a.r,
Regarding A&D, I have to agree with all what you have said. :)
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a.r,
Regarding A&D, I have to agree with all what you have said. :)
This thread has certainly influenced me to buy DVC - bought it when I was on a holiday and my friend happens to be a die-hard fan of Dan Brown, too!
Just finished reading Deception Point and feel the same as Roshan. Not enough punch in the end. It was like a boxing match where in the last round both the fighters were tired. This sadly is the case with all Dan Brown Novels (haven't read digital fortress). Even the Da Vinci Code, I found to be an anticlimax after a lot of blood shedding. He has to work on the climax of his novels a lot better.
Read A&D aswelas DVC. sure they are gripping books from start till end. But for a person like me who was introduced to postmodern literature some 7 years back and have read most of latin american writers short stories and novels i could only conclude that DAN has borrowed most of the ideas from these people and churned out a mystery which has taken the world.
Well DVC resembled mostly the novel 'Foucaults Pendulum' by 'Umberto Eco' [ the writer whose book 'The Name of the Rose' is still adored by many in literary cirlces] with all that 'Holy Grail' - 'Templars'- Rosicrucians' interwoven to suit for a easy to digestable form, DVC has succedeed in place of 'Foucault's.
links for Umberto's works
http://www.themodernword.com/eco/eco_biography.html
http://www.levity.com/corduroy/eco.htm
And Dan brown never seems to wake up from his 'Christian' authority. His climaxes asks us to sit simply learning all the facts, while the truth will be buried deep underground. he has to come out of his "Christian' Psyche and give us a better novel next time.
Though "Deception Point" had nothing to do with Christianity or any other religion I have to agree with rajasaranam that the story was almost something like learning the facts and buring the truths.Quote:
Originally Posted by rajasaranam
Roshan and Badri,
American dream for NRIs in US includes:
Sending their child'children to Harvard, Yale,MIT,Stanford or any other leading university and go for medicine.
Owning a BMW,Jaguar or Mercedes Benz :)
Rajraj......neenge wrong-aane thread-le bathil koduthiirukkeenge!!
PP'kum MISC'kum angeyum ingeyum paarthu paarthu, confused-a ayitteengelaa??
NM,
Sorry about that! It is another thread!
Friends,
Approach or Brown, is certainly has lead many Christians to check the Bible. But New Testament Gospels Authors themselves are not really aware of WHO Jesus was.
Matthew says- Mary was wife of Bethlehem Lived Jacob's Son Joseph, and this Joseph was 40th Generation from Abraham. As per LUKE- MARY was Wife of NAzareth Lived Heli's Son JOSEPH, and this JOseph was 56th Generation from Abraham.
Now when Gospel Authors have cooked up Jesus's PARENTS list, Brown assumes Jesus as Royal blood of David and Mary MAGdalene on other royal.
As a Novel was INTeresting- when Gospels are not Historic- then how BROWN can be taken.
MosesMohammedSolomon
Solomon, what are you trying say? If you want to discuss the novel, then we can discuss the literary merits of his work, as well as his perspective as an author.
If you want to discuss anything else, neither this thread nor even the Hub is a right place to do so! The Hub rules clearly state that there is no place for any religion oriented discussion here, especially ones that can very well lend themselves to controversy, as your post suggests.
Badri - I beg to differ, Pa!! The fact that the book was written enough to taunt the Catholic Church into response, shows there's more to it than meets the eye.
Beyond the intrigues of the plot itself, I would suggest you cut some slack here, if one is able to substantiate the contents of the book, by holding it up to scrutiny, against what the Bible doth sayeth!
As long as nobody goes overboard, why don't we have a cool, calm, detached manner of discussion on the subject?????? :o
Dan Brown's simple: He takes a holy cow -- NASA , Catholic church --- and do something to scandalize them, it ensurs a lot of controversy, reader interest etc by whipping up conspiracy theories.Quote:
Originally Posted by nirosha sen
As long as it is interesting timepass, who cares?
Friends,
I FULLY agree, with you that Dale Brown uses popular institutions such as RC Vatican Church, NSA, etc.,
But all 4 has very good research and well writen.
But Davinci Code, is the most popular- mainly because it uses the most controversial fig. whose History is not available- Jesus from Galilee.
Friends- When non-Christians see it as Novel, but Church intially took it as a enemy, later took the mistakes Brown made and made it to its positive use.
I feel his latests- Deception Point and Digital Fortress are more better.
Solomon
Solomon: The author's name is Dan Brown, not Dale Brown, unless unknown to everyone, he changed his name!!!
And all his hero/heroines are claustrophobic; In, Deception Point the heroine is caught in submarine underwater and how does she escape, by kicking with her legs and breaking the doors.
The same scene occurs in A&D, where Robert Langdon is trapped in the library and he escapes by kicking his legs.
But I liked the divine feminine concept, that old religions had worshipped the feminine, and church had made in into a patriachal thing. :idea:
Friends,
I Am sorry for wrong spelling.
Every Novel is with Good Surprises, but as abbydoss showed, His Hero survives impossible, but that's Theatric techinic.
But Brown is SO POPULAR For Writing DAVINCI CODE with Jesus as Back Ground- but Church has been Exposing its weakness.
Solomon
Actually, there is another author called "Dale Brown" :wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by sbadri99
I know!! :wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by abbydoss1969
Which is why I wanted to stress the name!! :wink:
I've read Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons...I'm reading Digital Fortress...
They are all interesting and easy read...controversial as well...
Angels & Demons was more interesting for me...
I'm looking forward to watching Da Vinci Code movie with Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon...will be interesting...
:)
I liked digital fortress but the other novels, well, I dont know. May be I am not a Dan Brown fan for some "unknown reason"!
Well, he talks science. It is difficult to take it as a time-pass novel, when you talk science extensively! Well...Sorry to disappoint you guys with a -ve remark! :notworthy:Quote:
Originally Posted by doss
Then you want to take Dan Brown seriously, what?Quote:
Originally Posted by stranger
In English , every author has to have a unique brand name, otherwise they cannot make a name for themselves:Like when your hear Arthur Hailey, you know his stories are going to be about hotels and airports etc.
Robert Ludlum; about international spy / conspiracy thrillers.
Thomas Harris: about serial killers etc
And when you think of DB, you think of religious conspiracies with medieval art with a cliched thriller plot,
Thats all there is to DB.
AndQuote:
Originally Posted by abbydoss1969
* mass # of uranium isotopes
* function of Luciferin in insects
* electron microscope analysis of meteorite
* nickel and zirconium composition of meteorites
* fossils and c-dating
Critical and careful analysis of such ALSO fall in the category of *religious conspiracies with medivel art* too?! :roll:
Stranger,Quote:
Originally Posted by stranger
Thanks for the comments. My next read is going to be "Digitat Fortress" . I have read his other three and I liked DVC and A&D for the enomours volume of information about religion and art. Deception Point did not impress me mcuh. It was like an action movie. Overall DVC remains my most favourite so far. Let me see how DF goes.
You see, DB, has been perfecting his storytelling from the first novel from, Deception point, to Digital Fortresss to A*D to Davinci code.You can see the gradual amaterish attempt of the first novel to reaching his best form with Davinci code.Quote:
Originally Posted by stranger
As to your meteorite analysis, it all falls under the category the conspiracy theory of NASA, :wink:
yeah, u r correct, doss! :)
well,Quote:
Originally Posted by abbydoss1969
1. Digital Fortress (1998)
2. Angels and Demon (2000)
3. Deception Point (2001)
4. The Da Vinci Code (2003)
That is the correct order, I believe. Is he perfecting from 1 to 4?
May be! :)
But he made me wonder What is the *anti-matter* with this English teacher, when he was talking about matter + antimatter => Two Photons :wink:
Of course this is fictious science where water can be written as H2O2 and not H2O :).
He can also insist his thoughts through his characters such as "bimbos" like Vittoria Vetra that
* Science tells me God must exist
* My mind tells me I cant understand God
* My heart tells me I am not meant to
and
* I never bought the idea of science-as-god lecture
* Science created half of the problems it is trying to solve
* progress is taking mother-earth to malignancy
and any BS he wants to tell in the NAME of FICTION.
I cant argue about it. can I? Because it is fiction .
However, it is *hard to buy his goddish scientific bs and carry on with it* at least for some people. :roll:
Stranger,Quote:
Originally Posted by stranger
I think your order is wrong ; my order of books is right.
I have taken the following from his web site;
Quote:
Dan is a graduate of Amherst College and Phillips Exeter Academy, where he spent time as an English teacher before turning his efforts fully to writing. In 1996, his interest in code-breaking and covert government agencies led him to write his first novel, Digital Fortress, which quickly became a #1 national bestselling eBook. Set within the clandestine National Security Agency, the novel explores the fine line between civilian privacy and national security. Brown’s follow-up techno-thriller, Deception Point, centered on similar issues of morality in politics, national security, and classified technology.
The son of a Presidential Award winning math professor and of a professional sacred musician, Dan grew up surrounded by the paradoxical philosophies of science and religion. These complementary perspectives served as inspiration for his acclaimed novel Angels & Demons—a science vs. religion thriller set within a Swiss physics lab and Vatican City. Recently, he has begun work on a series of symbology thrillers featuring his popular protagonist Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor of iconography and religious art. The upcoming series will include books set in Paris, London, and Washington D.C.
DB, is working on a sequel to DAvinci code, is it a good thing or bad?
From author FAQ in his web site;Quote:
Note: Answers to frequently asked questions about "The Da Vinci Code" can be found by clicking here.
What are your 10 favorite books —and why?
Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck) —Simple, suspenseful, and poignant. Better yet, the first paragraph of every chapter is a master class in writing effective description.
Gödel, Escher, Bach (Douglas Hofstadter) —The 3% I actually understood was fascinating.
Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer) —I was amazed how well Archer handled the long time spans without ever losing the narrative pulse. The ultimate novel of sibling rivalry.
Plum Island (Nelson DeMille) —He remains the master of substance, wry humor, and controlled point of view.
The Bourne Identity Series (Ludlum) —Ludlum's early books are complex, smart, and yet still move at a lightning pace. This series got me interested in the genre of big-concept, international thrillers.
Much Ado About Nothing (William Shakespeare) —I didn't understand how funny this play truly was until I became an English teacher and had to teach it. There is no wittier dialogue anywhere.
Wordplay: Ambigrams and Reflections on the Art of Ambigrams (John Langdon) —Artist and philosopher John Langdon is one of our true geniuses. His book changed the way I think about symmetry, symbols, and art.
Codes Ciphers & Other Cryptic & Clandestine Communication (Fred Wrixon) —A phenomenal encyclopedia of the art, science, history, and philosophy of cryptology.
The Puzzle Palace (James Bamford) —Although dated, this book is still one of the most captivating inside looks at the covert world of America's premier intelligence agency.
The Elements of Style (Strunk and White) —Because who can possibly remember all the rules of grammar and punctuation?
Favorite films?
My all-time favorites would have to be Fantasia, Life is Beautiful, Annie Hall, and Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet. Of course, if you're looking for pure popcorn entertainment, you can't beat Indiana Jones or the Pink Panther series.
Favorite music?
I've recently become hooked on the Spanish singer Franco de Vita. I also listen to The Gipsy Kings, Sarah Mclachlan, and Deva Premal.
If you had a book club, what would it be reading — and why?
The Golden Ratio: The Story Of Phi, The World's Most Astonishing Number (Mario Livio) — Admittedly, to imply that a book club could get excited talking about a "number" probably sounds far-fetched, but this book ties together themes of art history, nature, mathematics, philosophy, and religion in an accessible and eye-opening way. Sure to spark great discussions.
What are your favorite books to give — and get — as gifts?
This will sound nerdish, but the all-time best "gift book" has to be a leather-bound copy of the Oxford English Dictionary. How can you go wrong? Of course, don't forget a magnifying glass to go with it.
Who are your favorite writers, and what makes their writing special?
John Steinbeck for his descriptions…Robert Ludlum for his plotting…and Shakespeare for his wordplay.
What are you working on now?
Currently I'm writing another Robert Langdon thriller-the sequel to The Da Vinci Code. For the first time, Langdon will find himself embroiled in a mystery on U.S. soil. This new novel explores the hidden history of our nation's capital.
How Do you weave so much information into your stories and yet keep them so fast-paced?
Writing an informative yet compact thriller is a lot like making maple sugar candy. You have to tap hundreds of trees…boil vats and vats of raw sap…evaporate the water…and keep boiling until you've distilled a tiny nugget that encapsulates the essence. Of course, this requires liberal use of the DELETE key. In many ways, editing yourself is the most important part of being a novelist…carving away superfluous text until your story stands crystal clear before your reader. For every page in a published novel, I wrote ten that ended up in the trash.
Give us three "Good to Know" facts about you. Be creative. Tell us about your first job, the inspiration for your writing, any fun details that would enliven your page.
If I'm not at my desk by 4:00 A.M., I feel like I'm missing my most productive hours. In addition to starting early, I keep an antique hour glass on my desk and every hour break briefly to do pushups, sit-ups, and some quick stretches. I find this helps keep the blood (and ideas) flowing. I'm also a big fan of gravity boots. Hanging upside down seems to help me solve plot challenges by shifting my entire perspective.
When is your next novel coming out?
Because my novels are so research-intensive, they take a couple of years to write. My next novel will be another Robert Langdon adventure (picking up, in fact, where The Da Vinci Code left off). Currently, there is no release date scheduled because the book is not yet near completion.
What else do you want your readers to know? Consider here your likes and dislikes, your interests and hobbies, your favorite ways to unwind — whatever comes to mind.
I've recently become fanatical about tennis (and play every afternoon when I finish writing). If anyone out here has any tips on hitting a consistent top-spin backhand, please fax them to Doubleday.
I dont know, doss, I checked the copies of original books (all the four books) and found that "copy right" of years were given as I stated in my post. I just simply have given that here. My "order" is based on the "copy rights" in the hard-cover books he published and not based on any web sites.
I really care less about it, anyway. :) I apologize if I was wrong in giving the order! :)
I am done with "Digital Fortress". The story did not impress me that much though again he had dealt with some kind of controversial and interesting issue like Civilian privacy Vs National Security. There was hardly any twists or turns and right from the beginning any one can guess as to who the antagonist is. It was highly disappointing to learn that such a long search for the "ring" resulted in nothing at the end. Unlike in his other three stories none of the characters created an impact.
The only un expected and touching thing was the "Epilogue".
Now, having read all four of Dan, this is my rating;
1. The Da Vince Code
2. Angels and Demons
3. Deception Point
4. Digital Fortress
Hi Roshan,
I'd say you've done an accurate rating. I agree with it myself.
Digital Fortress was his first novel, and perhaps that is why it is not as gripping and riveting as the rest. It is nice to note how he has grown as an author though!
I found Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons have some similarities. I loved deception point and found Digitial fortress a good read even though I kind of expected the ending it had.
da vinci code had a very bland ending. but heard all his ridiculous theories were rejected forthright by experts in art and religious studies. is it true?
yeah...i noticed Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons had some similarities...I like A&D better though I loved reading the art description and works of Da Vinci in the novel...very interesting to me...Quote:
Originally Posted by ssanjinika
I'm reading Digital Fortress...next is Deception Point...
most of the experts in art and religious studies have rejected these theories...there are some odd ones who will accept...even in Paris, where the movie for this book is being shot, there are some controveries within the churches...Quote:
Originally Posted by j.chenkalvarayan
but in the end, I think it's upto the readers to take a view based on their values and beliefs...for me, it's an interesting art novel...i admire Da Vinci paintings...he's an intelligent, riveting artist...
Of course, one should be careful when you are reading a Dan Brown's fiction. One should always remember Science or religion or arts discussed in these books carry little values and the reality is way off. Sadly, one will be misguided if he/she tries to learn too much of anything but English from these fictions! 8-)Quote:
most of the experts in art and religious studies have rejected these theories
A remark to da vinci code!
The Grand father is 67 years old Sophie is 32. Did anyone of you realize this?
Always in the first chapter of all the 4 novels, one person is killed. I think that is Dan Brown's style of writing.
My curiosity kindled by all the ravings about DB I decided to give a trial to reading him. As my first choice have just started reading "The Da Vinci Code". It IS gripping! And packed with interesting information!
Well, finished reading it! Quite a novel experience! A whole novel within a short period covering centuries & centuries of beliefs and practices! A different theme dealing with different periods & continuing & changing trends inleadership eras etc just like the ancient cultures of the world expounded in the novel. the religious lives of people. Stirs thoughts about our own land's rich religions & the interwoven symbols which we never seem to give deep consideration about! Including even the gold trinkets we adorn around the loin of our babies, distinctly different ones for the boy child & girl child! Our cultures abound with symbols of Nature, human anatomy, matriarchal leadership eras expounded in the novel.