5 Reasons to read The Da Vinci Code.

 

 

 

Figure 1.1: Nothing is better than enjoying your favorite book with a cup of coffee.

When I was a kid, I used to read books only from the love/romance genre. Thriller and mystery did not attract me much. But, there comes a day in everyone’s life when we come across a book through a friend or relative that greatly changes our outlook on books. The Da Vinci Code is one such book. I came across this book from a friend right after my HSC exam in 2020. The book’s author is Dan Brown, one of the best-selling authors in the United States. It is rather difficult to find a person who has not heard of the book. I had a hard time reading the book at first because I was unfamiliar with most of the words, but I got used to it after a while. This book is a must-read and in this article, I will explain, why you should read the book.

 

Figure 1.2: The first page of the book: The Da Vinci Code

 

Plot

The book started when Harvard symbolist Robert Langdon was woken in the middle of the night by a mysterious phone call.  He was summoned to help investigate the tragic murder of the Louvre Museum curator, Jacques Saunière, who was killed in the museum. His corpse was covered in perplexing symbols. As Langdon and the talented French cryptologist Sophie Neveu solve the strange puzzles, they are astounded to find a trail of clues that Leonardo da Vinci himself cleverly placed in his paintings. The clues are obvious to everyone yet cleverly concealed by the painter.

Even more astonishing, the late curator had a magnificent historical secret and was a member of the Priory of Sion, a covert organization that also included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

                                                   

             Figure 1.3: Characters of The Da Vinci Code

 

How I felt after reading the book.

After reading the book I was so astonished that my mind was completely blown away. I remember, for some days, I could not think of anything else other than the book itself. In every chapter or dare I say every page of the book, it took so many unexpected turns, that it was virtually impossible to keep up.

 

 

             Figure 1.4: Trailer of The Da Vinci Code Movie

 

The book got so popular in the US, that there is a Hollywood adaptation of the book starring Tom Hanks. The movie is a blockbuster itself. After reading the book, you can go watch the movie, but don’t watch it beforehand, otherwise, all the excitement will be killed.

                                     

Figure 1.5: Poster of The Da Vinci Code Movie

Why you should read the book.

1. This book is really interesting. I mean really.

It is a book with massive 593 pages of jaw-dropping cliffhangers, ultimate exhilaration, and tension. Although it is a little longer than average, length is simply a number. It is by no means monotonous, and there is never a point where the plot drags unnecessarily. Personally, I learned a lot from it, including information on the Vitruvian Man, cryptography, anagrams, and well-known artwork like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, among other things. From start to finish, this is a page-turner that builds up a considerable amount of expectation.

2. A Fast-Paced Read With Simple Words.

This book is the ideal companion for your lazy self since it won't let you go to sleep or make you sit with a dictionary. Aside from a few French sentences that can be quickly translated into English using Google Translate, the book's fundamental language isn't too challenging to grasp. The main emphasis is given to its intriguing storytelling rather than the choice of unusual words.

Figure 1.6: Sometimes reading a good book can be the best gift you can give yourself

3. It's a treat for conspiracy theories lovers.

If you love conspiracy theories as much as I do, then this book is a must-read for you. Even after finishing the book, you'll find yourself browsing on google for information on Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, The Holy Grail, the Priory of Sion, Leonardo Da Vinci, Opus Dei, and many other topics. To prove what you read was not completely fiction, you'll watch dozens of documentaries. Many authors have produced a completely different novel solely to express their perspectives on the notion this book offers. I guarantee you that this book will make you rethink your entire understanding of religion and faith. 

4. It's Dan Brown at the end of the day. 

In my opinion, it's an entirely different universe from the way he writes. With his odd narrating style, he can hold you captive. You wouldn't feel any worse than if you were watching a movie. To be quite honest, the 2006 film adaptation of this novel, did great injustice to the movie. You should all buy it and start binge-reading since the movie isn't even close to what you'll learn.

5. It's not that much expensive! 

When I first bought the book, it cost me around 700 taka. However, if you're okay with reading second-hand books, you can buy this book for around 100-150 taka in Nilkhet. 

Figure 1.7: University students enjoying books.

To all the potential readers who are supposedly reading this article, I can reveal who killed Jacques Saunière at the end, but it would kill all the fun. So, if you have decided to read a new book but can't decide which one to start with, this book might be a great choice for you.

Happy reading!

 

By Ankon Saha

ankon.saha1@g.bracu.ac.bd

23101112