after 80% through this book i finally gave up once i realized it was a shaggy dog story that was never going to end and if anything it probably convinced me never to read a book like this again b/c to me the eventual 'payoff' seemed like an elaborate prank

Eco's merciless send-up of conspiracy theorists (there is a bit where the protagonists demonstrate how a car is actually a manifestation of Templar thought) takes a surreal—and not my favorite ever, although it's well in line with some of his other works—twist at the end. Yes, it's a bit longer than is strictly necessary, but it's a fun read, from the segments of amateur prose to the mockery of "self financing authors" to the more serious segments in Casaubon's life.

Oh wow! What a hard slog! I'm feeling a bit emotionally crushed by this, because this book made me realise I'm not quite as clever as I hoped I was.
Umberto Eco is a smart guy (duh) and that really comes across in his writing style. I spent a lot of time staring at passages, re-reading sections I didn't understand. I even had to research a few concepts on the internet.
Which is fine. It's just exhausting!
This book was recommended to me a by a very dear friend, who often enjoys the same kinds of books as me (I should point out that she is an intelligent woman.. which is probably why she loved this)
Occassionally I got so excited because the story would pick up and I would think "Aha! I understand now!" except that I didn't. Eco was just toying with me.
So.. does this book deserve my 3 star rating? Hell no. I didn't enjoy it, but anyone can see it is an extremely well written (and at times fascinating) book. I would probably even recommend it to other people. But for now, I will be pleased to return to my plot driven penny dreadfuls :)

"La verità è l'anagramma di un anagramma. Anagrams = Ars magna"

Real score 3.68. Woah!! Oh my Lord. I’m not smart enough for this book. But what the hell kind of a wunderkind is Eco. This is the most insanely researched book I’ve ever read. Referencing everything, denoting nothing. Totally odd. I imagine my propensity to read multiple books was the failing for me in regards to this. You would have to read it only, slowly, to get the most. It’s low score illustrates my failings, not its. I can see it is breathtaking, I just couldn’t breathe.