Ladies and gentlemen, here is Dan Brown with his new book, Origin!
Finally!
I have to admit that I was so looking forward to this publication.
Our favorite historian and professor, Robert Langdon, is back, and he’s helping save the world with ancient riddles once again.
This new story introduces some new characters to us and is set primarily in Spain.
On the brink of a scientific break through that will rock the world, Edmond Kirsch, a renowned technology mogul, is poised to announce his latest and greatest discovery. Things take a turn, as they will in any Dan Brown book, and we are left with the the advancement of humankind teetering on the brink.
With help from some ranking members of the Catholic Church, the Spanish Royal Family, and some charming technology, Robert Langdon and his new friends scramble to unscramble and set the course straight once again.
I really enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. The first being that quite a bit of the story takes place in Barcelona. I love Barcelona and have spent a number of holidays there. Brown does a fantastic job of describing the city and its landmarks, and feeling the energy of Barcelona was an instant infatuation for me.
My roots in Catholicism and in Art History were also both reasons that I loved this book. I know that people in both of those camps (Catholicism and Art History) find elements of his books problematic. And I do not disagree. Personally, I take those elements with a grain of salt and use my best discernment when reading any Dan Brown book. If there is a specific issue brought up in a book, I can do my own independent research. That doesn’t take away any of the charm of the museum, church, or landmark visits described by Brown in his books. Museums are my happy places, and Brown does a beautiful job of describing them.
There is a point in the story where the overall resolution to the plot becomes apparent, which can be disappointing for some readers. Brown still takes new turns with subplots, and I enjoyed those elements. I wish the ending was a bit less predictable, but had it ended any other way, I probably would’ve walked away frustrated.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. It was fun to revisit Barcelona, her churches and museums. If you’re interested in a historical read that feels approachable, this is definitely the book for you.