Dan Brown's newest novel is entitled "The Lost Symbol" (ISBN: 9780385504225, Doubleday, New York, 2009) and focuses on the mysteries of the American free masons. The story is a whirlwind of locations and events in and around Washington, D.C. The new Dan Brown features Brown's favorite hero, Robert Langdon and introduces a new female counter to Langdon's lead.
The Solomon Key, The Lost Symbol and The Da Vinci Code
The original working title of Dan Brown's book was "The Solomon Key," which referred to the inciting incident in the story; the kidnapping and maiming of one of Robert Langdon's oldest friends; Peter Solomon. I expect this title was changed as "The Solomon Key" sounds eerily like "The Da Vinci Code'" and considering the similarities between the titles, Dan Brown was wise to rename his new book.
It's no exaggeration to say that the same engine that powered "The Da Vinci Code" powers "The Lost Symbol." In both cases, we have a fragment of information left by a character either killed or removed from the story. Throughout the next few hundred pages, Robert Langdon explores the author Dan Brown's world, slowly unveiling the mystery through interactions with various characters who just so happen to hold the information that relates directly to the plot.
Dan Brown's Fictional World
Brown claims that his work is based in reality, but any reader will likely have a hard time believing that each of the amazing revelations contained in "The Lost Symbol" are anything but fiction. Ancient buildings and secret societies are the norm in the works of Dan Brown. However, not since "Angels and Demons" has the unveiling of these mysteries been fun to read about.
Instead, Dan Brown now frustrates the reader by making the major opposition to these secrets his main character. This instills a sense of unease in the audience, as the character they look to to navigate the confusing world of "The Lost Symbol" ends up being just as skeptical as the strongest critic. An audience should sympathize and root for the main character rather than begin to agree with that character's doubts about the validity of the mysteries in the story!
The Lost Symbol Movie
As with "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons" a film version of "The Lost Symbol" is almost a certainty. With a focus upon the United States, Dan Brown has crafted a story that will easily translate onto the big screen as well as go over well with audiences.
The book is no where near as entertaining as "The Da Vinci Code" and no where near as interesting as "Angels and Demons." One might wonder if the author, Dan Brown, has run out of ideas, or was simply meeting a deadline to release a follow-up to his hugely successful previous novel. The public will never know!
Source
Brown, Dan. The Lost Symbol, Doubleday, New York. 2009.
 |
