The Lost Symbol…or the Lost End?
I picked up ‘The Lost Symbol’ with high expectations of it being another racy educational unexpected narrative from an exceptional Author. The book opens with all the usual interesting tidbits from secret depths of masonic history. The books’ in-depth architectural tour of Washington was fascinating and street view from Google maps made it all the more interesting. The 3-D view of the monuments that Google offers is almost like being there!
The book’s references to the ancient mysteries and the possibilities of human ‘apotheosis’ struck a note with me. I’ve always been intrigued with the power of the mind and the influence of thoughts on shaping our reality. The book’s references to the possibilities of emergence of new super human abilities through the expansion of the human mind resonated with the principles of some of my favorite books like ‘The Secret’ and the ‘Travelers of the Universe’. I was especially intrigued with the part on noetic sciences and even checked out the website for the Institute of Noetic Sciences (Yes, it is an actual institute!). Their website has some interesting online psi games on telepathic healing, strength of intuition and the power of collective thought. Check out the games at http://www.noetic.org/research/psi.cfm
In his usual style, Dan Brown pits the narrative as a race against time. The multi layered unfolding of the secrets of the pyramid kept me glued to the book and the crazy super tattooed villain added to the mystery. But somewhere in the middle, I started to suspect the identity of the villain and as the book unfolded, it became quite predictable. When the twist in the tale came, it wasn’t such a twist after all. And when the final end came, saying I was disappointed doesn’t even begin to cover it! After all the build up to the historic moment of human transformation, the end was like ending up with a gift voucher for ‘tea for two’ when you were expecting your annual bonus.
‘Angels and Demons’ was most definitely Dan Brown’s highlight. Fast paced, unveiling of secrets that felt worth unveiling, the big bang magnificent end… now that’s a good book. This one probably will sell on the expectations set from the previous book. Dan brown will definitely lose some of his fan flowing for letting them down with such a lack luster closure to this book.
Only other good things that might come out of this are that tourism in Washington might increase and institute of noetic sciences website will get more hits!
Well…my dear, I guess I have to agree that I was acutely disappointed with the ending. It was such an anti climax after all the build up about the secret and the national security crisis etc.
However, even though Dan Brown does not break any new ground in this book it still makes for interesting reading and while it is not in the class of the unputdownable Angels & Demons and Da Vinci code, I would still recommend reading the book.
In fact, I must say over time (its been a month since I read the book) the disappointment washes away, and the only thoughts that remain pertain to the potential of the human mind and how in recent times we have closed our minds to the possibility/ power of human thoughts – is it not the bible that says that you do not actually have to commit a sinful deed to commit a sin, just thinking about it amounts to have committed the sin?
I guess most religions especially the ancient ones focus on the immense power of the human mind. But it is something that we (or at least I) do not take very seriously these days. The book has made me reflect on this and I find it surprising that I have closed my mind to its possibilities; especially as an Indian, where yogis, natural healing, prayer groups, satsangs etc. are a part of life – if not for me then at least for my grand parents and parents generation.
The book has made me think about things which I often ridiculed growing up. So, I guess for me the lasting impression is different to yours – it is to reconsider and rethink about my perception of things and hopefully change my take on life. There is a message in the book, whether it is profound or not, depends on the reader – in my case it has made me pause and ponder…So in the spirit of the book and this realisation, I send many positive thoughts your way…!!!
P.S. The Google maps street view tour is a fantastic idea – a journey I will be embarking on shortly while I save for the real trip:)
Why is it that humans can move their eyes in opposite directions toward the nose, but not away from the nose?
Hey Hina! Good to hear from you! So you’re not completely divorced from the digital world!:)
You’ve given such a nice and complete review of the book yourself. Send me some more of your writings and I’ll host it… they’ll be hits I’m sure
Thanks sweetie!!!
and as for my writings – they are non existent so there is nothing really to send. The Lost Symbol was timely as it had been playing on my mind and having read your review I decided to share my thoughts with you.
I guess you are right, I am not completely divorced from the digital world…just separated
Are you reading anything interesting at the moment?
Oh yes! I’m reading ‘Haroun & the Sea of Tales’. It’s one of the older, lesser known works of Salman Rushdie. It’s primarily for children, but it’s hugely entertaining for all ages! It’s about the son of a story letter (called Shah of Blah!) and his quest to return the ‘gift of the gab’ to his depressed father. He journeys to the planet of ‘Kahani’ and meets the most amazing people. I should be done with it soon and then I’ll write a detailed review
Can’t say I have heard about it, but sounds really interesting and am looking forward to your review.
BTW are you off to the cricket today? It is today isn’t it? Would be interesting if you post a post match review
Anyways…will speak to you soon, need to stop using your website as a medium of communication.
Cheers,
H
When two Eng (H) ppl meet… this was bound to happen!!
Sorry Anu couldn’t resist the comment …
Hi Hina.. How are you doing ??