The Lost Symbol
by Dan Brown
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Book Summary Information
Author: Dan BrownEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2009-09-15
ISBN: 0385504225
Number of pages: 528
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780385504225
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Book Reviews of The Lost Symbol
Book Review: Loved the setting but disappointed
Summary: 3 Stars
It is a huge effort to write a novel, and I respect the process and effort, so rate it 3 stars. I really did enjoy the tidbits about Washington D.C., especially the Capitol and the Washington Monument, and descriptions of the art works. I wish there had been more engagement with details of place, as in the earlier novels. I loved the settings of Smithsonian pods 3 and 5 - that was great. Wish there has been imaginative constructions about what research Katherine was doing and what her findings were.
Actually, I was left with the feeling that ideas/material on Katherine's Noetic Science are being saved for a sequel, instead of being included in this novel. I think more detail about what went on in pod 5 would have made this book much more compelling.
Basically it seems that Brown is following the "Michael Crighton path" - writing something that is more screenplay than novel. I was so disappointed.
I read this in 1 day over the holiday, which helps get a clear sense of pacing.
--My first reaction was that the pacing was forced (and made me think "screenplay"). Framing the action with a very short time period was enjoyable, but many action sequences were rat-tat-tat and choppy.
--My second reaction was that Brown was following advice to "dumb down" the writing, including changing the way Langdon speaks and inserting improbable sequences to push the narrative forward (e.g., dialogue between Katherine and character posing as psychiatrist -- completely unbelievable that she would fall for that....) Seems to me Brown's writing has changed since the early novels.
--My third reaction was that the book was rushed out the door too quickly, with no help (or with bad advice) from the editor.
The concluding "big insight" was underwhelming, but the overarching metaphor remains powerful and interesting. It touches on a subject currently getting talk show attention again -- mind vs. brain (is the mind "caused" by brain processes or is it embedded in cross-dimensional and/or multi-organism collective consciousness, etc.).
Summary of The Lost Symbol
In this stunning follow-up to the global phenomenon The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown demonstrates once again why he is the world's most popular thriller writer. The Lost Symbol is a masterstroke of storytelling--a deadly race through a real-world labyrinth of codes, secrets, and unseen truths . . . all under the watchful eye of Brown's most terrifying villain to date. Set within the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples of Washington, D.C., The Lost Symbol accelerates through a startling landscape toward an unthinkable finale.
As the story opens, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object--artfully encoded with five symbols--is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation . . . one meant to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom.
When Langdon's beloved mentor, Peter Solomon--a prominent Mason and philanthropist--is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations--all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth.
As the world discovered in The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, Dan Brown's novels are brilliant tapestries of veiled histories, arcane symbols, and enigmatic codes. In this new novel, he again challenges readers with an intelligent, lightning-paced story that offers surprises at every turn. The Lost Symbol is exactly what Brown's fans have been waiting for . . . his most thrilling novel yet.
Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word.
The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters.
Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal. --Daphne Durham
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