Book Review: The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown

One year after his ordeal at Vatican City, Robert Langdon received an invitation from a renowned curator, Jacques Sauniere. However, Jacques was murdered on the evening he was supposed to meet with Robert. Before he died, Jacques however managed to encode a message that included Robert’s name. This message, coupled with the appointment schedule, made Robert number one suspect in the murder.

On that same day, three other public figures were murdered… this left very many questions to be answered. The murder of the three personalities was not a coincidence; this is because they were the top three members of Priory of Sion together with Jacques Sauniere who happened to be the leader.


As the event unfolded, Jacques’ granddaughter, Sophia came up in the scene and found out that her grandfather was sending her message from the grave… Then she learned more about her family… More secrets unfolded as they entered the race to decode the codes left by late Jacques - the Da Vinci Code…

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The novel, The Da Vinci Code is an intriguing story of secrecy, protection, religion, desperation, and betrayal. It shows the author’s extensive knowledge in history – especially religious history and all the manipulations, machination and the toils associated with it.

It arises the reader’s interest in the knowledge of religious propaganda and shed more light to some misconception about the old-world religion.

The book is sequel to the author’s Angel & Demon. It is an adventure story filled with mysteries and suspense. You will get glued to the book till the end…


FACT:

The Priory of Sion—a European secret society founded in 1099—is a real organization.

In 1975 Paris's Bibliothèque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Vatican prelature known as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic sect that has been the topic of recent controversy due to reports of brainwashing, coercion, and a dangerous practice known as "corporal mortification." Opus Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million World Headquarters at 243 Lexington Avenue in New York City.



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One thing that amused me most is that all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate. I took my time to crosscheck and did some research on the internet. This novel has further broadened my knowledge, ideas, and perception of idols, symbols and all that stuffs. It has also successfully aroused my interest in learning more about them.

Apart from that, the novel is entertaining, educating and above all mind-blowing.

Dan Brown, I have no doubt is not only a good writer but also an extremely good historian. Thumb-up to the guy :)

It is a good read.
My rating: 5 star (Dan Brown, I’m giving you a five pentagram!)