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
Hi Matthew,
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely one of those titles (and authors) that people either love or hate. At the library where I work, every new Dan Brown book is indefinitely on hold (eBook, audiobook, all forms - always on hold for months.) The film tie-ins are usually very popular, as well. Dan Brown's titles typically make great book discussion titles, as many people are eager to read the next chapter in the saga of Robert Langdon. With this book in particular, I found that the storyline moved so quickly and was so action-packed that it was one of those books that you sit down and finish in a few hours because you just HAVE to find out what happens (and you don't want anyone to spoil it for you!) It's also really fun to compare the differences between the films and books. I love the enhanced eBook that my library has for this book - the maps and short video clips allow readers to explore the specific locations and artwork mentioned in the book without having to look them up on their own. Great selection!
Thank you. I'll have to take a look at the enhanced eBook that you mentioned -- it's sounds interesting. I could never really understand why people were so offended by this book. The controversial statements and beliefs in the book were just the opinions of fictional characters in the book. The main character essentially described what other people believed; he didn't condone it or believe it himself, so I don't know why people took it the way they did. To each his own, I guess. As a librarian who has to help patrons choose a book, I would respect their feelings and help them avoid controversial books if they indicated that preference. Thank you for your comments.
DeleteMatthew,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your annotation of "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. I actually really enjoyed this book and only read it because so many people were talking about it at the time. I have only read this book and his second one. This book was very fast paced for me and I couldn't wait to finish it. To me, it was very adventurous and action packed. I felt exhausted after reading a few chapters.
Dan Brown is a very popular author at the library where I work. His books are usually on hold for several months.
Also, I like your bog!
Thank you. I've actually had to wait on a couple of his books too -- sometimes even the eBooks and audio books. I guess his writing style clicks with my reading style. With some authors, James Patterson for example, I am aware of the writer's craft while I read. I think about why they chose a certain description or phrase, but with Dan Brown's books, I just flow through them without noticing his "craft." That's the ideal situation with any book, but I don't find it to be the case that often. Thank you for your kind comments.
ReplyDelete