Da VINCI CODE,
Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is one of the most commercially successful novels of the 21st century, known for its fast-paced plot, intricate puzzles, and controversial takes on history and religion.
Synopsis
While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. While working to solve the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci — clues visible for all to see — yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.
Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion — an actual secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, among others.
In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who seems to anticipate their every move. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory’s ancient secret — and an explosive historical truth — will be lost forever.
The Da Vinci Code heralds the arrival of a new breed of lightning-paced, intelligent thriller utterly unpredictable right up to its stunning conclusion.
Richard says
This is a tremendously readable book. Its plot is fast-paced with cliffhanger chapter endings that make you eager to read on. The plot is an action-packed thriller featuring verbal and symbolic puzzles, along with high-stakes chases across Europe. Brown skillfully blends historical facts, art and architecture in a way that makes one question accepted histories. The chapters are brief written in a snappy, engaging manner that is entertaining and very appealing to most readers.
The criticisms of Brown’s book lie with writing style and esoteric discussions: characters lack depth and are not very memorable, the writing style is formulaic and occasionally clumsy according to some reviewers, his questioning or interpretations of accepted histories are debatable and might be oversimplified.
Nevertheless, Brown’s book was a phenomenal best seller, made into a movie directed by Ron Howard. The movie is may be very disappointing for those who have read the book as it must limit itself in duration by eliminating much of the engaging and appealing minutia of the book.
For readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries filled with puzzles and alternative historical interpretations, The Da Vinci Code is essential reading. While it may disappoint those seeking deep character development or strict historical fidelity, its entertainment value and cultural significance are beyond question.
Great bedtime reading!