Warning: Answers to this question will OBVIOUSLY have spoilers for the story, BEWARE!!!
I really loved it when I read it the first time but I've now kind of grown out of it. When someone tells me that they love Da Vinci Code, it just annoys the hell out of me <_<.
But that isn't quite a logical reason to fend off the lovers of that book? What reasons do I give them for not liking it?
Oh, and for those of you who love it, well everyone's entitled to their opinion and this question isn't asking for YOUR opinion.
2007-09-05 05:22:25 · 12 answers · asked by An Ink Pen 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I don't mean your reasons in a "religious" way (that's a futile pursuit). More about what lacked in the writing style, the plot and character development and the like
2007-09-05 05:34:48 · update #1
The main reason for not liking it is that it is poorly written. Sure, the prose will get you from point A to point B, but Dan Brown has no sense of grace or style. Everything that matters in writing is absent from his prose. His sentences are clumsy; his word choices are boring. He is not an artist and makes no claim to be one. And a lot of the situations are contrived and repetitive. To prove this point, read practically any sentence in, for example, a Philip Roth novel, and compare it to practically any sentence written by Dan Brown. The difference should jump out at anyone.
It is a shame that very few people seem to have an appreciation for beautiful writing. I think that is because nobody reads the great writers anymore.
What the novel is about is irrelevant. And whether you agree or disagree with the premise of the book; as well as whether or not it is historically accurate, is also irrelevant. Gustave Flaubert taught us a long time ago that content is not important; the only thing that matters is style. You can make a great novel about the most repulsive of subjects. Nabokov's Lolita is a good example. You can also make a trashy novel about an important subject. The Da Vinci Code might be an example of that.
2007-09-05 05:40:17 · answer #1 · answered by rollo_tomassi423 6 · 3⤊ 6⤋
It was written like a "pulp novel.' It reminded me of the "Mike Hammer" stories I read as a kid.
What really did it for me was the whole "killing a guy with peanuts" thing at the end.
There are not enough words in the English language to describe how lame that was.
It would have been more believable if Langdon had found a .38 under the car seat. :(
I want my $24 back.
2007-09-05 07:08:26 · answer #2 · answered by Joseph G 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In a word - success. If you are going to criticize his writing style and character development, then add other writers to the list -starting with James Patterson who is horrid when it comes to character development. And his research and realism is non-existent.
Personally I found Da Vinci Code to be a decent read. It wasn't Faulkner, but I didn't expect it to be. I had no problem with the plot or the characterization. By the way I have degrees in interior architecture and English Lit and I minored in Art History. I am considering finishing it out one of these days. I don't have far to go.
It was a work of FICTION - if you choose not to believe it as factual. - don't. Do you believe in Harry Potter and Hogwarts? That is fiction, too. Mr. Brown doesn't hold a gun to readers' heads and insist they believe what he writes. He clearly states it is a work of fiction.
What is funny to me is I have been less than pleased with Eclipse and HP 7 here. I have come and offered specific lists of what it was about them I felt was lacking. And I got shot down. Yet people come here and just talk general smack against The Da Vinci Code "I just didn't like it". The characterization was poor". "The plot was bad" - with no explanations - and their answers are accepted. I find that hilarious. When I critique a book, I am willing to go out on a limb and give specifics. I have NEVER seen any single person here give any specifics regarding why The Da Vinci Code was poorly written - just general smack. It was not a character driven work - it was plot driven. That was his stylistic choice. As for it taking place in 24 house, has anyone ever watched 24?????
If you don't like the religious overtones, you knew before you read it what it was about. That was certainly well publicized. And yet for some reason, the man has managed to sell an unheard of number of books. He must be doing something right.
If you don't like his work, leave it alone. Personally he didn't change my personal beliefs one iota. But then again I am a Gnostic Christian to begin with. Stick with "safe" books.
But the main reason authors knock him is his success - plain and simple. I wish him well. I know he is having one hell of a time with The Solomon Key - making it live up to his previous success. When it does come out, I wish him all the success in the world. If you didn't enjoy Da Vinci Code, please do not buy it. Spare us your illogical, general criticism and tell the truth. Just say "I hate the guy because he sells more books than I ever will." As Christians, isn't it your obligation to be honest? Pax- C
2007-09-05 06:38:07 · answer #3 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I don't like the way it's written as if everything is factual, all about the Mona Lisa and so on. I have a degree in art history and I find it hard to believe that people still think this way and accept it as truth without question.
As somebody else already pointed out, the style of writing is pretty trashy and there was no character development.
2007-09-05 06:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Every time I submit a question, even if it's the simplest one, nobody can give me a proper informed answer here. what happened to people that really take the time to answer??
2016-08-24 14:42:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's extremely plot heavy with little to no character development or literary merit.
Introduces some realy great concepts in the now ignored, female aspect of God, but dresses it up like a sherlock homes novel so people don't take it seriously.
It's gimmicky writing.
2007-09-05 05:34:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
If one reads the book and accepts it as a novel, it is a truly interesting book with a lot of action.
The problem appears to be that a lot of people took the novel as factual. It is interspersed with a lot of historical references to make the reader think he/she is reading a historical and factual document when, in fact, it is just a novel.
That is the danger, when the uneducated or unknowing read the book and cannot separate the fiction from the fact.
If you look at it strictly as entertainment, it is a great read!
2007-09-05 05:38:55 · answer #7 · answered by TNGal 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Well, I liked it for the most part. It by far wasn't my favorite book ever. I loved that is was so action packed but that is also what I didn't like about it too. It was very unrealistic to think that it took place in 24 hours. And I don't like that the author says everything in it is fact based when it is not.
2007-09-05 05:31:45 · answer #8 · answered by Seeking answers in Him 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
i dont like this book but i dont understand why did the people forbid it to be published (as i know, my faith doesnt even be disturbed for a little). maybe it just the tactic of the publisher who wants to sell it more
2007-09-05 05:30:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
One of my former officemates and I had an argument over that book.
She told me that the book should not be believed because it contained anti-Christ messages.
2007-09-05 05:31:38 · answer #10 · answered by 123mantobeat456 6 · 7⤊ 3⤋