- Fiction
- Murder Mystery
- Symbology
The Da Vinci Code follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon in another gripping murder mystery/thriller, this time with a historical treasure hunt after a murder at the Louvre in Paris. His companion, Sophie Neveu—granddaughter of the murder victim and a skilled cryptologist—joins Langdon on both the hunt for the killer and the quest to uncover the secrets of “The Holy Grail.”
Set primarily in modern-day Paris and parts of England, Dan Brown once again showcases his meticulous research. The attention to detail in his depiction of locations, documents, rituals, and historical facts is one of my favourite aspects of his writing. Brown’s dedication to accuracy adds a rich layer to the novel, and Langdon remains as lovable as he was in Angels and Demons.
After reading Angels and Demons, I was eager to dive into The Da Vinci Code, and its famous reputation didn’t disappoint. The story is a joy to read from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks to Langdon’s teaching moments, which provided context for the historical elements in the book. These moments often added a bit of humour, especially when Langdon interacts with stereotypical students.
The novel heavily focuses on religious themes, especially the story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. I can see why it sparked controversy, leading to its appearance on banned book lists due to its portrayal of Christian history and the Vatican. However, Brown’s thorough research leaves you questioning just how much of it is based on truth. It’s thought-provoking, to say the least.
Brown’s writing style is engaging, with short, manageable chapters that make it hard to put the book down. His descriptions of locations, objects, and scenes are vivid and easy to visualise, bringing the story to life.
I couldn’t help but compare the novel to the film adaptation and, like Angels and Demons, the movie sticks relatively close to the book, despite some creative liberties. I appreciate that the film preserves the core of the story, but it was also refreshing to discover elements in the book that the movie left out. However, seeing the film first did spoil some of the surprises in the novel.
One element that sets The Da Vinci Code apart from Angels and Demons for me is its greater sense of realism. While I enjoyed Angels and Demons, the more fantastical elements—like Langdon jumping out of a helicopter with a tarpaulin—kept it from being a five-star read.
Overall, I was thrilled to finally read The Da Vinci Code. It has quickly become one of my favourite stories, and I can’t wait to continue the series. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good treasure hunt, enjoys escape-room-style thrillers, or is intrigued by religious controversy and history.
Leave a Reply