I'm deep into Dan Brown's new thriller, Lost Symbol. Of course I am - it's centered around Washington DC and the Masons. I didn't know a thing about the Masons when I moved here, but have studied them extensively ever since. Oh the stories I could tell - and have told, actually. I've written a ton of posts about my Masonic magic days in DC.
Lost Symbol, like The DaVinci Code, is a hoot, an easy read, a fabulous distraction from the habit of worry, a perfect thing to delve into on a windy, overcast Saturday.
Speaking as a student of the Masons, a lover of American history and a longtime resident of the District, if you pick up this book, please don't believe everything you read, OK? Though he says repeatedly that all his history is correct, Mr. Brown lets you know right off the bat, at the very beginning of the book, that he's writing about a fictional DC. The location of his novel is as made up as his characters.
On page 13, as Robert Langdon crosses Memorial Bridge:
"Langdon gazed, left, across the Tidal Basin, towards the gracefully rounded silhouette of the Jefferson Memorial -- America's Pantheon, as many called it. Directly in front of the car, the Lindoln Memorial rose with rigid austerity, its orthogonal lines reminiscent of Athens's ancient Parthenon."
Looking to the left from Memorial Bridge, headed towards the Lincoln, you would see Key Bridge and Georgetown, and parts of Rosslyn across the river. The Tidal Basin, and the Jefferson Memorial would be to the right. Anyone who has been in DC would realize it right away. Dan Brown left a clue in his book of clues about the "truth" of his novel.
He must have so much fun writing his books, sprinkling in some truths and some fabrications, and a lot of clues, too. It's a perfect read for today, definitely! Happy Saturday, y'all.
18 comments:
I think that will be my next read. I need something fun, but not as light as the one I'm reading. I agree, a good book can take your mind off so many things. Happy Saturday!
So, spill the beans. Where can I get the info about the Masons. It must be a hoot for you to follow the clues, traverse the city in search of real or imaginary places. As Nancy said above, it should be a fun read.
I just finished reading it an hour ago. Definitely his best novel and a great escape.
The last couple of chapters get very philosophical. I think I may have to go back and reread them.
I'll have to check it out! I've read The DaVinci Code & one other one about some code breaking machine - can't remember the name... Right now I've been flying through (pun intended) James Patterson's series of books about children with wings. It's intended for teenagers & is almost exactly the speed I can handle right now...
No wonder your energy was quiet being so immersed into the distraction of reading. Books are excellent escape locations for people whether worriers or not. Happy reading.
Happy Saturday Reya! I've read all of his books, and that's the next one on my shopping list! They really are a lot of fun to read! My fave was Deception Point!
This is the third blog I have read just today about this book.
Looking forward to reading it myself.
i don't know my left from my right, hence i believe anything i'm told...
i've read a couple of his books, but the endings are a little iffy...you'll have to tell us if this one ends with a bang or another fizzle.
hi reya - my home is littered with little stacks of books waiting to be worlds for however long their covers are opened and read by me. it's such a rich, luxurious and enveloping thing to immerse yourself in a book isn't it?! i really enjoyed dan brown's other books - in much the same way as i do any book or fun relationship. we both agree to suspend our belief for this moment to experience the fullness of the magic contained inside!!! thanks for this scrumptious saturday post reya!!! steven
Did you garbage can my comment or did it vanish on its own.
Love you but am not convinced by D.Brown
though I did devour DA V C between Kennedy and Heathrow.
He does page turning very well.
Facts less so...........!
Elizabeth NO I did not delete a comment from you. Somehow it never appeared.
It's interesting how Dan Brown's books flow through, like a tidal current. When i was reading The DaVinci Code - on an airplane of course - three other people were also reading it at the same time.
It's NOT a great book - love the topic, though, since I've read so much about it, done actual rituals at some of the Masonic structures in DC. Fun!
I love it when a story just pulls me right in, immersing me in its intricacies. I read an Alice Hoffman book a year ago that I so loved, when I finished it, I picked it up and seriously read it again, for the pleasure, and to gain a little more from the second read.
When I read the except you posted, I was struck by the Jefferson Memorial error immediately, too.
What has struck me about Brown's previous works is that he is a master of the big picture, the macro story, but tries too hard on the execution on the story.
Much of his narrative is ridiculously implausible. If you suspend disbelief, his stories are very entertaining.
Barnes and Noble had a big table devoted to books about Freemasonry, Washington's Masonic roots and the founding fathers, along with a lot of novels with secret society and symbolic themes, tonight. I thought of you!
Heading to the public library Monday, and "Angels and Demons" is on my list of books to look for.
I loved the DaVinci Code. It's just my kind of fun. I spend about half of the time at my shows explaining Buddhist and Hindu symbols to my customers.
Missed you in DC, but I do hope you will go to the Marrakesh with a group of friends. It's fantastic!
Thanks for the recommendation. I have not even read 'The Da Vinci Code' for starters. And as for the fun. He's probably taking the mickey out of all these pesky critics who keep labelling him the disgrace of literature.
Many thanks.
Greetings from London.
Fab photos - they just pop out of the monitor! My Saga continues, if you are interested. They have caught some of the perps involved in scams!
Hmm.. I need to buy a copy. Saw it in the airport bookstore a few weeks back... was very tempted to buy, but wanted to wait till I get a review.
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