What is "The Name of the Wind"?

"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss is one of the most well reviewed and successful debut novels in fantasy history. It has continued to captivate it's eager fans whilst we wait for the next book in the Kingkiller series. And how we wait. 

Rothfuss' publisher Elizabeth Wollheim, described the novel as the best debut she had read in thirty years, and it certainly is an intensely captivating read.

The novel is set around an enigmatic character by the name of Kvothe ( said very nearly the same as Quothe). It demonstrates a hugely original and impressive writing style. Rothfuss begins with Kvothe's end. The reader is told that there is a silence around Kvothe akin to the silence of a man waiting to die. However from here we are told Kvothe's story, in the man's own words. Here is a section from the dust jacket:
"I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. 

You may have heard of me. 

So begins the tale of Kvothe—from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, to years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe as a notorious magician, an accomplished thief, a masterful musician, and an infamous assassin. But The Name of the Wind is so much more—for the story it tells reveals the truth behind Kvothe's legend."

As can be seen from this small section, the character of Kvothe is highly captivating, and any reader would be hard pressed not to fall in love with Rothfuss' creation.

The book itself is written in first person and is an entirely character based novel. There are other main characters within the novel, however we learn little to nothing about their past. In this way it could be said that the book lacks a certain amount of depth. However this is not the case. Rothfuss has created a hugely detailed and rich world, with it's own complex science, religion and history. Although it is certainly true that little is learnt of this world that we do not see through the eyes of Kvothe, this does not mean the world Rothfuss has created lacks the scope of other fantasy giants, such as George R.R Martin, it is simply the case that the reader is entirely immersed within the character of Kvothe. 

For some readers it might be that the pace of the novel is slow, at 900 pages it is certainly a hefty novel, and one that stays entirely focussed on one character. Because of this fact many readers may find it difficult to maintain concentration throughout. However, despite this fact, the fresh new approach to a magical system; which is two parts science, one part mysticism and one part psychology. And the interesting take on common fantasy tropes, such as the dragon, which ends up being a herbivorous "cow-lizard". Helps the reader maintain a keen interest throughout. It is obviously clear to the elder Kvothe, who is telling the story, as well as the reader, that he is the star of the show, and for many people this is enough. My one criticism of the novel is that a closer look at other characters, could have offered a fresh perspective on Kvothe's character. While, as I have already said, it does not mean the book lacks depth, it does mean that if you don't find yourself captivated by the character, there is little to keep you reading. 

Despite these possible snags, this novel is a hugely entertaining read. And for those people who enjoy the Fantasy Genre it is a must. If only because everyone else will have read it. There is an excerpt and full blurb on the Patrick Rothfuss site and i would urge everyone to give it a read. You will not regret it.