Book Review : The Lost Symbol

Book Title: The Lost Symbol
Book Author: Dan Brown
Pages: 509

‘It’s buried out there somewhere’ is the mystery-line responsible for all the mayhem in yet another thriller sequel of Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series. This time the secrets of an esoteric society, Freemasonry, are at stake. Infact not just secrets, but the very existence of the brotherhood, the ultimate talisman, the key to apotheosis is all at the verge of thievery. So it’s now up to the Religious Symbology and Iconology professor, Robert Langdon to save the world from coming to an end or what is mentioned in Apocalypse. However, reader will gradually realize the true meaning of Apocalypse i.e. what is mentioned in the final pages of the holy Bible.

In his mission to save Peter Solomon, his friend and a Masonic luminary; Robert Langdon is accompanied by Katherine Solomon, Peter’s sister and a brilliant scientist who has made some unprecedented and startling discoveries through Noetic Science. For beginners, Noetic Science is the field of science that uncovers human potential to perform tasks that are beyond capacities of normal senses and power of reason.
Both Robert and Katherine team-up to fight against a psychomaniac who is obsessed with Ancient Mysteries and seeks apotheosis.

Layer by layer all the mysteries are unveiled through mind twisting ciphers, confounding paintings (not Leonardo Da Vinci this time), impressive physics principles and near death experiences of both of our heroes. The CIA involvement and unexpected presence of various Masons in due course, makes the story even more thrilling.

Overall, the novel is actually unputdownable. However, towards the end it disappoints a little. The whole ‘Know ye not that ye are gods’ thing dilutes the excitement mustered till the point. But finally, it convinces, how the words of Gautam Budha, Jesus Christ, the Bhagwad Gita, and the Bible, all convey a common message to the mankind. Also, you can’t help but ponder if really the key to our scientific future is hidden in our past !!