The Lost Symbol

2009-9-21 04:35:00

I've just finished reading, or should I say, listening to, Dan Brown's latest book, "The Lost Symbol." I believe he is an important author to follow since he caused so much controversy with "The DaVinci Code" by stepping on sacred cows.

The response to this book so far is interesting. As of this writing there have been 246 reviews on Amazon. Only 46 are 5 stars, 37 - 4 stars, 37 - 3 stars, 64 - 2 stars and 62 give one star.

In other words, over 50% more readers give it one or two stars than give it four or five. Sounds like Dan has a dud on his hands, doesn't it?

I don't think so. Believe me it will be a big seller for a while yet and I'm sure they'll make another movie of it.

Here's a brief synopsis from Amazon of how the story begins:

"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."

(End Quote)

One of the reasons the book received so many low ratings was that some of Brown's writings are bound to offend a lot of people. The main thing that will stick in the craws of many is that he suggests that the Founding Fathers believed their destiny was to become Gods and he often quotes the scripture "Ye are Gods."

He also points out that the God of the Bible is plural and represents many, and the Book of Revelation is really "The Unveiling" and not a literal prophecy. Where have the Keys members heard this?

Then he makes the startling observation that in the eye of the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol is a painting called "The Apotheosis of Washington." This painting depicts Washington's ascension to heaven similar to that of Jesus.

Most of the rest of the book centers around a quest to find the Lost Word of Power which can give man the power of the gods. They must prevent this word from falling into evil hands.

Overall I would say this book is of equal quality with "the DaVinci Code." My favorite for pure entertainment is still "Angels and Demons." I'm speaking of the book, which was better than the movie.

I think Dan Brown gives more teachings and history than he did in his other books. It kind of reminded me more of my approach to writing "The Immortal" than his other books did. For those who are only interested in a good story the history lessons may have seemed to be a distraction.

Not for me.

The information I gleaned from the book was the most valuable part to me. Not only does he supply a lot of hood history and Masonic information but he gives a lot of details of landmarks in Washington DC. A lot of what he writes of could not have been obtained from just reading books, but I would guess that Brown spent a lot of time visiting, in person, a lot of sites in Washington DC and asked a lot of questions.

Overall, I would give the book four stars, but the controversy it will cause is worth five stars.

"To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books."

From "The Lost Symbol," by Dan Brown

Word Of The Day:

Circumpunct -- A circle with point in the center.
(An important word in Brown's book).