Angels & Demons

My first encounter with Robert Langdon was the night I watched The Da Vinci Code in theaters. I was captivated by the idea of the movie and the ease in which Tom Hanks filled the role. I’m a sucker for a good ‘treasure hunt’ film (in the sense that there are puzzles involving real places.) So it would make sense that I would check out the books. Well, with a full schedule of classes and work, that hasn’t happened until now. I was able to pick up the two Dan Brown novels featuring Robert Langdon for 50 cents plus shipping through Doubleday’s book club.

I decided to read the books in order, I’m a bit OCD about that sort of thing, and I’m glad I did. Landon comes alive in the pages of Angels & Demons, which clarifies a lot of things portrayed in The Da Vinci Code. The book is set around the papal conclave and a new technology threatening to destroy it, and the whole of Vatican City for that matter. Langdon is called to CERN to help solve the mysterious murder of a famed physicist. From there his journey takes a staggering twist.

I know its been well documented that Mr Brown takes a few liberties with facts in his novels. I for one am not bothered by this. What is concerning is the authoritative way in which the book is written. I can easily see people being sucked in by the writing and believing every word of this book. I don’t think that is Dan’s fault, because afterall, it’s just a novel.

My major critique of the story is the way in which Langdon survives his encounters with death. These just defy rationality, and gravity. Secondly, the book is a bit corny at times. Other than that this book is a must read and come highly recommended from me. 8/10