Friday, October 16, 2009

The lost symbol- A review.

Doesn't this book cover look enticing?:P


I've always wondered why it's taken Dan Brown six odd years to pen another book.Angels and Demons was a very different read, yet engrossing in a way Da Vinci put him in the limelight in a big way. It was a great book, probably one of the best ever written. So one would definitely wonder, what was with the hiatus?

But as you read the Last Symbol, you'd really appreciate the amount of research into symbology, science, and art. The attention to detail is probably more captivating than his previous books.
The thing with Dan Brown is, even though he has drawn onto him, a fair share of criticism from cynics, who i think are just jealous of his writing skills, The Lost Symbol, like it's predecessors, will encourage some healthy debate among the masses.

The Characters-
Robert Langdon- His usual mystical self, now a bit more famous as a result of his previous escapades.His brain tinkering with symbology and it's different forms, interpreting shit where others probably don't see shit:). And always on the move. When he's toying with symbols, it's almost as though the reader is inside him, rooting for him. And considering that Mr Dan Brown ideas for about 12 future books featuring Langdon, i can't fathom the realm of possibilities.
I despise the theory of relativity even more!!

Mal'akh- This guy reminds me of Kevin Spacey in 'Seven'. No brutality to that extent though. Nevertheless, he is a genius in every sense, and often will baffle you as you read. But seriously, he's the weakest character in the book, even though in a sense, he's very mystical. You'll know as you read.:)

Peter Solomon- A brilliant man, very well cultured, 'Rich' in every sense. A man of immense power, A Mason of the highest degree, who's very passionate about his Brotherhood and the boundaries he draws about the extents he can go to in the interest of his Brotherhood. This book revolves around him.

Katherine Solomon- An amazing scientist, doing research on things that will change the way Mankind portrays Science. Her character reminds me of Sophie Neveu. Strong motivations and intentions, and that's all i'll say.

Warren Bellamy- He doesn't have that big a role to play. But he doesn't disappoint.

Sato- A C.I.A dame, you think a 4 feet 11 inch frame is not imposing, think again:P

This novel is on par with Da Vinci, if not better. There will be a few WTF's, but more whoa's , but the epilogue is very captivating. It evokes Imagery that even Da Vinci couldn't. This book is not about Symbology, art, science, God or Humans. It is something more.

As you read, you realise the amount of homework Brown's done with this. The only weak part is the character of Mal'akh, but all great books have weak characters.
The thing with good reads is that the characters never disappoint, the plots never goes astray. Be it Godfather, The Harry Potter series or The Fist of God, the plots have all been page turners.
As you read the final chapters, you'll applaud the book for what it is, and smile to yourself because, Dan Brown has pulled it off again.

P:S- Happy Diwali people, do read the book. You surely will see the 'light' in all this 'darkness'

6 comments:

Insignia said...

I got the book on the day it was released and finished it within 2 days!!

It surely was a page turner. I had to refer Free masonry, map of Washington DC and Melancholia :-)

Shirl said...

Excellent review on the book. Now I just need to find time to read it. Loved the first two books, from the sound of it, I'm sure I'll love this one too. Cool blog BTW.

AJEYA RAO said...

When i saw the popularity of Da vinci book, i thought it was all hype...and it was another book made for selling...but while i watched the movie, i just loved the how Dan has blended some research, history, journey and fiction together. Lovely write. I read the book later and loved it even. I have seen or read A&D yet....This book too sounds good.

How would you rate these three books...123? And yes Kish...i have deception point on my desk...Do you suggest I read it?

kish said...

@insignia
Yeah when i came across melancholia, i googled it immediately:P.

kish said...

Do read it, hopefully it won't disappoint.
Thank you btw, do visit again:). I will try my beat to keep it cool

kish said...

@ ajeya
angels and demons is all bout the science-religion angle. But the information in that book is fantastic, and i'm sure you'll be talking about it for a while.

I would prioritise as follows-
1) The Lost Symbol
2) A&D
3) Deception Point

Deception point is not his genre of writing. It's a thriller without a Forsyth feel. Read it once.
You should also try Digital Fortress. That's a fine book. I believe it sold less than 10,000 copies before he got famous. Some jump from a strugging writer eh:)