Every once in a while a book is published that catches fire with readers.
I have now confirmed for myself that The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is one of those books.
In November 2010, I posted my first Poll: What Should I Read Next? I usually don’t read first books that are part of series—it’s the aggravation of waiting, waiting, waiting that annoys me—but I decided I was missing out on too much and allowed you all to choose my next book.
The vote was unanimous and I began to read almost immediately.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is one of the best and magical books I’ve read in the last decade. It is the life story of Kvothe—traveling troupe actor, lutist, street urchin, student. It is a life filled with the wonders and troubles of childhood. The anguish of loss. The pursuit of love. The act of revenge, no matter the cost. With flaming red hair and penchant to choose his own path no matter the cost, Kvothe is one of the more fully realized characters in the genre.
What makes Kvothe such a wonderful character? It’s his thoughts. It’s his actions. It’s how he acts absolutely like any of us would given the same choices and then in his impatient youth does something that defies logic, just like people in our own lives. It’s his realness that I think readers pick up on and love.
Kvothe by Donato
The novel is framed as a story within a story and the reader meets the adult Kvothe who is worn down by the life he has led, a life of inconsequence as an inn owner off the beaten track. It’s by choice. What makes the book work though is young Kvothe, who is filled with vivid life, leaving the reader to wonder how the hell this fiery boy will ultimately make decisions that will lead him to be the tired man we initially meet. It’s that mystery that left me turning pages long into the night.
While the story is fantastic, one cannot overlook the craftsmanship of the novel itself. Patrick Rothfuss is one of the more talented writers working today. Even though I think the middle of the volume could have used some tightening up, his prose is gorgeous to read, adding to the enjoyment of Kvothe and his tale.
It is also quite clear Rothfuss has spent intimate time in a university setting. His own experience as a teacher at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens bleeds into the narrative of The Name of the Wind, the University Kvothe attends as fully realized as the boy himself.
What comes next for Kvothe? We don’t know. Wind’s sequel, The Wise Man’s Fear, will published March 1st. It is a massive book by all accounts, and will be the middle part of the large trilogy.
Who will Kvothe be by the time his story is told? I can’t wait to find out!
I hope you do too if you haven’t already.
Final Verdict: 4 1/2 / 5 stars
Today is the last day to choose my next book! So visit the second Poll: What Should I Read Next? and vote!
I love that book.
Your post was so enthusiastic, I jumped over to my library’s webpage to put the book on hold when I was only halfway through the post.
Fortunately, I returned to finish reading it through. Then cancelled my hold. Why are there so few stand-alone novels these days?
As it is, I’ll mark my calendar with a recurring reminder every few months to see when the trilogy will be complete. THEN I’ll read it.