The Prague Cemetery

Translated from the original Italian by Richard Dixon

2013 Longlist

Nineteenth-century Europe abounds with conspiracy both ghastly and mysterious. Jesuits plot against Freemasons. Italian priests are strangled with their own intestines. French criminals plan bombings by day and celebrate black masses by night. Every nation has its own secret service, perpetrating forgeries, plots, and massacres.

But what if, behind all of these conspiracies, lies just one man?

(From Publisher)

About the Author

Umberto Eco has written works of fiction, literary criticism and philosophy. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a major international bestseller and he has since published four other novels, along with many brilliant collections of essays.

Librarians’ Comments

Despite it looks like a mere work of literary engineering, Eco’s book doesn’t fool anyone. It is a major effort to rearrange history in order to build such an uncomfortable character. As the story evolves one can find pure literature in the powerful way of putting things together. It is not an easy task, and this is precisely why this book makes the difference.

Anti hero Simonini takes us through an incredible, not easy read. Wonderful mix of a classic novel with a chilling thriller. A detailed historical novel about 19th century Europe chronicling the chaos of expanding international communication.

This dark tale is delightfully embellished with sophisticated and playful commentary on a tale by a master.