Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

A Bestseller. Scorching pace that builds up more and more excitement as one progresses. Written in the unlikely backdrop of the Christian religion, it delves into the dark aspects of its evolution.

Robert Langdon is an acclaimed symbologist with many papers and books to his credit. His speciality is deciphering hidden meanings in ancient works of art and sculptures, that display their message for all to see, but only few understand.

In Paris for a talk, he is summoned to the scene of the murder of the caretaker of the Louvre museum. This precipitates a chain of incredible events that leads him towards a quest for the Holy Grail. With an attractive French cryptologist Sophie Neavu for company, and his wits and knowledge of symbols and rituals to guide him, Langdon has to uncover the codes left for him by the murder victim, and at the same time stay one step ahead of his pursuers.

This book contains a story interspersed with a treasure trove of information regarding how Christianity evolved over the centuries. Though I have not checked for authenticity, the author's explanations do appear plausible.

Though there are frequent references to goddess-worship and Greek Goddesses, almost no mention has been made of the Hindu Goddesses and rich mythology. That seems strange given that the protagonist is a specialist on the matters of religious symbols and evolution of religions.

A thrill ride, this is a perfect example of a literary roller-coaster!