Invited to speak in Washington D.C. by his friend, and mentor Peter Solomon, Harvard professor and symbologist Robert Langdon arrives at the U.S. Capitol Building only to discover that Solomon has been kidnapped and brutally tortured by a madman.
Now Langdon must race against time to find and decode the legendary Masonic Pyramid that leads to the mythical Wisdom of the Ancients. Aided by Solomon’s fellow masons, Langdon must avoid capture by a relentless CIA director as he and Peter’s sister Katherine seek to uncover the secret location of the Ancient Mysteries to save Peter’s life.
A Tale of Twists & Turns
The Lost Symbol may be one of the best selling novels to date for author Dan Brown. Like The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, this story is woven with facts and conjecture that run seamlessly together with all the twists, turns and surprises that are prevalent in his previous novels.
Filled with symbolism, historical background, allegory and even a mathematical puzzle or two, The Lost Symbol grabs the reader from its beginning pages and entices you to keep reading. Once again the central theme for this novel is science and religion only this time the two are not at odds with each other. Religion and science are seen as moving closer to a period where together they will usher in a modern age of enlightenment.
There are multiple references to the study of Noetic Science, Freemasonry, and mystical rituals within the story that takes the reader from the confines of a modern thriller and in some passages borders ever so slightly on the realm of science fiction and fantasy. The author however, masterfully brings them back to modern reality, while leaving some esoteric thoughts for the reader to contemplate. A second theme within the story is one of transformation, and both the protagonist (Robert Langdon) and antagonist (Mal’ak) experience it.
The Scholar and the Fanatic
The characters are well written, tangible and provide good support and dialogue to move the story along. The main character, Robert Langdon actually grows in this story as he is confronted with concepts that challenge some of his preconceived ideas and notions. By the end of the story, he is reflecting on those revelations and is surprised at the hope they inspire within him.
The antagonist is a frightening and convoluted sociopath, who has undergone a series of transitions throughout his adult life. A zealous disciple of arcane teachings, he transforms himself from a self-destructive hedonist to a megalomaniacal killer. Believing he is destruction personified, the villain manipulates events and people to complete his quest for immortality. Driven by revenge, mystical fanaticism and a lust for power, his weakness is his failure to comprehend between that which is literal and that which is figurative.
The Age of Illumination
The Lost Symbol continues to build on the premise of the struggle between light and darkness that is depicted in The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons. In this present day, the story speaks of the hope that mankind will rediscover their lost potential and pull themselves back from the brink of destruction.
The science in this story helps to enhance the plotline, but is not as central to it as it was in Angels & Demons. If anything it reinforces the idea of humanity one day transcending to a period of enlightenment. Dan Brown spins this tale with an apologetic observation of Freemasonry. Through his secondary characters, he portrays its members, past and present, as upright, forward thinking and noble in their intentions. While this might be a turnoff for some, others may find it interesting.
A lot of research obviously went into this book and it shows in the many historical and architectural references of the buildings and monuments throughout Washington D.C. Overall the story flows well, is believable and allows the readers to formulate their own opinions. Fans of Dan Brown are sure to enjoy it and give it high marks.
About Dan Brown
Dan Brown has authored five novels, including his breakthrough novel, The DaVinci Code. International bestsellers include Angels & Demons, Deception Point and Digital Fortress. His latest novel, The Lost Symbol will be the third novel with character Robert Langdon to be made into a movie.
Brown, Dan. The Lost Symbol, Doubleday, 2009. ISBN 978-0-385-50422-5
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