Author: Dan Brown
No. of Pages: 480
Publisher: Doubleday
Year of Publication: 2013
About the Book:
Inferno presents the story of Robert Langdon, who was also the protagonist in Brown’s two other books- Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code. Langdon, a college professor, specialises in symbolism and is a renowned art historian. His characterisation in the books takes him far beyond his classrooms, to places of historical and artistic significance. Inadvertently Langdon gets involved in mysterious events, of worldwide significance. I personally believe Brown has outdone himself in this particular book by creating a tale of winding pathways that criss cross often and take you on a journey so complex that it leaves your head spinning and your hands gripping the book tightly.
Inferno bases itself on the work of Dante Alighieri, the Divine Comedy and the Map of Hell painted by Botticelli. The works themselves are so alluring that you cannot help but be engulfed in the world that Brown has created. In the world that presents a mix of art, history, culture, religion and politics, the issue that he has raised is not uncommon. Talking about over-population and eugenics may not be new. However, the take that he has presented is one that I haven’t come across earlier. The narrative demands that you question your own thoughts, your own place in the world and places you in moral turpitude. Langdon’s inability to answer Brooks’ question is a powerful moment. The overpowering sense can also be attributed to the matter-of-fact manner in which the episode has been written. She asks him what he would do if with the flick of a switch he could kill half the population of the world, if doing so could save the whole of humanity from extinction.
I appreciate his writing because it is detailed and well researcher, but it is neither too long drawn nor boastful. Most importantly, it has given me references to numerous other things that I would like to read, in areas as diverse as biology, medicine, sociology, psychology, religion, and even commerce.
Final Analysis: Enjoyable and gripping. Highly recommended.
Favourite Quotes: Numerous. I choose to mention two here:
“So long as they speak your name, you shall never die.”
“The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.”