- The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
- Hardcover: 528 pages
- Publisher: Doubleday Books; First Edition edition (September 15, 2009)
- ISBN-13: 978-0385504225
Back-of-the-book blurb: The Lost Symbol is a deadly race through a real-world labyrinth of codes, secrets, and unseen truths . . . all under the watchful eye of Brown’s most terrifying villain to date. Set within the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples of Washington, D.C. …
As the story opens, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object–artfully encoded with five symbols–is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation . . . one meant to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom.
When Langdon’s beloved mentor, Peter Solomon–a prominent Mason and philanthropist–is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations–all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth.ph
She is Too Fond of Books’ review (Part I): I have a history with Dan Brown. No, not a personal history; I’ve never met the man, but I’ve read his books. It started with The Da Vinci Code which I remember really liking (stick around through the rest of the post and I’ll reward you with an explanation of the parenthetical in my post title). I then worked backward through Angels & Demons and Deception Point. I didn’t get to Digital Fortress since I decided I liked Brown’s more recent work more. I absolutely loved the history, well-known setting, puzzles and overall mystery of The Da Vinci Code, and was hoping for another satisfying thriller in The Lost Symbol. I wasn’t disappointed.
Brown starts with his well-known, likeable character of Robert Langdon. What’s not to like? Handsome, Harvard-educated, well-spoken, world traveller … sure, he’s got that claustrophobia thing going, but there’s a personal story behind the origin of it, and it makes some of the figurative tight squeezes he gets himself into feel all that more literally tight!
Next up is the setting – Washington, DC, our nation’s capital city. Like The Da Vinci Code‘s Rome, full of history, power, secrets, and architecture that play a role in the intrigue.
Add a splash of ancient mystery – the clandestine meetings and secret ceremonies of the Freemasons; rites and rituals that have existed underground for over 200 years.
And a villain – in The Lost Symbol this is a heavily tattooed muscleman who wants to boost his own power by harnessing Langdon’s skills as a symbologist.
Yes, I enjoyed The Lost Symbol. I liked the chase scenes through hidden corridors, the cat-and-mouse games, and the uncertainty of who was playing on which team in this “Good Guys vs. Bad Guys” olympics. I liked the teases about what might happen behind closed doors in Masonic Lodges, and the bits of Masonic history and philosophy that Brown doles out. I liked the overall mystery – not only the codes and symbols (which are included in diagrams in the text; you can play along at home and solve the puzzle alongside Langdon), but the central plot of the book – who is this evil villain, and what does he want?
If you like thriller, mysteries, and/or puzzles, I suggest you read The Lost Symbol. For me, it ran a close second to Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, a classic work of suspense. Put aside those little nagging thoughts like “he hasn’t used a bathroom or eaten in almost 24 hours” and “she’s climbing around on scaffolding after what she just went through?!” … just go along for the ride!
Part II, in which I explain the parenthetical in my post title:
About six years ago I was reading Angels and Demons, traveling backward into Robert Langdon’s history after reading The Da Vinci Code. J had read it a few weeks earlier, so I wasn’t in danger of spoiling the plot for him when I remarked:
D: I wonder if this is real?
J: what? You wonder if what‘s real?
D: This bit in the novel about the Vatican’s Necropolis, this underground city of caves and dirt floors, the grave of St. Peter from almost 2000 years ago … Does this really exist, or is Dan Brown making it all up?
J: I think it’s real, because when I was there we saw —
D: When you were where?
J: when I was at the Vatican –
D: When were you at the Vatican?!
J: I went in April after the European sales meeting and –
D: Wait! You went to THE VATICAN?! Why didn’t I know this?! You’re not even Catholic!
J: I thought I told you, a bunch of us did some sightseeing one afternoon and when we were at the Vatican they told us –
D: I can’t believe this! You went to The Vatican and didn’t tell me!?? How can you neglect to mention this!?? I tell you WHEN ORANGE JUICE IS ON SALE, for crying out loud!
(it was at this point that I decided to stop sharing ALL the minutiae of my day, to hold back and be a little more mysterious, a little more Bond Girl at home)
Part III, in which I attempt to write a song parody as review:
Softdrink is so clever with her parodies, I thought I’d give it a try for this review. I started with the chorus and stopped in my tracks, no Song of the Year Grammy for me!
(to the tune of Kate Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked It)”
I read The Lost Symbol and I liked it
The lure of those tangled symbols
I read Dan Brown just to try it
I hope my artsy friends don’t mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don’t mean I’m leaving lit behind
I read The Lost Symbol and I liked it
I liked it
Part IV, in which I tell you about a Masonic museum:
If you’re ever in my neck of the woods, northwest of Boston, you might be interested in visiting the National Heritage Museum. We went a few years ago; I thought it was another American history museum, you can’t go far without running into one around here.
Imagine our surprise when we walked to the entrance of the building and were greeted by a huge Masonic Seal! Bravely opening the doors, we learned that
The National Heritage Museum boasts one of the country’s finest collections of material and artifacts related to the history of American Freemasonry and fraternalism. We also collect decorative arts, documents, artifacts, photographs and fine art related to all kinds of American history — with particular attention paid to material related to Lexington around the time of the American Revolution.
If your interest in the Masons has been piqued by all the talk surrounding The Lost Symbol, it’s worth an online or in-person visit.
Hahaha! I don’t even know what to comment on first. I did the same tour that you did, after reading The DaVinci Code. I read everything Dan Brown published, even Digital Fortress (you didn’t miss much). Fine works of fiction they are not, but if you are at peace with going along for the ride, then you’re OK. I don’t have an urgent need to read The Lost Symbol, but I’m sure I will at some point.
Your dialogue with your husband is just the perfect illustration of the differences between women and men. I talk about the dead frog in the pool, and he fails to tell me when something HUGE happens at his work…somebody was fired, someone has cancer, or even when he gets a big raise. He would totally be the one to forget to tell me he visited the Vatican. That really made me laugh!
And I love you song! You are really to clever for your own good!
Now I need to go and get some miles in today!
I am not a Brown fan at all (I did read three of his books and each one got weirder than the one before) however, I loved your song parody. It was really awesome that you decided to add that to your review.
I liked Da Vinci Code because the plot was so addicting, but I couldn’t make it past the first 70 pages of Angels & Demons (though I loved the movie). In fact, I kept A&D as an example of literature that isn’t but still gets published anyway… Since you say, though, that his new works are better than his older, I may try out Lost Symbol (I’ll get it from the library instead of buying his book this time around).
Your “spy” story with your husband is really funny–my husband and I are exactly the opposite. I was raised in a family where you do things instead of talking about them, but my husband was raised in a family that is all about talking even if they never end up doing whatever it is they’re talking about. So I end up leaving out huge chunks of life in conversations with my husband, and he tells me about every little thing that crosses his mind–even if it has nothing to do with anything either of us cares about. We were married for more than a year before he found out I had traveled to Hong Kong when I was in college, yet I could tell you the reasons behind his selecting a green instead of blue shirt this morning. Don’t blame gender–blame families.
Whew! That’s one heck of a post! I can’t decide if I’m going to give this book a try or not! I’ve heard some good things, but I didn’t love THE DAVINCI CODE — liked it, but didn’t love it!
Haha, I laughed out loud at your interaction with your husband! That could easily happen in my house. I tell my fiance about all sorts of minor things, but I don’t find out about things that happen to him because he doesn’t think they’re important. LOL.
As for The Lost Symbol, it’s on our library list. I probably won’t like it as I don’t generally like thrillers, mysteries, OR puzzles, but it’s worth a try.
Haha! Great post. I especially loved the dialogue part.
“I tell you WHEN ORANGE JUICE IS ON SALE, for crying out loud!”
Great. I was skeptical of Symbol but I think you’ve convinced me to take the plunge
It seems you were extremely inspired when you wrote this review!
Re Part I: Well, here’s what’s not to like about Robert Langdon. First of all, apparently Dan Brown initially envisioned him as Harrison Ford. And what did he get? Tom Hanks with long greasy hair. Secondly, something deadly always takes place when Langdon is involved. Suspicious? Very!
Re Part II: Have you tried talking about when MILK is on sale?
Re Part III: Maybe you should try eating snack cakes rather than emulating them! So to speak…. (No, actually, great job!)
Re Part IV: You sure are lucky to live in an area of the country full of historical resources and bookstores. Perhaps you could start a B&B&B (Bed & Breakfast & Bloggers). We would come!
Sometimes the chorus is all you need.
Although now that you’re the writer DO NOT expect me to be wearing the go-go boots.
I liked your song!
It’s much better than I could ever do. I am glad to hear you liked this one, Dawn. Amongst all the grumbles of what a bad writer Dan Brown is, I’m one who enjoyed Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code. I do want to read this one, but these kinds of books seem to sit better with me when I read them in paperback. I’m not sure why exactly–or if that’s even rational–but it’s true. And so I wait. I’m looking forward to giving it a try though.
Thank you for a sparkling, informative, yet humorous review. I’ve been sitting on the fence on this book but now I’m going to read it. Everyone talks of how the writing is so poor but I’ve enjoyed Dan Brown’s books. It makes me wonder how bad are my standards. What I’m getting from the overall message of this post is that the book is a fun experience and can over-lap into other areas of your life. Great review. One of your best.
What a wonderfully engaging review, plus all the bonus material! I was laughing out loud at the conversation with your husband! Mine is the same way – hardly ever talks while I share every detail of my days!
I was also glad to hear a book reviewer who’s able to enjoy Dan Brown’s books for what they are – suspenseful thrillers – without pooh-poohing their literary value. I also loved The Da Vinci Code when I first read it and was fascinated by Brown’s historical details and insights.
I haven’t read The Lost Symbol yet, but it’s on my list! Thanks for the great review –
Sue
I’m so glad that you weren’t disappointed in this book, esp. after anticipating it for so long. Unlike you, I really disliked The DaVinci Code (the pacing drove me crazy, among other things) so this new book is not on my TBR list. But I’m THRILLED that you enjoyed it!
And your husband is TOO funny! Imagine, not telling you he visited the Vacitan?! HUH?!
Hey, the Vatican is no big deal, right? You’re lucky to have known that he was in Italy! I bought Lost Symbol the day it came out. I’ve read Brown’s Robert Langdon books (not the others) and I think they’re fun. I hate the endings to both; really he needs to take a how to end your book course.
But I can rise above the improbabilities that all really takes place within 24 hours and that few could survive all the antics of Langdon and his current female sidekick. I’m in it for the action and the puzzles.
A super fun post! Thanks for sharing all of this – great review.
I’m reading this right now and I’m throughly enjoying it. I knew I would. I loved DaVinci Code but didn’t make it through Angels and Demons.
Fiction always has some truth and that’s what I find interesting. So far, this book is a hayday for conspiracy theory.
Sandy – glad you enjoyed my silly review format! yes, I went into THE LOST SYMBOL expecting to be entertained, and to play along … it worked for me!
lilly – I tried to write the entire review in song … a chorus was all I could do!
Jessie – oh, yes, I’m sure the way we’re raised has a lot to do with the way we live our lives now (whether we choose to emulate our family roles, or throw them down!). Re: Dan Brown’s books – I liked THE LOST SYMBOL about as well as ANGELS & DEMONS (enjoyed THE DA VINCI CODE the most). Liked the Langdon books better than DECEPTION POINT. I love how he ties history and the local setting into the current mystery/thriller/adventure
Julie – maybe paperback or library? It was a nice change of pace for me.
Meghan – I love puzzles – jigsaws, crosswords, brainteasers … it must run in the family, just yesterday my 7 yr old daughter told me she wants to be a part-time detective like Jigsaw Jones
Monstrosity – And, sadly, it’s true! “Hey, Tropicana was on sale 2 for $5″ is sometimes the highlight of my day …
rhapsody – I had drafted the spy scene when everyone was eagerly anticipating the release of THE LOST SYMBOL, but never got it posted. J was laughing last night when I reminded him what I was writing about. (and, yes, B&B&B … a great idea!)
softdrink – It’s too late … the Zappos order will be to you on Friday
Literary Feline – I think you hit the nail on the head … if you read THE LOST SYMBOL (or any of its cousins) expecting LIT-er-a-ture, you’ll be disappointed. Looking for a thiller/adventure? This is a good place to find it!
Margot – yes, who knows what (if any) real Masonic secrets he revealed! The architecture (and its “secrets”) and intrigue are real (and a lot of fun … from a safe distance)
Sue – I’m glad you enjoyed the review, thanks for your comments. I may have upped the ante on my literature sights (by reading more “arty” books in the past few years), but I still really liked THE LOST SYMBOL and judged it among the peers in its genre.
Heather – good call – if you didn’t like THE DA VINCI CODE I wouldn’t thrust this into your hands.
Beth F – LOL! Yes, you’re right! I was lucky I knew J was out of the country! Re: expectations – Did you read Maureen Dowd’s piece in the NYT Book Review this weekend? She slammed Brown for the use of italics (to emphasize dialogue and to differentiate thoughts; not overuse in my book! In fact, I didn’t even notice them until I read her review). Her other gripe was that there were “lopsided grins” and “friendly pecks on the cheek” instead of a hot and heavy romance. I actually can’t stand it when an author feels compelled to introduce romance where it’s not needed – it ends up feeling forced and , um, predictable. So, I had no problem with there being no love interest.
Care – glad you liked it! What kind of pie are you serving today?
Julie – it’s only a matter of time before books supporting/debunking Brown’s revelations are published. That museum in Lexington is very interesting, but doesn’t give out any secrets!
Dan Brown is an example of “good (not great) storyteller, so-so writer,” but I usually find his books impossible to put down. I liked Angels and Demons more than The Da Vinci Code, and I just borrowed my dad’s copy of The Lost Symbol…maybe for the 24-Hour Read-a-thon?
But I think your review may turn out to be more fun to read than the book!
I’m glad to see you liked this because I really respect your opinion. Don’t tell anyone, but I have it on my Kindle.
I forogt this book was coming out, so I never put a hold on it at the library- now there are over 600 holds waiting!!!
I enjoyed The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons so I plan on getting around to this book eventually, just not sure when. Thanks for the review!
I haven’t read this or the Angels and Demons book yet. I loved the Da Vinci Code, so I’m not sure what is stopping me…maybe the hoopla…I dunno.
LOL Loved the parody song and the bit about the mysterious husband.
What a fun post!!!
I give this review 5 Twinkies. LOL.
Awesome post, I enjoyed every minute of it. Love you song too.
I have read just Da vinci Code but I have Angels and Demons in my TBR. My dad is a fan of Dan Brown though.
I read this book, reviewed it, and REALLY disliked it. The story was ok, but SUCH a formula like his other books. There was a billian doing things for a higher power (Da Vinci), there was a female scientist that helped him (A&D), and he almost died (both).
That wasn’t my biggest problem though. My biggest problem is the atrocious writing. My husband and I both read it and we would read each other the most awful sentences! One of his seventh graders was reading it in study hall and asked how a sentence in the book got published since it was incorrect…a seventh grader noticed! I mean, Stephanie Meyer looks like a good writer compared to him.
It is so disappointing because I know of some fantastic writers who don’t sell 1/100 of what his books do…or aren’t even published and they are fantastic story-tellers and fantastic writers.
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The part about your husband and the Vatican…that so reminds me of me and my husband. I tell him EVERYTHING and he tells me NOTHING. LOL
Glad to see you liked the book. I enjoyed The Da Vinci Code, but I’m not sure I enjoyed it enough to read another Dan Brown book. I’ll give it some thought.
Hahahahaha! I tell you when orange juice is on sale – that is hysterical! My husband is the same way – I tell him EVERYTHING and then even still there will be huge chunks of his life I’m just learning about. Keeps things interesting.
Oh man, I loved your song parody! Hilarious!
Thank you so much for Part II!! It’s nice to know that my husband isn’t the only one who tends to leave out not only details, but some plot points
Who cares about reading “The Lost Symbol” — I just loved reading this review! Song paradies, history, a glimpse into your husband’s mysterious personal life…what’s not to like! : )
Very cool! I can’t wait until this comes out! I just found a deal when you pre-order the book from amazon! There is no excuse not to buy this book! $16.17!
I did not like this book as much Dan’s previous books.. but this was enjoyable still
Hi, here from BPOTW!
I didn’t mind the book but the last 30 pages of exposition after the book was essential finished bothered me. Was he being paid by the page or the word or something? Get an editor!
WOW! All that from one book!
I loved Da Vinci Code and am looking forward to reading The Lost Symbol. The discussion you had with your husband is hillarious. Like someone already commented, this could have happened with me & my hubby too.
LOL! My husband actually gets quite excited when things go on sale – he likes saving money, so encouraged me to go back and get loads of extra yoghurt when it was half price last week!
My husband also forgets to tell me important things – I got an email last week announcing the arrival of his cousin’s baby girl. This was the first I knew she was even pregnant – his response “sorry – I forgot to tell you!) men!! It is a good job women know how to pass on all the gossip!!
Many thanks for the shout out for the National Heritage Museum! If any of your readers would like to learn more about Freemasonry, I encourage them to come for a visit to the museum and library in person or to check out the Masonic history resources on our website.
Loved your review! Too funny. While I thought the Lost Symbol was okay, it wasn’t nearly as good as Da Vinci Code. A friend of mine gave me The God Machine by J Sandom. Never heard of him but I really enjoyed it. Much better writer than Brown.
Florinda – good, not great, is an apt description. It definitely met my expectations, based on the other Brown books I’ve read. Thanks for the compliments on my review
Kathy – your secret is safe with me.
Erin – it’s always a nice surprise when you get the email/phone call saying a book is in … I’m sure you have plenty to read in the meantime!
Ryan – I’ll look for your thoughts on it.
Serena – he’s a mystery, all right!
Nicole – definitely have to keep it fun.
Ti – wow, I’m honored (and have a bit of a stomach ache!)
Violet – I tried with the parody .. .I don’t have the talent of softdrink, but I made a stab at it.
Caitie – It’s true that there are amazing writer who don’t see the spotlight; you can see from my review list that I read all over the map – new, backlist, popular/commercial fiction, indies, etc. I did enjoy this, as I wasn’t looking for great literature; haven’t yet read any Stephenie Meyer.
Anna – it does get formulaic (but I knew that going in, so I wasn’t disappointed). If you found DA VINCI just OK, this might not be for you.
Allie – it’s such a joke – now I pointedly ask him when he returns from a trip- “anything interesting? did you meet the queen?”
J.T. – thanks!
Stacy – as long as there aren’t any surprise characters, I’m OK with a little mystery.
Jenners – yeah, “J” claims to want to be anonymous, but I don’t think he minds a little laughter at his expense.
CouponQueen – um, thanks … glad you enjoyed it.
Prats – glad you enjoyed the review. Brown may have hit the end of the Robert Langdon character, but I did enjoy this for what it’s worth.
typ0 – my husband and I thought the same thing … maybe setting up some surprise endings (the surprise being that it’s not really the end) for a movie?
BPOTW – I was going to write the Vatican bit as a teaser before THE LOST SYMBOL came out, but I never found the time …
nancy – my IRL friends all said something similar
Jackie – oh, gosh! At least you didn’t run into his cousin and wonder about the baby; that IS important news, though.
Hilary – my husband and I were pleased to find it. I liked the variety of exhibits – info about Freemasonry, NE handicrafts, the Revolutionary War, and those antique clocks are gorgeous.
April – I haven’t read Sandom, I’ll look him up, thanks.
Hi Dawn,
I just finished the book and I found it to be very well written. I,too,enjoyed the casual way your hubby dropped the info that he had visited the Vatican.WOW!! That IS a big deal to me as well! MEN They are wonderful but different-for sure.
Keep those great reviews coming. MUM