Today, June 22, 2024, the American best-selling author Dan Brown blows out 60 candles. His novels, translated into more than 56 languages, have sold over 200 million copies. The immense success achieved, which exploded with “The Da Vinci Code”, consecrated Brown as the undisputed master of the American thriller, making him one of the best known and most appreciated writers in the world. Some of his novels were transformed into record-breaking cinematographic works, which gave the iconic character of Robert Langdon the face of actor Tom Hanks in the common imagination. To celebrate his birthday, here are five works by him that are definitely worth a read.
Da Vinci’s code
“The Da Vinci Code” is undoubtedly Dan Brown’s most successful novel, published in 2003. The plot follows the adventures of symbology professor Robert Langdon. While in Paris to present his book, Langdon becomes involved in an intricate mystery: the brutal murder of the curator of the Louvre, Jacques Saunière. Initially suspected of the crime, Langdon must solve a series of hidden puzzles related to the crime. This thriller involves you on a treasure hunt to discover a secret that could change the history of humanity. The book was a global success, leading to the production of the film of the same name directed by Ron Howard, with Tom Hanks in the role of Langdon.
Angels and Demons
Originally published in 2000, but then republished in 2004 following the success of “The Da Vinci Code”, “Angels and Demons” is the first novel starring Robert Langdon. The story sees Langdon involved in a race against time to reveal the secrets of the Illuminati, a powerful secret society of Christian scientists deeply infiltrated worldwide in the most important political, economic and religious institutions. The narrative takes place between Geneva, Rome and Vatican City, with Langdon unraveling mysteries and solving puzzles through ancient symbols and religious art. The book’s success led to a film adaptation in 2009, directed once again by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks in the lead role.
The lost symbol
“The Lost Symbol”, published in 2009, sees Robert Langdon at the center of another adventure this time in Washington. The plot revolves around the discovery of a worrying message: a severed hand with the thumb and forefinger pointing towards the ceiling. The professor must therefore retrace and decipher all the symbols left by the founding fathers on the oldest architecture of the city. Again, a series was born from the book which debuted in September 2021.
Crypto
“Crypto” is a 1998 novel that only reached Italy in 2006, following the popularity of Dan Brown’s other books. The protagonist of the volume is Susan Fletcher, a brilliant cryptologist at the National Security Agency. The plot revolves around a dangerous decryption program that threatens national security. Fletcher must navigate international intrigue and state secrets to save the world from imminent danger.
Origin
“Origin”, published in 2017, is, to date, Robert Langdon’s latest adventure. The professor is involved in an adventure based on symbols, religion and science, set in Spain, between Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona and Seville. Langdon is invited to the Guggenheim in Bilbao to attend the presentation of a revolutionary discovery that could change the history of humanity. However, the evening is abruptly interrupted and he finds himself having to protect the guests and discover the hidden truth behind the discovery.
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