Angels and Demons

[Rob67]

I would like to share my thoughts on a book I just read. “Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown.

I expected a book that keeps me reading instead I found a book that didn’t let me do anything else. It’s an astonishing read. The story is absolute gripping , and the way it is written – wow.
That is what I call escapism to let one forget everything around and just get tied to the book.
After “Deception Point” and “The Da Vinci Code” , “Angels and Demons” is the third book I’ve read by Dan Brown and all of them are real masterpieces.

One can gain a lot by reading “Angels and Demons” and that’s why I absolutely recommend it. Have fun reading it, if you haven’t done so already. And don’t take the short cut watching the movie before you have read the book, it’s not worth it – to much is missing.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Steel yourself, Rob....

[hillwalker]

The words 'masterpiece' and 'Dan Brown' go together like 'cannibalism' and 'vegetarianism'.

It's almost impossible to envisage a greater dichotomy. You are obviously "literally challenged" (putting it politely) or you're pulling our legs.

H

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

There's really no need to be mean, hill. He described it as escapism and fun, which is what it is, and does it arguably well. It's not like he compared it to Moby Dick or Dante. I don't see the point in insulting a new member like that--maybe you could do something instructive and explain your reasons or recommend what you feel is better literature of the same type as Brown's, rather than choosing to be a jerk.

[BienvenuJDC]

There are many books that I have read, while not necessarily masterpieces, that have keep me entertained. I've not read any of Dan Brown's works, but I don't think that people need to be so bold about their opinions. If Rob enjoyed this work, then it must have been a successful in entertaining some (actually many) people. I've heard people condemn the Harry Potter series as well. I find that to be literary arrogance. Everyone has different tastes. I think that is wonderful.

[Darcy88]

He did call them masterpieces.

[hillwalker]

maybe you could do something instructive and explain your reasons or recommend what you feel is better literature of the same type as Brown's, rather than choosing to be a jerk.

You're correct, of course. He caught me in a moment of cynicism.

I also enjoy escapist literature - crime thrillers in particular (Michael Connelly, Jo Nesbo, John Grisham, Scott Turow, Harlan Coben). Some is expertly written - some less so - but none are masterpieces.

Unfortunately having read some of Dan Brown's turgid, ponderous material it's obvious his writing is purely plot-driven. His characters are portrayed as cartoon characters. And the number of absurd coincidences and wonky plot developments makes it impossible to follow at times. So to read such gushing nonsense about Brown's literary skills made me spit out my original response in haste-


the way it's written - wow

Wow indeed, but not the kind of wow the OP had in mind.

So, apologies for the nature of the rant but not for the spirit of the response. There's some excellent escapist literature out there just as awesome and gripping but written with flair. The next thing we know someone will be hailing James Patterson as the next James Ellroy.

H

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

If that comment was made to an established member, I wouldn't have cared. I just don't want to scare off new members.

I think his use of calling it a masterpiece should be taken in the context he put it--a masterpiece of fun and escapism. Now, I don't think it is. I liked Da Vinci Code a lot, actually, but found the plot twists in A&D to be a bit too ridiculous, like you said, hill. It was still fun, though.


There are many books that I have read, while not necessarily masterpieces, that have keep me entertained. I've not read any of Dan Brown's works, but I don't think that people need to be so bold about their opinions. If Rob enjoyed this work, then it must have been a successful in entertaining some (actually many) people. I've heard people condemn the Harry Potter series as well. I find that to be literary arrogance. Everyone has different tastes. I think that is wonderful.

:nod:

[KCurtis]

The words 'masterpiece' and 'Dan Brown' go together like 'cannibalism' and 'vegetarianism'.

It's almost impossible to envisage a greater dichotomy. You are obviously "literally challenged" (putting it politely) or you're pulling our legs.


You really said this in a mean way, you could have said it better.



There's really no need to be mean, hill. He described it as escapism and fun, which is what it is, and does it arguably well. It's not like he compared it to Moby Dick or Dante. I don't see the point in insulting a new member like that--maybe you could do something instructive and explain your reasons or recommend what you feel is better literature of the same type as Brown's, rather than choosing to be a jerk.

You're right, has this person now left the forum? I hope not.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Maybe he has, though someone who comes, makes a few posts and never comes back isn't really a rarity, and can hardly be the sole fault of Hill.

[Darcy88]

I don't blame Hill. Someone comes on to a literature forum saying that the works of Dan Brown are masterpieces, I'm surprised he got off as lightly as he did.

And I don't fault him for enjoying Dan Brown. I just hope his reading doesn't stop there. I might not be reading great books now if I hadn't started with John Grisham novels when I was a kid.

[Delta40]

This is the introduction forum. We don't need dobermans waiting at the door. I read Bunty annuals for God sake and would urge anyone to read those because they give me a great deal of pleasure. Rob67 shared just that and now possibly won't return thanks to posters whose opinions precede a courteous welcome.

[Rob67]

Hi guys!

Thanks for all the comments, I certainly didn't expect to get that much of a response.
Allow me though to reflect on your feedback.
First I want to mention that I’m not an English native speaker and my choice or words therefore might not be at its best. And second I’m not an expert in literature, I just enjoy reading good books. And that is exactly what “Angels and Demons” was, an exceptional good read to me. I accept and appreciate your opinion though, but it would be more helpful if someone would offer me positive criticism.

Maybe you know something positive about the book I’m reading now. “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens.

[MANICHAEAN]

Now your talking!

If you are not a native English speaker as you indicate, then you are on the right track with Dickens.

Welcome aboard Lit Net.

M.

[Delta40]

:hurray: Well I'm glad you're back Rob. I'm not a literary person but there are plenty of people who are. Perhaps you should post in the Charles Dickens forum where you're likely to get more feedback. http://www.online-literature.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=128

Welcome to Lit-Net btw

[Rob67]

Here are my thoughts on Oliver Twist

Even though its written in a style I’m not really accustomed with, the story, and the way it is presented by the narrator, is quite interesting. It in a way enables me to see the world of the early 19th century through the narrator’s eyes. – An eye-opening journey.
I could imagine that, at the time the book was published, it left many people shaken. To have a mirror held before them reflecting how they treat the poor is some kind of a bitter pill to swallow.

[KCurtis]

Hi guys!

Thanks for all the comments, I certainly didn't expect to get that much of a response.
Allow me though to reflect on your feedback.
First I want to mention that I’m not an English native speaker and my choice or words therefore might not be at its best. And second I’m not an expert in literature, I just enjoy reading good books. And that is exactly what “Angels and Demons” was, an exceptional good read to me. I accept and appreciate your opinion though, but it would be more helpful if someone would offer me positive criticism.

Maybe you know something positive about the book I’m reading now. “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens.
What a GREAT comeback!!!! Oliver Twist by Dickens-wonderful! You are a well rounded person, nice to see you post again.

[KCurtis]

This is the introduction forum. We don't need dobermans waiting at the door. I read Bunty annuals for God sake and would urge anyone to read those because they give me a great deal of pleasure. Rob67 shared just that and now possibly won't return thanks to posters whose opinions precede a courteous welcome.
You are quite right, and he did return!!!

[Delta40]

You are quite right, and he did return!!!

:cheers2:

[qimissung]

That's quite a leap, Rob, from Brown to Dickens. I haven't read any of Dan Brown's books, and actually, I've only read a few of Dickens, but I enjoy a good escapist read. In fact for a long time that's mostly what I read and why I read.

I think you came to the right place. We love to read, we love to express our opinions on what we've read, and sometimes I think more than anything else, we love to argue about what we read. :D We are nothing if not passionate, anyway.

Welcome aboard!