This book is an exercice of rethorics! Eco likes to make things difficult for his readers on purpose, complicating the already difficult plot, with time shifs. I actually did not understand anything 'til page 100, I had to force myself not to put it down for good, but was rewarded after that with an intriguing story. It helped me widen my horizons and made me curious about looking up many things on the encyclopedia, whoch to me is always positive.
Overall, a difficult but rewarding read, but pick it up only if you like somewhat selfcomplacent books