The Da Vinci Code

By: Dan Brown

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 17 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's Summary

Now a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou.

While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. While working to solve the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci, clues visible for all to see, yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion, an actual secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, among others.

In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who seems to anticipate their every move. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory's ancient secret, and an explosive historical truth, will be lost forever.

As a special bonus, this audio edition includes Dan Brown's October 2005 speech at the University of New Hampshire, introduced by his father. The author discusses the research behind his groundbreaking novel and the controversy it has created. Also, listen to an exclusive interview with Akiva Goldsman, screenwriter of The Da Vinci Code.

Can't get enough of The Da Vinci Code? Check out our store devoted to all things Da Vinci.

©2003 Dan Brown (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"In this gleefully erudite suspense novel, Mr. Brown takes the format...to blockbuster perfection." (The New York Times)
"Brown solidifies his reputation as one of the most skilled thriller writers on the planet with his best book yet, a compelling blend of history and page-turning suspense." (Library Journal)
"Many notches above the intelligent thriller; this is pure genius." (Nelson DeMille)

I Didn't Sleep the Night I Picked Up This Book

When I first started reading this book early Saturday morning, I did not realize that I would end up neglecting food, shower, bathroom, and sleep for a full 16 hours.
This gripping tale in the quest for the Holy Grail perfectly captures the reader with the main character who, like the reader, is completely unaware of the adventure in store. Brown has character development down to an art and is an expert at providing the reader with information only when appropriate.
I enthusiastically encourage all to share this original and engaging novel!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Surprised at the negative reviews...

I've read some of the reviews of this book and find them surprising. I found the book entertaining, thought provoking, and somewhat educational. I agree with one reviewer that the people who have a problem with this book probably object more to the theme than its plot or how the story is constructed.

I found the reader to be very good, too. I'm not going to get picky about how well someone does a foreign accent. If they get too authentic I probably won't be able to understand what they are saying! Hey, I'm trying to drive while I listen. I value clear diction and good pacing.

In all, if you are looking for an entertaining book, listen to this one.

16 of 18 people found this review helpful

Adjust Your Perspective...

It's important for readers to understand, as many previous reviewers do not, that not all books are works of literature. Chances are that if you are purchasing a(n)(audio)book that appears on the New York Times Bestseller List, it has most of the characteristics that the Average Joe looks for in a book: entertaining, fast-paced, transparent, filled with action (as opposed to thought), and sex.

Although "The Da Vinci Code" features a prudish protagonist that precludes much of the latter, it does serve up an orgy of controversial historical facts that will prod all but the most closed-minded of readers to question their beliefs and research the presented details further. If the indignant one-star-reviewers wanted character development they should have bought some Saul Bellow or Philip Roth. The self-proclaimed writer who fumed, "I wrote better in the 3rd grade" should check her ego and realize that this effective piece of entertainment isn't trying to be deft with the English Language, just thought provoking and fun. I find it funny that those who thought the reading and the book itself was so unbearably horrendous wasted 15+ hours listening to the purported drivel.

Ultimately, this book is great for those who have an interest in religious history and don't mind the cliched plotline and hackneyed characters roughed-in to deliver the truly interesting ideas on the roots of Christianity and the rise of patriarchal society.

74 of 87 people found this review helpful

Great Book

I thought this was a great book. Having studied world religions for 15 years, it's surprisingly accurate. The descriptions of the art and the Louvre were very good as well. Mr, Brown has done his homework.
I actually like the fact and fiction wound together. I guess some won't get it, but as an author you can't write a book for everyone.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Great Narator, Fun, fast-Paced book

Some books are more suitable than others for the audio format. This one made two days of boring sanding and painting go much faster and I enjoyed it a lot!

For one thing, the narrator is excellent, which makes a big difference.

The book has lots of action, a fun mystery and fascinating symbology lore! Very interesting if you don't take it too seriously.

I would definitely go for the unabridged version, rather than for the abridgement, as it would be a shame to miss out on all the age-old conspiracy theories!

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Not deep, but very entertaining!!

If you're looking for a book with deep characters, this probably isn't the book for you. However, if you want to be entertained, this is an awesome book! The accents were laughable and some situations seemed outright rediculous, but the [unabridged] book was very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Great story!

Much has been said and written about The Da Vinci Code and it is worth checking out if you have not already done so. This is following his first book with Robert Langdon, so I would recommend reading Angels & Demons 1st. You can enjoy this without the first one, however starting the trilogy off properly will make this more enjoyable. Well written, educational, and thought-provoking. Loved it! Have not seen the movie and would say the book is worth the read since movies tend to dissapoint. If you saw the movie, this is a MUST read since it has so much more to offer from what I've heard.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I loved the reading of this book!

I really enjoyed the narration. At times I couldn't understand the spelling of certain words or locations, so I picked up the hard back to read along. The audio book is different than the printed version. The audio book is better than the print because there were a few twists that threw the reader's thoughts into a different direction. I would recommend the audio book first, then the print book. Even better is to do both at the same time.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Excellent

I really liked this book. I listen to it in my car on the way to work each day. I also watched the movie and would recommend the book over the movie. I am also going to listen to Angels and Demons.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

good listen

I drive at night and day for lenghts of 10 to 11 hours without stopping. Time went by quickley during the listen. Exellent read, listen.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful