The Lost Symbol

I managed to squeeze in reading/listening to Dan Brown’s latest novel The Lost Symbol in spite of my chaotic schedule last week.

Upon completion, I am still undecided if I like it or not.

If one is a true blue (no Masonic pun intended) Dan Brown fan – you will love it. It has all the ingredients of a Brown novel. Villain so predictable (clothed or unclothed); a shocking twist towards the end; female Langdon side kick/interest(?) and information overload (some fiction, some researched).

If you are not a Brown convert yet, you may find this boring at times, specially when Brown begins recalling past events; or bombard readers with “historical” information. It touched on Freemasonry all right – but not as controversially as the pro-Masons and the anti-Masons anticipated it to be.

The book reminds you of Indiana Jones – clues, chases, adventures, and sometimes even speaking lines. Add a little Star Wars, and sprinkle with "must-be-done" in 12 hours constraint and it becomes an entertaining read.

I felt as though Brown wrote the book as a movie, and as with most authors his writing has become formulaic. I wish his next book will be in a totally different style.

One good thing however – it made me want to visit Washington D.C. so much. Not the typical tourist type of visit. I want to savor Washington, experience and feel its beauty. Maybe uncover some of its secrets even.

As for the book - read it for yourself and decide.