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The Island of the Day Before

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Readers describe "The Island of the Day Before" as a fictional historical biography set in the 17th century, involving a protagonist stranded between two islands on opposite sides of the international date line. The book delves into themes of memory, love, loss, and redemption, with a narrative that includes flashbacks, philosophical discussions, and historical information. The writing style is praised for being highbrow, well-written, and featuring continuous digressions akin to "Moby Dick."

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Roberto serving as a deeply introspective protagonist grappling with love and identity, while other figures enhance the thematic discourse.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is intricate and poetic, featuring elaborate descriptions and philosophical discussions, which may challenge readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The story focuses on Roberto della Griva's philosophical journey as he reflects on his past while stranded on a ship near an elusive island, intertwining themes of time and existence.

Setting:

The setting captures the 17th century with a complex interplay of historical and scientific ideas against a backdrop of maritime isolation.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate and slow, relying on philosophical musings that require reader engagement and patience.
Itake pride withal in my humiliation, and as I am to this privilege condemned, almost I find joy in an abhorrent salvation; I am, I believe, alone of all our race, the only man in human memory to have...

Notes:

Umberto Eco was born on January 5, 1932, and became a prominent Italian intellectual.
He is known for his books like The Name of the Rose and The Prague Cemetery.
Eco was a professor and founded the Dipartimento di Comunicazione at the University of San Marino.
The Island of the Day Before is Eco's third novel, set in the 17th century.
The main character, Roberto della Griva, survives a shipwreck and is stranded on a ship near an island separated by the International Date Line.
The novel blends historical narrative with philosophical introspection, exploring themes of time and existence.
It is noted for its complex prose and often requires readers to use a dictionary while reading.
The book offers deep discussions on semiotics, navigation, love, and the nature of reality.
Roberto believes reaching the island will resolve his troubles, but he is afraid to swim.
Eco includes metafictional elements, having the modern narrator find Roberto's journal and comment on it directly.
The novel is also filled with historical references, including discussions on longitude and medieval philosophies.
William Weaver, a famous translator, rendered Eco's original Italian prose into English, making it accessible but still challenging.
Readers often find Eco's works dense but rewarding for their rich language and intellectual depth.
The book results in the protagonist crafting his own narrative filled with psychological ramblings and imaginary foes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book features themes of mental illness, existential crises, and possibly distressing philosophical musings.

Has Romance?

The novel incorporates elements of romance, particularly through the protagonist's unrequited love, though it is not the central focus.

From The Publisher:

The year is 1643. Roberto, a young nobleman, survives war, the Bastille, exile and shipwreck as he voyages to a Pacific island straddling the date meridian. There he waits now, alone on the mysteriously deserted Daphne, separated by treacherous reefs from the island beyond: the island of the day before. If he could reach it, time - and his misfortunes - might be reversed. But first he must learn to swim...

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Reader Stats (4):

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About the Author:

Umberto Eco (1932-2016) wrote fiction, literary criticism and philosophy. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a major international bestseller. His other works include Foucault's Pendulum, The Island of the Day Before, Baudolino, The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, The Prague Cemetery and Numero Zero along with many brilliant collections of essays.

 
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