Book Summary — The Name of the Wind
‘The Name of the Wind’ is the most elaborate, intricate and well written fantasy novel I have ever picked up. My favourite fantasy booked used to the ‘The Sword of Truth’, because of the principles hidden in the book and its storyline.
It’s storytelling, choice of words and captivating nature of painting pictures through words hopelessly pales in comparison to ‘The Name of the Wind’. I’m seriously lacking the words to appropriately describe how beautifully written and captivating the book is.
The story moves slowly — the first book covers the Kvothe’s (main character) life until the age of 17, nevertheless I never found myself skimming or skipping ahead as you find yourself drawn to every word in the book.
The story itself is about a boy, who grows up in a family of wandering musicians and begins to study in a university for Arcanists (don’t want to give too much away).
What fascinates me about the book is less the storyline (which is also great), but the power of the words and storytelling itself, which grips you and won’t let you go
— I finished the book in 3 days, I just couldn’t put it away.
Some of my favourite quotes:
Adulthood <> Childhood
When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.
Regret
Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever.
Friendship Rules
There are two sure ways to lose a friend, one is to borrow, the other to lend [money].
The Wise Man’s Fear
The second book was not quite as good as the first one — moves a little slower and also made me wonder how many books there are going to be in the series, as by the end of it the main character is still 17 years old.
No man is brave that has never walked a hundred miles. If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet introspection.
