Wow. I can’t believe it took me this long to read The Da Vinci Code. This book has been in my house for years, I had even forgotten about it. My mom bought it back when the movie was going to the released. Even after watching the movie, for some reason, it never caught my attention. That was until recently, when I found this copy while doing some rearrangements. I read the first few pages and was immediately hooked.
Here’s the book summary: While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call during the night. The curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter. Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.
I think it’s important to keep in mind that there’s a thin line separating fact from fiction here. Dan Brown chose a conspiracy theory to elaborate on the entire plot. Most of the references mentioned are true, it’s evident that the author did previous research. However, it’s also true that he made adjustments so they can fit the story. So basically, this book should be taken for what it is: fiction.
Putting aside all controversies, it was an engaging, fast-paced mystery. The plot undergoes so many unexpected turns, it will leave you gasping until the very end — where all the puzzle pieces finally come together. Even though I’ve seen the movie more than once, I don’t recall that much from it. So I was taken by surprise with most of the events that occurred in the book. Now that I’m done, I’ll definitely be rewatching it soon.
It’s written in third person, and while Robert Langdon is the protagonist, we also witness the perspective of other characters which makes it more interesting and easier to understand. While the prose itself is not outstanding, Dan Brown did a great job at writing intermittent cliff hangers that were resolved in later chapters.
Anyway, this book makes me want to book a flight to Paris and visit the Louvre Museum ASAP! Also, Tom Hanks fits perfectly the role of Langdon.
Rating: 4/5
Olivine Books 