The Da Vinci Code

Book Review by Jane
This is a well-written book that I became immersed in, thoroughly enjoying the plot. I am afraid to write much about it, for fear of spoiling the fun for another reader, so instead, will do a brief analysis. If you like a high level conspiracy, this book will give you more than you can guess. The characters are intense and admirable, except for the bad guys, which some of those turn out to be just stuck in the middle. If you like history or religion, this could be a good book. But, if you aren’t crazy about either, I would still try it out. There is a great deal of adventure and suspense, and it is a murder mystery. I really appreciated how each transition to another character was well orchestrated; leaving me wanting to get to the next time that character appears. But, the book is paced so that you get absorbed into the next character’s story very quickly. I’ve seen many instances of authors trying for this effect and just falling short. In this story, it is done time and time again, and it really works.

The main characters are intelligent and use their knowledge to solve a mystery of both the murder of one of their fathers and the Holy Grail. There was quite a bit of history discussed about secret organizations, Catholicism. There are even some math tricks and other curiosities. By the way this book reads, you would think the author did little research before he began writing it. There is a smooth transition between what the author researched and what he has written. The research was used appropriately—not seemingly to impress the reader for that sole purpose. In the past few books I have read, that has been one of the downfalls. It really made for an interesting read.

Some people might have their faith challenged by the suggestions in the book. But unless it is wavering for some reason, they shouldn’t let it stop them from enjoying this book.

I don’t usually do this, but this is one book I may just re-read at some point.

Jane.