Another cracking good yarn from Dan Brown. (Review by Keith Millar)
Dan Brown’s books have been translated into 52 languages, and have sold
over 200 million copies worldwide. His blockbuster The Da Vinci Code, written in 2003, is regarded as one of the most
popular books of all time.
All this is an indication of how high he has set the bar. With his
latest offering, Inferno, he has
produced a spellbinding, electrifying “race against time” thriller which easily
meets that standard.
Dan Brown’s inspiration for this book was part one of Dante Alighieri’s
epic 14th century poem, The Divine
Comedy. Also entitled Inferno, it portrays Dante’s descent
into the depths of hell.
Brown’s story sees
hero Robert Langdon racing through the streets and secret passageways of Florence,
Venice and Istanbul trying to prevent global catastrophe plotted by an evil
genius. Langdon is accompanied by the beautiful and mysterious Doctor Sienna
Brooks. Together they have to decipher a series of clues, puzzles, hidden
mysteries and symbols all stemming from Dante’s masterpiece. It is an
intriguing and dizzying journey as the story takes more twists and turns than a
mountain road.
Dan Brown’s hero, the urbane Harvard University professor Robert
Langdon, is a charming and interesting character. Not for him are karate chops
and guns and drinks shaken not stirred. He would rather use his superior
intellect and substantial knowledge to solve problems, better his enemies and
to get the girl. On this occasion, however, he is hard-pressed to find the
answers to a puzzle which may, or may not, save the world from disaster.
As always, Brown has done his homework as far as the locations used in
his story are concerned. As a result, his settings are historically and
geographically accurate and this adds an intriguing travelogue quality to the
action. If you haven’t been to Florence, Venice and Istanbul before, you will
want to after reading this book.
Another possible bonus which may well result from this book will be a
renewed interest in the classic masterpiece, Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Like most books in this genre Inferno
is formulaic, predictable and at times a bit over the top. It is, however,
thoroughly enjoyable escapist entertainment. One started it is difficult to put
down. Dan Brown has written another cracking good yarn.
Inferno is published by
Transworld Publishers. ISBN: 978-0-59307-249-3. Recommended retail price R299. –
Keith Millar
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