Origin

Origin  by Dan Brown   456 pages

Robert Langdon returns in another highly-charged escapade that follows what-has-become a customary script: The professor, thrown into a harrowing situation that requires intimate knowledge of codes, is partnered with a beautiful woman with troubles of her own, both of whom dash about a foreign city, running from the law in spite of being the good guys, and solving the science-versus-technology dilemma within the prescribed 24 hours. To say nothing of the Mickey Mouse watch. The plots may be predictable, and people poo-poo Brown’s writing style, but I enjoy his books.

The quest to find the answers to the two fundamental questions of human existence originates in Bilboa, Spain, and ends in Barcelona. This publisher’s synopsis…

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade a tormented enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace itself... and who will stop at nothing to silence Edmond Kirsch. On a trail marked by modern art and enigmatic symbols, Langdon and Vidal uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery... and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.

… is more dramatic than the actual story. This book was different than the other Langdon stories in that there wasn’t the extensive background history or theoretical explanations to support the premise of the story; there was also a notable lack of symbolism and iconography compared to the character’s previous experiences. Not to say that the plot was dumbed down, but I figured out ‘who done it’ well before the book’s conclusion. Still a pleasure to read!

Posted By:   Regina C.