AUTHOR: DAN BROWN
YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2009
PUBLISHER: DOUBLE DAY, TRANSWORLD
REVIEWER: PATRICK OKEBIE JR
Following his critically acclaimed novel, The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown is setting the status quo for fictional novels that not only fascinate the readers’ imagination, but also makes the reader speculate about the intricacies of the hidden and esoteric involvement of the Vatican church, masons, secret symbols, and secret knowledge that only those in position of power may acquire. Brown’s novels are noticeably inspired by the Indiana Jones legacy archetype by trying to emulate a thrilling adventure through secret tunnels and his fascination with mythology, pyramids, Holy Grails, treasure maps, secret codes, and spine-chilling near death scenarios.
Dan Brown’s, The Lost Symbol, is his attempt to shed light on the well-known Masonic lodges in America, and how their influence and secret knowledge of ancient mysteries shaped the nation’s capitol and western civilization ever since George Washington laid the cornerstone in a Masonic ceremony wearing full Masonic regalia.
Robert Langdon, a professor of symbology at Harvard University and the leading character of the novel is on a mission to save his friend and mentor, Peter Solomon, after being captured by a crazed lunatic who infiltrates the Masonic organization. The story takes Langdon through a series of events which leads him to a never-ending trail of hidden portals and passageway that needs his expertise in ancient symbols and codes in order to rescue his mentor and all of human kind. The antagonist, known simply as Mal’akh, is looking to find the source of infinite power of which he believes the historic Masons have access to.
For anyone who read “The Da Vinci Code” and is interested in adventure novels filled with twists and surprises, with an endless array of conspiracy theories, Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol” is a must-read.
For the open-minded reader, “The Lost Symbol” may pose some interesting questions that may warrant further research. The book is a thriller that will keep eyes glued to each page as each chapter is filled with surprises that never fail to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Editor’s Picks: Good reads for everyone
- Excuse Me! by Victor Ehikhamenor: Enjoy the wit and humour of these satirical short-essays.
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: This international bestseller is a must read for anyone who wants to understand power and how to use it.
