Book Review: The Lost Symbol – Dan Brown

This is a book review of The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown.

The Da Vinci Code was a massive best selling book and the movie did well. I’ve read all Dan Brown books since and ‘The Lost Symbol’  is his latest Robert Langdon adventure.

There is no doubt Dan Brown can create fast paced easy to follow literature for the masses. Though by now you could be thinking Robert Langdon’s just too lucky, one man can’t survive all these near death situations? To the extent for me it has become an issue and during reading this book there is a moment when the author has obviously given this thought.

I can’t say I enjoyed this book as much as the preceding. It had all the ingredients that make up a Dan Brown novel. Action, locations, intelligence and a way of reinterpreting famous literature, writing, buildings etc. I am a huge fan of the Robert Langdon series, but think this is my last outing. I’ve grown tired of the character and this is a okay novel, so perhaps good to finish on a reasonably high note.

The story takes place in Washington DC and if it wasn’t a Robert Langdon adventure, could easily be converted to a National Treasure movie! It feels that similar. The book focuses on a story evolving around the Freemasons, religion, hidden ancient secrets (naturally) and various revelations.

So what is the main plot? Standard fare I’m afraid. You have an evil dude who wants something, he then goes around hurting others and in this case manipulating Robert to solve mysterious. It is what it is. In this case a secret the Masons are protecting, one of whom is a friend of Robert’s and is kidnapped, his life is at risk unless Robert doesn’t comply.

Though to be honest it read as one big tourist advert for Washington DC. That creates another issue, that due to the very nature of the main plot why was it so Washington DC based? Dan did an okay job explaining the why, but it just didn’t seem to gel with a storyline that goes back hundreds of years to all find focus in one location for the reasons he explains. Anyhow it was great to read about the various locations in Washington DC. To the extent I’m quite interested in holidaying there now! To learn more about the sights and locations of the American capital.

So if you love the Dan Brown books, this book is for you. If your new to the Dan Brown series I recommend the Da Vinci code as the starting point and working your way through the series to this installment.

A good book, well written story, great location, but just how lucky can one man be? It is fiction after all. I am more interested in researching American history and visiting Washington DC after reading this. However for Robert Langdon I say goodbye.