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Summary: Da Vinci Code Review
Review: The Da Vinci Code is superb! Not only does it have an excellent story line, but the theory and facts were so interesting I was compelled to do more research upon completion of the the book. It was so good that my boyfriend and I almost got into an argument overview who was going to read the book, while reading the same book at the same time. Overall, it was an excellent and informative book that challenges some of the principles of Christianity. If you are a person who seeks unconventional thought and information, this book is a must read!
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Summary: Good writing versus bad history and controversial thesis.
Review: THE DA VINCI CODE is the 2nd book in a series of books surrounding the character of Robert Langdon. Langdon made his first appearance in ANGELS AND DEMONS and not only single-handedly saved the world, but helped "reform" the Catholic church as well. Superman might be able to fly and see through walls, the X-Men can do all sorts of superhuman feats because of their mutant genes, and Batman protects Gotham City because of the very technological (and expensive) gadgets at his disposal, but all these superheroes would be hard pressed to match the mastermind and wit of Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdon. In ANGELS AND DEMONS he saved the world in less than 24 hours. In THE DA VINCI CODE Langdon's on a quest even more important than saving the world.
THE DA VINCI CODE begins about a year after the events of ANGELS AND DEMONS have taken place (don't be alarmed if you haven't read ANGELS AND DEMONS, references to the events of that book are few and far between). Robert Langdon is in his hotel room in Paris when he is disturbed by the arrival of Captain Bezu Fache. Langdon is informed that there has been a murder at the Louvre and that his expertise is needed in helping solve the crime. As it turns out, Fache strongly suspects Langdon of the crime and is hoping that Langdon's assistance will be his own undoing--ala the Columbo technique. Unfortunately for Fache, the murdered museum's curator has left a message behind for his granddaughter, Sophie Neveu, a code breaker on the Paris police force. The message leads Sophie to assist Langdon in his escape and thus begins another 24-hour adventure that takes Langdon across France and to England in search of one of the greatest historical and archeological discoveries of all time: the "Holy Grail."
Despite a series of murders and a mysterious albino priest, THE DA VINCI CODE actually moves fairly slowly in the beginning. The first half of the book tends to jump around a lot and includes a lot of exposition. It isn't until Langdon and Sophie leave the Lourve and head towards the Swiss bank that things begin to pick up. The book then moves at a modest pace until the duo meet up with Sir Leigh Teabing. Once he reveals the "big secret" the book becomes a page turner until the end.
As far as writing styles go, THE DA VINCI CODE isn't all that great. It's a decent mystery/suspense novel and some of the imagery in the book is fairly descriptive, especially the more "action" oriented passages. However, THE DA VINCI CODE isn't written as well as ANGELS AND DEMONS. That book, though a piece of pop literia as well, was fairly tight with enough diversions to forgive the plot holes and discrepancies. THE DA VINCI CODE isn't like that. It's patterned after ANGELS AND DEMONS and like most sequels, it's just not as good.
Now, as for the theme of the novel, I'm not sure why this book has taken off the way it has because overall it's just an average mystery/suspense novel. The book does present a very controversial idea-that Jesus wasn't the Son of God, that he married Mary Magdalene, they had children, and their descendants are still alive today. Combined with ideas presented in ANGELS AND DEMONS, it does seem that Brown as an agenda to debunk the Christin faith. He does an interesting job of mixing a tad historical facts; lots of fiction, conspiracy theories, and suppositions; and a whole lot of cultural references to make the idea seem not only plausible, but also believable. To make the theme seem even more believable he takes an idea from satiric and comic writers and introduces a statement at the beginning of the book that says something to the effect that "all the organizations, histories, descriptions, etc. within this book are true and based on fact". The majority of the book has about as much fact in it as William Golding put in THE PRINCESS BRIDE.
Overall, an average mystery/action/suspense novel with a very controversial proposal that makes for interesting fiction, but has no basis in fact.
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Summary: Outstanding
Review: The Da Vinci Code is the best book I have read in recent memory. From the first page Brown enthralls you in a mystery involving an ancient religious order, the Vatican, and a secret society which has been headed by famed people such as Da Vinci, Boticelli, and others. The book is, without giving too much away, about a quest for the Holy Grail and the age-old conflict between science and religion. As our heroes, a Harvard professor and a French cryptographer, search for the answers to a murder and the clues left behind, an extremist sect of the church seeks to destroy all evidence of that which our heroes seek, and the heroes themselves. The best part about the book is that Brown thoroughly researches every aspect of this story. All references and premises are based in fact!
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Summary: Laughable...and I'm Not Talking About the Book
Review: The Da Vinci Code is the best book I've read in a while. It evolves from a simple murder myster to a race for the Holy Grail. Dan Brown does an excellent job of implementing art and history theories into the plot. This book is much more complex and thought-provoking than most of today's popular books. I highly recommend this book to everyone.Oh, one more thing. I'm a Catholic, and I had no problem with this book. I find it amusing that there are so many Catholics on this site that are horribly offended by this book. Lighten up, people. It's not like Dan Brown assassinated the pope.
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Summary: Da Vinci Code
Review: The Da Vinci Code is the best piece of 'fiction' I may have ever read. Having a strong interest in the history of Christ, the Holy Grail, and the Catholic Church.... I was pleasantly surprised to find accurate and informative information within the confines of a work of fiction. This book will teach the reader all they never knew about our history, and perhaps give a new perspective!
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Summary: Great story with strong attention to detail.
Review: The Da Vinci Code is the first of Dan Brown's books that I have read and I truly enjoyed it from the very first page to the last. It was terribly difficult to put down as every single next chapter just becomes more and more intriguing. The chapters are kept short so it is easy to read. There's even some funny moments. It has good build up and an equally good ending. You are kept guessing, who the villians are, although closer to the end it would seem obvious. Still, it has the necessary twists and sub-plots. I liked the book because it was not just an interesting story, it is coupled with strong research into da vinci's works of art, the quest for the holy grail, ancient codes and religious sects etc. While some of the `facts' make sense, the book is still fiction. However, you are left asking yourself, just how much of it is true. That is how well written this book is. It is rare to find a book that is able to marry fact and fiction so well. This has inspired me to read Angels and Demons, and so far so good. And to Mr. Brown, more books with Robert Langdon please. I like his character.
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Summary: Best Book I Have Read in Years
Review: The Da Vinci Code is the most outstanding book I have read in years. Dan Brown's writing style is simply unbelievable. It flows smoothly and he includes just enough detail to make his plot move along perfectly. He is a master of subplots, and the storyline is so thrilling and captivating that the reader is unable to put the book down. His character development is exceptional, and the reader actually feels that he/she is part of the plot rather than merely a witness to it. Clearly, the book is meticulously researched and it is obvious that Dan Brown is an extremely intelligent fellow. This book deserves a 5-star rating without a doubt. The people giving it low scores are probably devout Catholics embarrassed by the sad truths about their Church revealed in this book.
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Summary: A Great Page Turner
Review: The Da Vinci Code is truly a good page turner. Here are the Good Points about the book:
Excellent description of all things Euro.
Storyline and conspiracy theories make you question, even if it's only for a second, Catholicisim.
It will make you look up all things Da Vinci on the the net.
Bad Points:
The explanation of subjects to an expert in that field already.
The guessing games some characters play with one another when time is limited.
The inevtiable sexual tension.
I don't want to reveal too much so as to ruin it to those who have yet to read it.
Overall, I thought the book was great. You simply can't put it down. Dan Brown did a great job of addicting me to all things Da Vinci. Just remember though. It's a novel but only to a certain extent.
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Summary: aptly enthralling
Review: The Da Vinci Code is truly a masterpiece. Ceteris Paribus, the novel Dan Brown has written is a wonderful blend of enlightening facts about the Holy Grail, the tainted world of Catholicism, and much more and weaves it all within a glorious, invigorating tale of several well drawn-up characters. What turned me off from reading the Da Vinci Code at first was in fact the themes involving Catholicism, which would seem like the most boring book in the world to read. But this book enlightens its readers about the amazing true history of the mystery surrounding the Holy Grail, the questionable practices the Church took/takes regarding the grail, and Brown inserts several other useful explanations I would otherwise never have known of. For instance, you learn why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. You learn about the true genious thought behind Da Vinci's artwork. You learn about the positive and negative faces of the Catholic Church. You learn completely relevant history, and all the while you can't put the book down because the story is so damned gripping! A+ I will read it again. Also, watch out for the movie soon!
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Summary: Da Vinci Code - over-hyped and over here!
Review: The Da Vinci code is undoubtedly a page turner and contains some interesting (though not new) material on Mary Magdalen and the sacred feminine. However, it is extraordinarily badly written with some very cliched characterisation - upper-class villainous Brit - how very Hollywood! A green eyed red haired heroine - how often has she been done? Some good editing, preferably from a non-American would have been helpful. I'm sure no Frenchman would regard the Eiffel tower as the symbol of France - Marianne fulfills that role. And since when has anyone English said 'I'm truly sorry for your loss'. Lastly, scholarly English librarians simply would not indulge in tactless banter with an esteemed American researcher over the wisdom of knighting Rudi Giuliani. Was Dan Brown trying to make a post 9/11 point? Buy this book for its silly frenetic plot and intriguing artistic insights but don't expect great literature.
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