So I've finally started the Da Vinci code (possible spoilers)

[ssampier]

I haven't read it. I did watch the History channel special. When I learned it was pseudo-history wrapped in fluff, I had little interest to read it. I am a junkie of all things crusader or Templar, however. I would love to read a captivating story about the Templar knights.

My first thiought upon reading the title of the thread was "I'm sorry." While the ideas were fun (though much better explored in fiction by Umberto Eco in Foucault's Pendulum), I couldn't stand Dan Brown's writing, the super-simplistic characterization, and the endless, ham-handed deus ex machina events. I was very disappointed.

Foucault Pendulum sounds interesting. I'm not normally a fan of sci-fi (the Foundation novels were decent, however), would I potentially like them?

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

Foucault Pendulum sounds interesting. I'm not normally a fan of sci-fi (the Foundation novels were decent, however), would I potentially like them?

Foucault's Pendulum isn't a sci-fi book, but it is a very idea-intensive, dense book, written by the author of The Name of the Rose. It is set in the present, and deals with lots of occult mysteries. It's a story that could happen in the same world as The DaVinci Code, if you will. Another book in a similar vein is The Club Dumas. All three books revolve around the occult, and involve smart, non-action hero type people involved in investigative pursuits with a dash of thrills.

 

[Fast Learner]

Like KC said, no sci-fi in Eco's book. As someone who digs the Templar stuff and such, I'm sure you'd dig it. And Eco is just an amazing writer. Just stunning.

 

[ssampier]

Added to Wish List, thanks guys.

 

[MonsterMash]

Spoiler warning - some observations

I've now got near the end of the book








SPOILER ALERT



The action set in London seems to lack versimilitude, making me wonder if Dan Brown has been here.



Hurdling a turnstile at an underground station - the ticket barriers are way too high for this

The Palace of Westminster is barely visible from St James' park not adjacent to it.

King's College London is not next to Parliament, mostly being located around Aldwych and the Strand, not on Whitehall or Millbank.

Westminster Abbey charges for admission - how did they pay to get in? (okay Credit Card is possible).

The London police - its either the City (of London) Police or Metropolitan Police Service, Temple is still within the City, but Westminster is Met Police territory.

 

[johnsemlak]

It's not literature, it's religous conspiracy theories made into a easy-to-digest pop culture bedside table read meant to keep you up late and want to read the next chapter.

Just finished it and I'd agree with that review %100 percent.

John