The Da Vinci Code

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Summary: Explorations Into Western Aesthetics
Review: Imagine a murder committed in the world famous Louvre Museum in contemporary Paris ---the chief curator's body found beneath the immortal painting of the Mona Lisa. Then imagine yourself swept up and dropped amidst a secret society comprised of some of Western civilization's most illuminous artists and thinkers such as Da Vinci, Boticello, Sir Isaac Newton, and Victor Hugo, among others. The scope is epic in presentation. But that is exactly what the writer Dan Brown accomplishes with his stunning novel THE DA VINCI CODE. This is an extraordinary tale of suspense, exploring brilliantly the legendary mysteries of Western culture. The painstaking research obviously involved in this literary project is commendable. The writer artfully weaves his rich story within and around this historic and socioaesthetic context ---a daunting task in itself. Furthermore, he provokes rather subtly the reader by raising certain perhaps troubling issues of a clear religious nature. The main characters Sophie and Robert are immediately ensnarled in a world of high-level intrigue and sophisticated thrills. The reader is guaranteed a fascinating ride. Highly recommended novel by a talented writer.

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Summary: A Life Altering Book
Review: I am a thirteen year old girl who lives in a really small town. There isn't much to do, so I have always been a very active reader. I bought this book, and started reading it about a week later. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I had it finished in less than two days time. I loved it! It is an amazing book, I suggest it to anyone and everyone!

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Summary: Entertaining, grossly inaccurate, inflammatory
Review: Simply as a page-turner, this book is fairly effective. Most readers agree that it is engrossing and will keep your attention to the end. However, I am completely amazed that so many are taking this author's premises seriously. To those who are so inclined, I challenge you to do the research for yourself and see just how accurate, or inaccurate, this book really is.

Brown quotes the old saying that the victor gets to write the history; apparently, the novelist is supposed to have the same prerogative. This book sounds as if it's been exhaustively researched, but it is entirely without historical basis. In fact, in many places Brown's claims are in direct opposition to historical fact.

Symbology: Brown writes elaborate meanings for many symbols. Where did he get this information? I can't find any support for his explanation of the pentacle, for example, even from pagan sources! The rest of his symbology is just as problematic.

Leonardo da Vinci: Brown's "facts" about Leonardo are based on rumor and speculation. Where he does use history, he usually gets it wrong. I suggest you check out Bruce Boucher's article in the NY Times (8/3/03), "Does 'The Da Vinci Code' Crack Leonardo?" He asks the question, "How much does this murder mystery have to do with the real Leonardo? The short answer is not much, and the author's grasp of the historical Leonardo is shaky." He says there is "more sangria than sangreal" here.

Secret societies: Here again, his "research" consists of speculation and myth. For another view, take a look at "The Priory of Sion Hoax" by Robert Richardson.

History of Christianity: Here his work is absolutely appalling. Brown seeks to entirely rewrite history to fit his plot. Christianity existed for almost 300 years before Constantine came to power. The beliefs of the early church are very well-documented. To claim that Constantine was responsible for the church worshipping Christ as God is historically laughable. Whether you believe Jesus Christ is God or not, it is historically incontrovertible that the early church believed just that.

Here again, the author often reverses known historical facts. The NT gospels, which Brown depicts as later revisions, were actually written in the 1st century---three of them fairly soon after the death of Christ. The Nag Hammadi gospels, which Brown refers to as the "earlier gospels," were written hundreds of years later and obviously lack the historical integrity of the NT gospels. Check them out for yourself.

Brown claims that the Nicene Council voted on the deity of Christ. They actually voted to determine whether Arius was a heretic. Arius was teaching that Christ was God, but not in the same way that the Father was God. Out of over 300 bishops, only 2 supported Arius. Brown refers to this as a "relatively close vote."

As I read this book, I began to compile a list of the author's blatant inaccuracies. It quickly became dizzying. Practically every historical claim either contains inaccuracies or is outright false. Dan Brown is either completely ignorant regarding the history of which he writes, or he is counting on the ignorance of his readers. I find it difficult to believe that his research was really this shoddy. To produce even a work of fiction that uses such blatantly inaccurate claims of historical fact is arrogant and dishonest. That this book is being hailed the way it is should be a concern to all who love and seek truth.

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Summary: An excellent thriller that never slows down
Review: The Da Vinci Code is a great thriller that is fast paced throughout never letting the reader relax for a second. Dan Brown's writing style is perfect for this kind of book. It is obvious that he has done a lot of research to complete this book, but at the same time he is able to tell a story so well put together with too many twists and turns to even mention. Though it may sound like a simple thing, Brown knows how to use cliffhangers. Almost every chapter ends with some vital information missing, so you must keep going to find out what happens. This is a book that should not be missed.

This thriller begins in Paris at the famous Louvre museum where a mysterious murder takes place. Two people, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon and Police Cryptographer Sophie Neveu, are brought into the investigation. Soon, they are in way too deep with nowhere to go. They discover information about the Priory of Sion, a secret group who guards one of the Church's oldest secrets. I won't give anything away, but this book will make you think about the Holy Grail like you've never thought about it before. This book has it all; great story, well developed characters, plenty of twists and turns, and so much more. Do not miss the Da Vinci Code!

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Summary: The Da Vinci Code
Review: No stars for this one. But would not let me submit unless I put in at least one! I understand that this book is a copy of the book called, "Daughter of God" which is about the BEST book I've read this year and I don't do fiction usually. I write myself (Bible research) and I don't think an author copying someone else's work is worthy of reading.

Okay, so "Daugher of God" has some unusual things in it (me a Baptist). But if you don't stretch you're mind once in a while you will never learn. Take a chance - be brave.

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Summary: Yeck....
Review: This is a definite page turner. One which left a bad taste in my mouth. A horrible, predictable plot, shallow characterization and star crossed hints of romance that detract from the plot.

The only reason this deserves two stars is because of the way it presents an age old myth, the holy grail, in a different light that the public rarely sees. Now, let's remember, this book is fiction. I'm sure Brown took liberties to make his research fit into an idea that had amazing potential. If you're interested in the grail story, ditch this book and read some of the nonfiction books out there on the topic.

For those who are trashing this on the basis of their religion, something to watch out for lest it destroy your faith........ what is your faith without challenges? Nothing.

If you're a Christian with blinders on, maybe you should read it, if for nothing more than the challenge it will present to you.

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Summary: Another Christianity - Bad news
Review: To start with, I do not intend to buy this book. The source materials are from people want to change Christianity, particularly the Catholic Church, to fit their view of what a religion should be like. None of the sources for this book are ancient, and none agree with the most ancient texts of the New Testiment, and some even disagree with the early Gnostic documents that we still have.

This book is fiction, based on lies, portraying itself as religious truth. We are warned in the Bible (which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to read this book) to be on the watch for people who portray themselves as apostles for another Jesus. St. Paul reminds us that there is only one Jesus. For Christians, protect your faith, avoid this book! For non-Christians who want to learn about the ancient Christian Churches I would recommend the book "Ecclisial History" by Eusibius, written in the Third Century, the Bible itself, or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Warning, this book may be an attack on your faith. Read it at your own peril!

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Summary: Can't Stop Talking About It!!!!
Review: I'm the type that usually eschews 'Best Seller List' books. Mainly because I find that the books that make it have to do with name recognition and politics. However, I decided to try this book and haven't stopped talking about it. It took me over two hours to read and there were times I had to force myself to put it down to get my breath. It's one of the best books I've ever read. Literally. Also, when you're done, make sure you go to the www.thedavincicode.com and play the online code breaking game. Talk about original and fun! It's also free! Can't beat that OR this book. It's worth every dime.

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Summary: The Da Vinci Code disappoints
Review: After all the hyperbole surrounding The Da Vinci Code, I was expecting to read a well written, thoughtfully chacterized and enlightening book. In its favor it must be said that this novel is definitely a page-turner. The action is fast paced and there is lots of it. However, that is part of the problem. The action is so fast, and much of it so far fetched, that the story strays dangerously into the realm of the brainless "beach book" written with a movie version as its ultimate goal. The characters are very thinly drawn and virtually caricatures of themselves - the beautiful French woman, the dry and dreamy academic, the physically repulsive hit man, the overly English Englishman, the predictable red herring in the form of the tough French police officer - it all strains credulity. The language which Dan Brown puts in his characters' mouths does not ring true and detracts from what could have been a far more appealing book. There are some truly interesting ecclesiastical triviata, observations and theories in the story, but they are dished up with a pretentiousness which renders them indigestible. Dan Brown gives in to the temptation to lecture his readers far too often. The twists and turns in the plot are too predictable and tidy to be surprising and they are dressed up in somewhat patronising terms. I don't plan on giving any of the secrets away, but the sleight of hand with which the author neatly ties up his loose ends strays dangerously near to being laughable. Evidently a great deal of research went into the writing of the book and the underlying premise is both clever and fascinating, it is therefore a pity that an editor did not work with Mr. Brown to smooth out the presentation and make this the genuinely clever novel which it could have been.
If you are looking for an easy summer read then this fits the bill, but don't be taken in by the talk of true mysteries, religious controversy and academic puzzles. This is a reasonably entertaining thriller, nothing more.

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Summary: Absolutely Riveting!
Review: With all the hype around this book, I had to find out for myself. I didn't really have time to sit down and read it, so I got the audio cassettes. The reader (Colin Stinton) is excellent at reading the story. He has many different voices that he changes to for different charachters. I find this quite astonishing acutally, because sometimes, I can't tell that it is the same person speaking all these voices.
The story line is magnificent. It is a fast paced novel from start to finish. The only disappoinment I have is when it ended...now I have to find another book as entertaining as this one!
You will not be disappointed with the audio version of this book. The reader keeps you going and connected to the charachters and Dan Brown's story is compelling!