I’m an avid reader but haven’t done a book review of late on the blog. In my bid to revive this section I’m going to frequently share my thoughts about books I’ve read, both old and new releases. If you’re a reader and looking for honest reviews, please stay tuned.
Today I’m reviewing a book I was most excited to read, Origin by Dan Brown. I’m a big fan of Dan Brown’s books and the Robert Langdon series in particular. Origin is the latest one in this series.
About the book
The tussle about how the world came into existence has kept creationists and atheists at loggerheads for centuries. With this book Dan Brown offers both perspectives logically without favouring either of them. This fictional account takes you to the city of Barcelona, Spain. Billionaire and tech-wizard, Edmond Kirsch, has made a technological breakthrough that will answer the question “Where do we come from?” once and for all and wants to share it with the world.
All hell breaks loose when Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor of symbology, his teacher and dear friend, along with Ambra Vidal, Guggenheim Museum director and future queen of Spain are entrusted with the responsibility of completing his work. Their quest brings them face-to-face with a murderer, takes them to distinguished places of historical importance and introduces them to an extraordinary advancement in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
My thoughts
Dan Brown has a knack of transporting you to a different world with his writing and this book is no exception. His detailed description of the Guggenheim Museum, Casa Mila and La Sagrada Familia makes you visualise and appreciate these architectural marvels. Equally impressive is his way of weaving fiction around a topic that has been discussed for the longest time.
The human and vulnerable side of religious men has been handled delicately and is interesting to read. Science and technology may have grown by leaps and bounds but religion can never be made redundant. Origin attempts to handle this tug of war by reiterating acceptance of modernisation as a possible solution. However, it seems a bit far-fetched and half-baked at times. Also, Robert Langdon uses his eidetic memory to crack difficult codes and passwords which sometimes happens too easily.
In totality though, Origin leaves you with a lot to ponder long after you’ve turned the last page. This might not be the best book in the series but is definitely worth a read.
My rating: *** 3/5 stars
About the author
Dan Brown is the author of the highly popular The Da Vinci Code and has bestsellers like Angels & Demons, The Lost Symbol and Inferno to his credit. Deception Point and Digital Fortress are his other internationally acclaimed stand-along thrillers.
Book details:
Language: English
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 456
Available in: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
You echoed my thoughts Varsha! I too gave it the same rating on Goodreads- entertaining yet falls short on few accounts.
Thanks for an engaging review. I also like reading Dan brown and enjoyed reading this one too. Loved the end especially.
I have not read this yet, thanks for the review. Book looks interesting.
I received the book today and was going to read soon. Now this sets my expectations from the book.
Dan Brown has been my favourite author for a long time, however this book I havent read.
Reading books is one of the nicest things to do. It gives you information about things and helps you shape your thought process and build your personality.
I have read Dan’s The Da Vinci Code. I have The Lost Symbol in my book shelf and Origin on my Kindle. Your review is compelling me to pick it up soon. Thanks for your recommendation, Varsha!
Your review has made me to pick one of the Dan’s book with your detailed review of his writing style, I am sure to read one soon.
I have read most books by dan brown and enjoyed it! I will check out this one next! 🙂
Lovely review. Short yet impactful. However, I am yet to read the works of Dan Brown. I am not much of a reader of this particular genre.
Great that you penned down honest review of the book. It looks like a one time read for me.
You got me hooked Varsh, I gave been wanting to pick this one for a long time now I don’t wanna delay it