Dec 23, 2005 04:54 PM
1382 Views
(Updated Dec 23, 2005 11:32 PM)
I know, I know, as much as 103 reviews have already been written on this book and yet I felt the impulse of writing one more......
I am not an avid reader - long novels/stories normally put me off. Though I am 23 - I still prefer comic books which have pictures to complement the text.
And yet... this book was so captivating that I was able to complete it in one week flat. (Books this size normally take me months to complete - if they do get completed at all).
Anyway, the reason I liked the book so much is because it combines historical facts with fictional characters.... and most importantly.... it contains many juicy controversies and brings out the evil of organized religion.
I know, most of you know about the plot but I will mention it anyway otherwise I will not get a ''Very Useful'' rating on my review. ;)
Characters
Robert Langdon: Harvard university prof who is an expert in ancient and medieval symbology.
Jacques Sauniere: Curator of Louvre Museum in Paris. Also grand master of the secret society of the Priory of Sion.
Sophie Neveu: Cryptographer with the London police. Also the grand daughter of the grand master - Jacques Sauniere.
Silas: Fanatic Albino monk who is in service of the conservative church Opus Dei
Bishop Aringarosa: Conservative bishop of the Opus Dei
Teacher: The person who plots the murder of many people who might reveal secrets which would show the Christian churches in bad light
Bezu Fache: ultra-agressive French police inspector
Sir Leigh Teabing: Renowned British Historian
Remy: Faithful butler of Sir Teabing
Plot
The teacher sends Silas to kill members of the Priory of Sion and get information about the location of the keystone which will ultimately lead him to the Holy Grail which is supposed to contain evidence of the atrocities the church performed on women and on believers of the pagan religion and also evidence about the fact that Jesus Christ was a married man.
Jacques Sauniere - the Grand Master (main guy) of the Priory of Sion leaves a series of cryptic clues which Sophie, Langdon and to an extent Sir Teabing are able to crack to lead them to the Holy Grail.
End of plot
The book is very well written - the solution of one mystery leads to another mystery and every mystery has a story and symbolism of its own. The only reason I gave this book a 4-star rating instead of 5 because the suspense towards the end with regard to a particular person is quite unpalatable. Also, it seems like the writer got tired and hurried up the final stages of the book when the main characters - Langdon and Sophie finally solve the mystery.
The reason I like this book so much is because it points out that in the earlier period - before 300 AD, both Gods and Godesses were worshipped and women were considered holy instead of inferior. Also, it points out how different civilizations erase the history of previous civilizations and rewrite history books to mislead people - something everyone should be aware of.
It also talks about how sex was ritualistic and considered as a holy union of man and woman instead of a sinful act which most of the organized religions now claim it to be. Even our ancient Vedic practices portray sex as a powerful and divine practice.
Also, a lot of loose ends are created during the course of the book but all of them are neatly tied up towards the end.
So, if you are interested in ancient and medieval civilizations and practices but are not much of a novel reader - still read this book - the revelations are startling and the cryptic hints will keep you interested.
