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The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code

by Dan Brown
  • Critics' Consensus:
  • Readers' Rating:
  • First Published:
  • Mar 1, 2003, 464 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Mar 2006, 496 pages
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There are currently 165 reader reviews for The Da Vinci Code
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Gayatri

A curator is killed in Louvre and while counting his last minutes scribbles down a code which has the power to rattle the foundations of Christanity.The hidden meaning of the same can be decoded by carefully observing the famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci.
Later it is known that the curator was involved in secret society called the "Priory of Sion", of which likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo etc were also a part.
Unveiling the code are the central characters of the book,Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdane and a French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu whose every move is monitered by someone unknown and dangerous!!
The book is well written and though with some exaggerations has met good standards. It unveils the suspense slowly and takes you through a journey of many twists and turns.I bet on the fact that you will be hooked on to it....
The details of the Pagan worship and Bible are well explained and hence can be understood by a non Christain like me.
On the whole an awsome reading experience....... A must read for all you suspense lovers!!!
Anonymous

I'm a teenage girl and not Christian. I found I enjoyed this book quite a bit, though I understand some of the arguments stated by those people who didn't like it. I think what you need to realise is that just because it is a work of Fiction, doesn't mean it's the story and the characters that matter most. I think Dan Brown created the characters and plots etc simply to communicate all the amazing ideas and interesting philosophies that he wanted to share with the world, so they will most probably not be the strongest areas. I agree that at times Langdon seems a bit dull and the speech is a bit empty, but I enjoyed the plot and thought it was a sufficient and interesting way to write the book. You cannot disagree that the stuff in it is worth investigating in some way, and basically a fiction novel is going to get a lot more publicity than another history book. I reccommmend the book to anyone who likes exploring new ideas and questioning old ones. Congrats Mr. Brown, I hope this book causes many people to become more questioning about their environment and their world. People need to go out and explore things for themselves as opposed to just accepting what people tell you.
Donald Cook

A Biblical Scholar would certainly have problems with The Da Vinci Code due to its many contradictions to the Bible. However, not being a Biblical Scholar, I found the book to be exciting, thought-provoking and entertaining. From a Christianity viewpoint, the good news is it has ME thinking about and wondering about, what may be true and what may not be true. Before reading this book, frankly, I wasn't giving much thought to religion. So for those who condemn the book for the "fact vs fiction" inconsistencies it conjurs up, lighten-up and enjoy a good novel keeping in mind the passage Brown included from Napoleon, "The winners in history are usually the ones who write the history we read." So, how "real" is the history we have read???
Rich

With 7.5 million copies sold, the fact is that Dan Brown has really touched on some themes that have got people talking and examining their beliefs. That's a good thing. That's what a good book does. In fact, not only is the book being made into a movie but I saw it's even inspired a tour to actually go and visit the locations behind the book (www.esoteric-explorations.com). That speaks volumes about the power of the ideas Brown has brought forth. Instead of relegating these ideas to a dull academic text, his brilliance was to build them into a compelling, fast-paced novel. I don't understand how you can fault him for that. And apparently, at least 7.5 million people agree.
Sangfroid

It is an interesting, intriguing, and well-written novel. I recommend reading this for two kinds of people. One is the patient kind wherein they will be able to grasp each chapter without necessarily rushing to the end. Patience is also needed in analysing and studying the nuggets of information presented in the book. I very well recommend it to those who are open-minded, especially the Christian/Catholic open-minded laity. It is bold and may be found challenging to the Church. However, listening, pondering and analyzing what Brown has presented may positively lead the reader in getting to know his or her faith.
Tom Wright

An intriguing plot hampered by poor prose. It has piqued my curiosity and I'm planning to do more research on the subject. The DaVinci Code will make a great movie as long as the dialog is improved over the book.
J V Wil

I rate this a 4...great mystery read, but weak in its historical accuracy (wild constructions and assertions)...fiction at best...conspiracy mongering at worse...an ineffective attempt to undermine orthodox and time-tried canon and faith.
J Max

Sometimes the intertwined characters and travels become tedious at the expense of the core of the book, the search for the grail. The book does an excellent job of portraying Judeo-Christian minimilization of women, although placing most of the blame on Christians.

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