While I don't usually pick up this type of book just for the fun of it--I generally shop in the genre sections--classmates informed me that since my primary focus of study is medieval literature, I should read this. 
 They were right; I liked it. The blend of Holmesian deduction with the Catholic and Classical philosophy available in the 14th century, as well as the limited technology, made for a fascinating read. While occasionally I was frustrated by the insistence of the characters on communicating in Latin (I don't read Latin), Eco skilfully blends the historical use of the language with his understanding of modern readers' limitations, and for the most part, the Latin can be understood from context or is not fully necessary to understanding the action or plot.