stories of so-called myths long ago. It just started bogging the non-existent real story, not sure what else to call it. As for what I have read it seems like a whole lot of nothing happens. I won't be reading any of Rothfuss's books again unless he falls out of love with himself and his writing, then I might consider it. Yay post number 2000.

 

[martin321]

I reckon Name of the Wind is highly overrated. I read up to page 250 and can't understand why some old man keeps telling these stories that have nothing to do with the book. Pages and pages of irrelevant stories of so-called myths long ago. It just started bogging the non-existent real story, not sure what else to call it. As for what I have read it seems like a whole lot of nothing happens. I won't be reading any of Rothfuss's books again unless he falls out of love with himself and his writing, then I might consider it. Yay post number 2000.

If you don't like the book that's fair enough; read something else. However, I'd like to make a few comments.

The series isn't finished yet, so it's hard to be certain of anything, especially given that Kvothe may be an unreliable narrator. But, it seems that all of the stories and myths he tells are very relevant to the plot. They are full of little clues about what is really going on. It's the sort of book that you're going to have to read more than once to understand everything.

For example:

Kvothe's mother sings a silly song that appears to be nonsense, but closer reading shows that it contains a pun that probably reveals her true secret identity.

Denna spends a lot of time fiddling with her hair in book one, but it's only in book two (I think) that we begin to discover why she does this.

The books are full of this sort of thing, but if you don't enjoy puzzles then maybe it isn't for you.

 

[Boneman]

The series isn't finished yet, so it's hard to be certain of anything, especially given that Kvothe may be an unreliable narrator. But, it seems that all of the stories and myths he tells are very relevant to the plot. They are full of little clues about what is really going on. It's the sort of book that you're going to have to read more than once to understand everything.

I agree. Some sections do go on a bit, but Rothfuss is a master at hiding things in plain sight. Also, he originally wrote the story in one volume (a million words!), and it was divided by the publisher, naturally. This is the first book (apart from Shogun) where I've loved the detail, the tapestry, he weaves so effortlessly. There's a lyricism in his writing that drew me in to appreciate the minutiae, where I never did before.

 

[biodroid]

Ok, I will try give it another go. I heard the second book is a lot more bloated with nothing much happening, is that true?

 

[biodroid]

I have read about 40 pages onward and I must say I am glad I stuck it out. The mystery is building up and I now see the relevance of the story/myth that Skarpi told. It's getting quite intriguing and I really like his writing style. Very vivid writing style, he really makes you feel for Kvothe in his hobo years.

 

[Boneman]

Ok, I will try give it another go. I heard the second book is a lot more bloated with nothing much happening, is that true?

I wouldn't say that, even though book 2 is longer than book 1, but Kvothe comes under more threat, which holds the interest admirably.

 

[biodroid]

Thanks Boneman