The Da Vinci Code is a mystery novel written by Dan Brown (b. 1964) and first published by Random House in 2003. It has become a global bestseller, with more than 80 million copies sold and translated to 44 languages.
By combining the genres of detective thrillers and New Age esotericism , with a conspiracy theory concerning the Holy Grail and the role of Mary Magdalene in the life of Jesus of Nazareth , the novel spurred widespread interest (especially in the United States) in certain conspiracy theories “concocted in the shadows by hidden powers,” a phenomenon that Dan Brown himself defined as the “conspiracy boom.”
The Da Vinci Code has a storyline of novel detective mixed with symbolism, religion , ancient pagan rituals and secret societies. It is a controversial work that questions some principles of the Catholic Church and especially of the Catholic sect Opus Dei . It was strongly criticized by the Vatican (the seat of Catholicism). The followers of the work argue that – although the work contains several real data – it is only a novel. Among other details, this work shows a description of the personal mortification to which members of Opus Dei voluntarily submit.
Synopsis
As a puzzle you can define this novel that focuses on the murder of Jacques Saunière; who, apart from working in the art museum in France , is the last Grand Master of a secret society called the Priory of Sion , whose descent goes back to the ancient Knights Templar , and the clues that this one leaves in the place of his death. To decipher these traces, the police contact the expert in symbology, Robert Langdon, who together with the murdered’s niece, Sofia, begin to discover a series of situations that are related to different relevant characters, among which is Leonardo Da Vinci. These clues lead the characters through a series of mazes that will put the reader on their toes and lead them to discover a secret that the church has jealously guarded for years.
Taken to the movies
The Da Vinci Code – original English title: The Da Vinci Code – is a 2006 American film, directed by Ron Howard , with Tom Hanks , Audrey Tautou , Alfred Molina , Jean Reno , Paul Bettany and Ian McKellen in the main roles.
The film sparked a controversy with the Catholic Church , due to some controversial interpretations of the history of Christianity. Some Catholic religious leaders advised their faithful not to see the film.