- Book: The Name of the Wind
- Author: Patrick Rothfuss
- Publisher: Gollancz
- Published: 2007
Full disclosure, this is almost certainly my favourite book of all time and I have two signed copies. That should make it easier to write a recommendation but I find it does the opposite because there is just so much I want to say about the book, and the issues that put others off. Because despite being hugely successful it is very polarising.
The framing story has ‘Chronicler’ turning up at an inn in a backwater town where the most infamous man in the Four Corners is trying to live out his days in anonymity. Kote is Kvothe, king killer, dragon slayer, lover of fairies, famed magician, master musician and so much more. At least according to the stories.
Chronicler convinces Kvothe to tell his side of the story over the course of 3 days. What follows is a beautifully written and crafted story from childhood through to adolescence.
A lot of the antagonism towards this book comes from the character of Kvothe and whether you accept that his egotism and ‘unreliable narration’ is entirely deliberate or not. Kvothe can be very unlikeable at times, but heartbreakingly sympathetic at others.
One thing I think almost everyone agrees on though is the quality of Patrick Rothfuss’ prose. It is outstanding. Each word in each sentence in each paragraph is pulling its weight and is moist with meaning.
- Beer: Forest IPA
- Brewery: Browar Nepomucen
- Style: IPA
- Strength: 5.5%
I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything quite like this beer. The description on the can reads ‘we closed the aroma of spruce and pine in this can’, and by Tehlu they really have. It’s not going to be to everyone’s taste, and to be honest it took me several sips to decide whether I did myself. It’s an experience to be sure and on balance I’d say it’s a good one.
Burch's Books and Beers 