Written by 
The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Publisher: Anchor
Release Date: March 18, 2003
Format read: Physical (Special Illustrated Edition, hardback)
Source of book: This book was acquired independantly by the Reviewer.
The Da Vinci Code Summary
“While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.
Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.”
TL;DR: While the book’s historical inaccuracies might be disappointing to some, the fast-paced writing and constant action make The Da Vinci Code an exciting read for mystery lovers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
Introduction: The Da Vinci Code, An Iconic Bestseller
If you’ve spent any time around bookstores, libraries, or even browsing through the book collections of others, chances are you’ve come across The Da Vinci Code. As a child, I remember seeing this book everywhere – from Kmart and Target to op shops and small local bookstores. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s one of the most well-known books of the 21st century, at least in English-speaking countries.
Given its ubiquitous presence, many readers are drawn to it sooner or later to see what all the fuss is about. Upon opening the book, they are greeted with a surprisingly tense and exciting mystery filled with twists and turns. The “Code” in the title refers to a series of clues that set the protagonists – an academic and a cryptologist – on a thrilling scavenger hunt, all while being pursued by the French police and a mysterious figure with ambiguous intentions.
A Note On The Illustrated Edition
For this review, I read the special illustrated edition of The Da Vinci Code, which includes various photos, paintings, and illustrations related to the story. Having these visuals enhanced my reading experience, especially when specific art pieces or historical artifacts were mentioned. I think the special edition of The Da Vinci Code is beneficial if you don’t know much about the art or artifacts referenced. However, the special edition didn’t change much about the overall experience, so my thoughts apply to any edition of the book.
While this review may be coming in long after the book’s initial hype, I believe it’s still relevant to address its ongoing notoriety. Dan Brown’s distinctive style has spawned its own micro-genre, almost becoming a meme in today’s age. Approaching the book without the weight of its past hype allowed me to evaluate it purely on its own merits.
Storyline & Plot: Fast Paced With Constant Action
The Da Vinci Code is a fast-paced action thriller that keeps readers engaged by constantly switching perspectives. The narrative is driven by one plot event after another, whether it’s a car chase, a puzzle to solve, or a covert escape from a famous landmark.
It’s worth noting that the enjoyment of this book doesn’t lie in how it ends, but rather in the journey. The joy of reading The Da Vinci Code comes from the constant revelations of historical facts and mythological interpretations, each pushing the story forward. The scavenger hunt structure keeps readers on their toes. Making every new fact or puzzle as much a part of the action as the physical chases themselves. If you’re a fan of mysteries or puzzles, this novel will likely be right up your alley.
Characters: Dan Brown Predicted Jordan Peterson?
Here’s my hot take. In creating the character of Robert Langdon, Dan Brown may have unwittingly predicted the rise of psychologist Jordan Peterson. After finishing the book, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities. Both Langdon and Peterson are academically inclined men who delve deep into symbolism, mythology, and how stories reveal hidden truths about humanity. If anyone could be described as a real-life symbologist, Peterson would fit the bill. Because of his focus on archetypal figures such as dragons, witches, and heroes. So, if you’re wondering what Langdon is like as a character, imagine a grouchier version of Jordan Peterson. But without the psychological training.
Langdon, however, doesn’t undergo much character development throughout the story. His role is primarily to drive the plot forward as the “action man” of the narrative. In terms of character depth, the real focus is on two other characters: Sophie and Silas.
Sophie’s character arc is about self-discovery. As she uncovers the secrets surrounding her grandfather’s life, she confronts and reconciles her beliefs with new information. The most important part of Sophie’s story is her coming to terms with her family’s secrets. By the end of the book, Sophie emerges as a more complete individual, having come to terms with a lifetime of loss. While her journey is satisfying, it can feel a bit contrived at times.
Silas, on the other hand, offers the most engaging character arc. Initially introduced as a side character with unknown motives, Silas evolves into a far more complex figure. His most important character moment is the revelation of his early life. Through a series of real-time events and flashbacks, we learn about his internal struggles and the external forces manipulating him. Instead of being just a villian’s sidekick, he is complex and flawed. Without giving too much away, I’ll just say that his fate surprised me, leaving a lasting impression.
Writing Style & Effectiveness: Intriguing Puzzles, But Factually Wrong
One of the best aspects of a mystery novel is the moment when everything clicks into place, and The Da Vinci Code delivers several of these moments. Brown is skilled at slowly revealing the truth. Allowing readers to piece together the puzzle bit by bit. Some of the revelations towards the end are predictable. But others caught me completely off guard, particularly in regard to the story’s villains.
That said, I can’t overlook the criticisms the book has received. The Da Vinci Code (and Dan Brown’s work in general) is controversial for its many historical and factual inaccuracies.
Most notably are Brown’s depictions of Christianity and Christian belief. This includes controversial statements about Biblical depictions of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, implying they were in a romantic relationship. This conflicts heavily with standard Christian belief which maintains that Jesus was celibate and did not take a wife.
Additionally, the depiction of certain sects of Catholic belief does not reflect reality. Such as showing Opus Dei as an exclusive group made of monks . I can see how a depiction like this can lead non-Christian readers to form a very negative opinion of Catholicism or Christianity as a whole. Some Christian organisations have publicly slammed the book for these reasons.
The title of the novel itself is considered inaccurate as “Da Vinci” is not a true surname. However, it would reflect how the average person would refer to Leonardo Da Vinci.
For those curious about the specific historical critiques, the Wikipedia page dedicated to the subject is a good place to start.
While I enjoyed the story on its own merits, I found that these inaccuracies did detract from the experience. In fact, I’m docking a star from my overall rating because of this issue. However, if you approach the book with a healthy balance of suspension of disbelief and critical thinking, it’s still possible to enjoy it without letting the inaccuracies ruin the fun.
Conclusion: Fun For Turning Your Brain Off
Despite its flaws, The Da Vinci Code remains an engaging read for fans of mystery, puzzles, and non-stop action. The constant twists and revelations make it hard to put down. Even if the factual liberties taken by the author may frustrate more historically inclined readers. If you haven’t yet read this iconic novel, it’s still worth picking up. Especially if you love a good plot twist.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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