The Da Vinci Code

In this second edition, we should examine the success of The Da Vinci Code, the apparent agenda of its author, Dan Brown, the major flaws of the novel(if you believe there are any)l, and the Gnostic background and neo-Gnostic beliefs the book relies upon so heavily. Future meetings of this Book Club I hope, will discuss Mary Magdalene, Constantine and the Council of Nicaea, Brown’s Christology, the search for the Grail, the Knights of Templar, the Priory of Sion, witchcraft and the Middle Ages, and Leonardo da Vinci and his artwork.  These are some of the underlying themes of the book that in my opinion should be discussed.  Feel free to give shed insight into what you feel is imperative for a successful book launch.-Mikel T Sigmon, MFA (Fusion Coordinator

The Da Vinci Code Phenomenon

In April 2003, Doubleday published The Da Vinci Code, the fourth novel of Dan Brown. A combination of murder mystery, thriller, conspiracy tale, romance novel, religious expose, and historical revisionism, the novel had instant success. Glowing reviews from leading newspapers and magazines, combined with the buzz from Brown’s previous novel, Angels & Demons, helped The Da Vinci Code debut at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. As of mid-October, 2003, The Da Vinci Code has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over twenty-eight weeks, and has been in the top two or three spots for most of that time. There are now nearly three million copies of the book in print and it is being translated into thirty languages.

Described by New York Times as a "riddle-filled, code-breaking, exhilaratingly brainy thriller," The Da Vinci Code garnered effusive, even ebullient, praise from numerous reviewers. The Library Journal raved, "This masterpiece should be mandatory reading"; the Chicago Tribune marveled that the book contained "several doctorates’ worth of fascinating history and learned speculation"; Salon magazine described the novel as "an ingenious mixture of paranoid thriller, art history lesson, chase story, religious symbology lecture and anti-clerical screed." Numerous critics noted how "smart," "intelligent," and well-researched the novel appeared to be ("His research is impeccable" stated New York Daily News), a point that surely pleased the author, who insisted in interviews and on his website that his thriller is thoroughly researched and factual in all respects. In addition, the novel features an opening page titled "Fact," which states: "All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate."

Readers who have enthusiastically embraced the book point to historical, artistic, religious, and theological details within it as central reasons for their fascination with the best-seller. A reader on amazon.com states that The Da Vinci Code is "one of the best books I have ever read–makes you see the world a little differently after reading it!" Another gushes, "You will be amazed at the revelations that come forth in this book." Another elaborates:

"The Da Vinci Code has to be one of the most remarkable books I've read. It is a wonderful–and very effective–mix of history, mystery, action, puzzles and suspense. The pace is so powerful, the book just wouldn't let go! The story line is almost to brilliant to conceive, the sheer genius and fascinating craftsmanship that Dan Brown uses in his book are breath-taking. The idea behind the story may seem controversial, but once you think about it, it really does become quite real and even natural."

Another reader provides a more muted and relativistically-minded assessment:

"The historical events and people explored in the book are real. But no one knows the Truth...nor will we ever, probably. I think that some things are meant to be a mystery. With all the world's diverse religions and each individual's belief in what is Divine–the Truth would have to destroy the beliefs, hopes and lives of many of the world's population. So, perhaps, in the divine scheme of things, there are many more Truths than one. Don't take the book too seriously."

Despite the skepticism of some readers, The Da Vinci Code proved to be so popular, so quickly, that within weeks of being published, Columbia Pictures bought the film rights to the book (and to Angels & Demons as well). Noteworthy director Ron Howard was tapped to direct the film adaptation.  In addition to him, Tom Hanks would play the title character.  I thought it would be fun to read the novel and do a compare/contrast of the film versus the novel. 

Brief Synopsis:
    My idea for the group is that we will meet biweekly to discuss respective chapters of the book.  At each of these meetings, hopefully in a different locale other than the Fusion House, frank discussion about the previous chapters and in depth conversation about whatever feelings this book will bring about.  At each discussion, there will be light food and beverages that will be available at no charge.  Upon conclusion of the final chapter, we will get together at an intimate restaurant maybe even a private residence and have a nice casual dinner full of words, wisdom, and maybe wine…Hopefully!!

o       Bi weekly meetings

o       Food and Beverages provided (Free)

o       Intimate setting

o       Open, frank, slightly guided discussions

o       Private, casual but elegant final dinner/discussion

    I think that we have the opportunity to add a feature to the Fusion Program that will not only benefit the program, but the participants as well.  There will be an opportunity for learning.  This to me is an on going, never ending chapter in your life.  You also have the chance to really connect with someone and gauge their perspective on that particular subject.  Or you could disagree totally and in turn, must agree to disagree. I hope you all share my interest in literature and social interaction, accompanied by intellectual conversation, sumptuous delectables, and most important, the written word. 

“No one person can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt 

“For fear is not the absence of bravery.  But bravery is being fearful but yet remaining on that steadfast course.”

-Mikel Triston Simone, MFA