The Da Vinci Code

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I was absorbed by the DaVinci Code from the word go. Whilst Dan Brown is not the greatest writer in a literary sense, he knows how to capture a reader and provoke a debate about real live events and evidence and thus turn ideas into conspiracy theories. The real skill is combining this with a fast paced thriller backdrop that leaves you breathless.

A Disappointing Read (0/0 people found this helpful)

I've just finished reading the Da Vinci Code. Everyone persuaded me to read it but I found it extremely disappointing. It started out OK but it soon became bogged down in fictional trivia, plus it had so many "puzzles" to solve I felt like I was 10 years old and back at school on some sort of paper chase - it became boring! And because its pace almost slowed to a halt, I nearly dozed off several times trying to finish it, after which I wanted to toss it out of the window! Dan Brown also Americanised this novel - and they're suckers for "happy" endings - but I'm sorry, why would a stranger than fiction family reunion and a subtle hint of romance between the two main characters towards the end suddenly stop all that greed for world power, high Church corruption, hired hit men, killing and mayhem? Did all the baddies suddenly evaporate by a kiss and a promise of a nice little holiday in Florence??? Give a break!! Dan liked to play the teacher in this novel but as a woman I really didn't appreciate being patronised by the wide-eyed little girl scenario where Sophie had to suffer (and me with her) being "taught" not only by her Grandfather but then by 2 other self-satisfied men professing to hold all the knowledge and all the answers - while Sophie batted her eyelashes - but wasn't Sophie cleverer than all the men put together? Sorry Dan. I won't be wasting time reading any of your other novels, but I'm sure you'll still be happy laughing at us all the way to the bank.

This is really not a good book! (0/0 people found this helpful)

I approached this book with a determination to have an open mind - however, having previously read Brown's other book, 'Angels and Demons', which I found to be well, rubbish, this was probably never going to be achievable! I don't wish to condemn the book without at least trying to offer some reasons, so here goes:
-He tries to hint at things (such as something scandalous Sophie saw her grandfather doing) at an attempt to be compelling but it just ends up being irritating. By the time you find out, you've either worked it out yourself and/or just don't care anymore. Compare this with the effortless and successful way writers such as Stephen King do it and you realise how clumsy a writer Brown is.
-The description of every...little...thing! Do we really need to know how long the Louvre is, or what colour that partiular pebble is (he doesn't do this obv, but you get the idea!). I for one found this really patronising.
-Speaking of patronising - All knowing male characters reveal the 'truth' to wide-eyed, totally receptive (no doubts! no questions!) female.
-It cannot be avoided: his exploitation and misuse of 'facts' (His number of those killed during the witch-hunt is just one example)- although one can accept the poetic license argument, its still really, really irritaing!
Overall, I think the plot is interesting, although the twist is not really clever, and I found the last few pages almost unreadable (I skimmed them), but I think the main problem is that Brown is just not a good or skilled writer or storyteller. I think this book benefitted enormously from the controversial subject matter, otherwise I think it would have been destined for the bargain bin a long time ago!

Fast paced thriller epic (0/0 people found this helpful)

I am not going to give this book 5 stars, for the sole reason that Brown, like so many suspense thriller authors, has become accustomed to writing short paragraphs, short chapters, and assuming the reader's imagination can create the detail which is left behind in the plot.

However, nobody can deny that 'The Da Vinci Code' is a suspense thriller of unparallelled magic. I plays upon the reader's subconscious fears of corruption, secrecy and unknown knowledge in power. The characters are developed enough to give the reader an insight into their actions and emotions, and the language and prose is acceptable considering the short, quick-fire chapters.

Recommended as a top holiday read.

Why can't we give no stars? (1/2 people found this helpful)

This was a truly dreadful book that I struggled to finish as part of a book club selection and the awful time I had is indelibly etched into my brain.
Poorly drawn characters, artificial dialogue, obvious plot twists and gaping inconsistencies you could drive a truck through.
I thought it was awful though it seems sacrilege to sya it when so many people love it but that doesn't make it a good book.
It may ahve sold millions but it doesn't mean that everyone who bought a copy liked it.
I hope never to read one of his books again.

Dan Brown

Reader Reviews:

Thought Provoking (4/4 people found this helpful)

A Disappointing Read (0/0 people found this helpful)

This is really not a good book! (0/0 people found this helpful)

Fast paced thriller epic (0/0 people found this helpful)

Why can't we give no stars? (1/2 people found this helpful)

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