Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor who specializes in the study of ancient codes and symbols, is pulled into a murder investigation while he is visiting Paris for a speaking engagement. The killer leaves a symbol and a message written in code, so Langdon gets called in to help. Soon the investigation turns its attention on him, so he quickly finds himself running from the police with the niece of the man who was murdered. By the end of the story, he finds out more than he was looking for, information that could change the Christian world as we know it.
Appeal -- Characteristics of a Thriller
Pacing -- Dan Brown is known for his quick pace. This is accomplished through the use of a lot of dialogue and short chapters. His descriptions are succinct, which allows the action to keep moving forward.
Characterization -- the book is focused mainly on what happens to the main character, Robert Langdon; however, it is written in 3rd person and occasionally jumps to the point of view of the antagonist. Langdon is a character who is known for his intelligence and extensive knowledge, but he is also a normal guy that readers can relate to. He has limitations and weaknesses, but he also has a good sense of humor.
Story Line -- The DaVinci Code is action-packed and seems to be driven by what happens to the characters, not by the characters' desires or motivations.
Frame and Tone -- the frame of the story, the setting and subject matter, helps to create the tone, which is dark, mysterious, and suspenseful. It takes place in France, in churches, museums, and various hide-outs along the way. It focuses on secret religious symbols (in famous works of art) that give clues about many secrets in the Catholic church.
Style -- There is a lot of jargon from the art world, the religious world, and the academic world. Dan Brown describes some really disturbing violent scenes, but does so in a somewhat objective, journalistic style. He seems to attempt to appeal to the mind rather than the heart.
Read-alikes:
The Collectors -- David Baldacci
The Third Secret: A Novel of Suspense -- Steve Berry
The Judas Strain -- James Rollins
