The Author
Dan Brown is the noted author of the Da Vinci Code, the book that created a storm in the literary world when it was released and went on to became a best-seller. The book and its prequel Angels and Demons, were later made into Hollywood movies. It had been five years since Da Vinci Code was released and Dan Brown’s fans were waiting eagerly for the release of his latest.
The Book
The Lost Symbol was released in September – and what a release, more than a million copies sold in the very first day! The Lost Symbol is Dan Brown’s fifth novel and this time the novel centres round the Freemasons – a secretive sect that is believed to have many secrets. And to solve these secrets, who better than Brown’s most famous character Robert Langdon – the hero of Angels and Demons and Da Vinci Code.
Plot
Now coming to the storyline, like all Dan Brown novels, this one too is a racy thriller. Peter Solomon is our hero Langdon’s mentor. The novel starts with the news that Solomon has been kidnapped and is in a precarious position. Only one man can save him and that is Langdon. The villain demands that Langdon unlock an ancient secret protected by the Freemasons. Langdon has very little time left to accomplish the task. And to add to his woes, he has to take on the CIA. Can Langdon save his mentor? What is the secret that the masons are protecting from many decades? These and many other questions are answered in the story.
Dramatis personae
Now coming to the cast and characters of the novel:
Hero : The hero is Robert Langdon, famous symbologist, who can unlock any secret and whose skills helped him to unravel the Da Vinci Code and the mystery of Angels and Demons. In the afore-mentioned novel, everything revolved around Langdon, who was the whole and soul of the novel. But in this novel, we get to see a jaded Langdon, who doesn’t seem to be at his brightest best.
Heroine : Each of Dan Brown’s novels has a sexy heroine who is also highly intelligent! And naturally, the chemistry between the hero and heroine is sizzling. But in this novel, the heroine is a 50 year old woman, who is by no means glamorous. I wonder how a Hollywood movie would click with an old heroine! Anyhow, the heroine is as intelligent as Langdon and together they have to unlock the secret to save Solomon, who is the heroine’s brother.
Villain : Dan Brown’s novels have had some really good villains. In this novel, the villain is the star attraction. Here is a character, who will rock any movie made. The villain is Malakh – a mysterious character who is everywhere, knows everything and seems indestructible. Truly he is one of the all-time greatest fictional villains. In fact he grows on you so much, that you may end up liking him more than the hero. But jokes apart, our villain is a real tough guy and is the best of all Dan Brown’s villains.
Secret Organisation : Every Dan Brown organisation has secret organisation and codes to break. This time Brown uses the Freemasons – a real organisation which engages in secretive rituals and is believed to be protecting a great secret. And it is this secret that the villain wants. Another interesting and real little known organisation portrayed in the book is the Institute of Noetic Studies. This organisation is engaged in the study of the human mind. Its studies and its objectives are really interesting and after reading the book, you will definitely be curious to know more about noetic studies.
Secrets and Codes : Like all Brown novels, there are a number of secrets unravelled and a number of codes to be broken. Some interesting facts that come out in the novel is about the secrets hidden all around Washington D C and is famous monuments. And did you know that George Washington wanted to be portrayed as a God and wanted America to be a religious nation? More such amazing facts are unravelled in the book. And all these are true, not fiction!
Thrills and Spills
All Dan Brown novels involve a frantic search for something, chase scenes and murderous villains. This novel doesn’t disappoint you and features all of Brown’s trademark plot devices. There are some really thrilling moments in the novel. Without giving away the plot – Chapter 103 will leave you stunned with what happens. Chapter 108 leaves you wondering what’s happening in the story, these two twists in the tale are the highlight of the book. And of course, there is a whopping twist in the tale coming up, during the final confrontation with the villain. That will definitely shake you up. So, Brown has got all his racy elements right, to keep you involved in the plot.
Religion & Mysticism
The Da Vinci Code had such a controversial plotline that Brown was vilified by the Church. Probably to avoid controversies, this time Brown doesn’t take on the church, rather he converts the novel into a treatise of religion and mysticism. There are some interesting spiritual issues dealt with in the novel, but again is done in such a way it won’t leave you bored.
The Ending
While everything about the book is good, it is the ending that is a big let down. The ending is the most important element of a thriller and unfortunately, Brown disappoints on this count. To say more would be to act as a spoiler, so let me say this, the last few chapters put you to sleep and add no value to the story! Overall, the book seems to be ending with a bang, but you realise that it was not a bang, but a dud.
Recommendation
If you are a fan of Dan Brown or are interested in a good thriller, go for this book, but be mentally prepared for a climax that will let you down.