Tuesday, September 07, 2004

Da Vinci Code

I just finished reading the The Da Vinci Code and from someone who doesnt really read suspense books.. Here's my review:

It's good, damn good. The Da Vinci Code has all the right ingredients to create a massive market share of the fiction . The characters are believable, the fictional premise intriguing, and it made a really good analogy about the catholic church and the search for the Holy Grail.

You all deserve a quick plot summary. Know that there can't be one here -- the book is a thriller and details will destroy it for you. I just had to delete the next 250 or more words I'd written, because I realized it would destroy the suspense in the book. I'd defined the Holy Grail in terms of Celtic, Moor (pick your pagan) traditions. Then I wrote about the myths surrounding the Knights Templar, the persecution of Jews, the relationship between Jesus and his love, Mary Magdalene, and more. What I can tell you without ruining the book, is that this book takes myth and reality and combines it in just the right way. He appears to be right on target with his many of his conclusions, and while the book is "fiction", one can't help but believe much of it. Brown doesn't insist you believe him, in fact, he's almost apologetic about how strange and unusual his conclusions may sound. In a subtle way, he warns the reader that everyone is allowed their own belief system and whatever gives someone spiritual comfort should be respected. But Using Will and Ariel Durant's The History of Civilization, Francis and Joseph Gies' Women in the Middle Ages, and Barbara Walker's The Women's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets to confirm Brown's facts, I learned that when he puts two and two together, it's amazing what he comes up with.

This book will have what is probably an unintentional effect. The Da Vinci Code counteracts other best sellers. Brown presents an intellectual and fact-based suspense thriller that will hopefully start a trend toward debunking the misquoted myths and errant Biblical interpretations .One can't help but wonder when the fanatics of the religious right will rise up in defense of the End Times series and call for a boycott of The Da Vinci Code.

As for me it doesnt anymore what other people think of the book. It answered a lot of questions.
I love it.. I love it.. I love it
.

3 comments:

Lyra said...

Ready for the book, "Cracking the Da Vinci Code"? Anyway, I have e-books of Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" and "Digital Fortress". Let me know if you want a copy. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Lei, I read that book as well. It's one of the best books I have ever read :-) The book has gotten a share of criticism already esp. from the Catholic church.

Anyhow, I hope all is well in your end.

Anonymous said...

I loved it too.... It's really catching, once you start reading you just can't stop... on Dan Browns site you can 'crack the code'...

I also loved 'Angels and Demons'... I hope to read a lot more of him...

Grz
Thaleia
http;//www.the-id.net/wp/