Inferno

Inferno

Author: Dan Brown
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Lydia

Author of some of the most famous books of all time—The DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons, and The Lost Symbol—Dan Brown has some big shoes to fill with his latest book titled Inferno. Brown’s recurrent character, the ever-resourceful and extremely intelligent Harvard symbologist named Robert Langdon, is back again for another historical thriller.

Brown’s other novels have dealt with secret societies, priceless paintings, and cryptic codes. This novel is no different, and centers on one of history’s greatest writers, Dante Alighieri, author of the famous epic poem The Divine Comedy. This poem details Dante’s fictional journey through hell. Dante’s poem consists of three separate parts, named Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise.

Brown’s book begins as Robert Langdon wakes up dazed and confused in a hospital in Italy. He has no recollection of the last few days, and is unsure why he is thousands of miles from home. Added to the mystery is the fact that someone—actually, many people—are out to kill Robert Langdon. With the help of his newfound friend Sienna Brooks, Langdon must navigate the city to uncover dark secrets about who his enemies are, and why they are trying to destroy him.

The mystery is connected to Dante’s book, and Langdon must draw on his resources and cunning wit in order to solve puzzles, cryptograms, and codes before the clock runs out. The book is similar in plot and structure to all of Brown’s other works: there is a mystery which must be solved, Langdon solves this mystery with a beautiful woman, and there are bad guys and good guys and a healthy dose of information on paintings and artists. Even though the book is somewhat predictable, I find the puzzles and clues fascinating, as well as Brown’s descriptions of Langdon’s surroundings. Pick up this book for a thrilling academic mystery which you’ll devour in days!