- Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol - Today Show
The Lost Symbol is the newest installment of the Robert Langdon adventures created by Dan Brown. This adventure is just as fast, fascination and thought-provoking as Brown’s previous novels. Although the novel focuses on the secret society of the freemasons, which may be an unknown society for many, it manages to keep the excitement and curiosity of the reader in line.
A Brief Plot Summary
The Lost Symbol follows Robert Langdon, the Harvard professor with a passion for ancient symbols, on his most dangerous adventure to date. He is lured into a hunt for a lost word, which turns out to be almost deadly. And while he continues to search for an answer with the determined and energetic Katherine, he soon discovers the secrecy behind this lost word and how it is no word at all.
While he fights against a determined soul, who is willing to use Langdon as a pawn to obtain his greedy needs, Langdon must decide what is more important – helping evil to obtain indescribable power or die a horrible death.
The Codes and Symbols
As with any Brown novel, there are hints and secret that readers pick up on that partially forms the novel to what it is. While the symbols presented in the novel are well researched by Brown, they are in no way common to any reader, who may pick up the book. While this fact may scare some people, Brown has a good way of incorporating vivid descriptions of symbols and their related meaning, without the novel turning into a history lesson.
The symbols and codes that make up this book have been embellished for the purpose of this novel, but there may be some truth to them. It is yet another controversial depiction of how something may be rather than a statement of truth of how something is.
Comparison to Other Langdon Adventures
In comparison to DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons, The Lost Symbol is a wilder ride in terms of the risks and dangers that Langdon take to find the truth. Despite it being a deadlier encounter for Langdon, the novel does not touch the controversial topics as its predecessors dare to do.
Furthermore, Langdon himself does not appear to learn much from his previous adventures. It seems that Langdon often make mistakes in terms of trusting the wrong people, being too friendly and his lack of judgment often lands him in dangerous situations. While other novels are not as dangerous, this novel takes him on a ride, which should teach him some life-long lessons.
Comparison to Other Brown Novels
Although The Lost Symbol is an entertaining read that will keep the pages flipping, it is not Brown’s best work. However, it seems that judging Brown’s work in terms of the best often depends on where the reader’s interest lies. For example, while DaVinci Code was not widely accepted by religious groups who found that challenging history was incomprehensible, believers of religion may find this book somewhat satisfying.
Similarly, those who are strong believers of science may find Brown’s earlier work, such as Deception Point and Digital Fortress more exciting. While these do not follow the adventures of Robert Langdon, they do continue to discuss Brown’s fascination concerning the supposed links between historical beliefs, religion and science.
Malene Soegaard - Malene spends her life analyzing fashion and movies. She operates two print magazines and is a published author.
