Book Review: The Lost Symbol

Abraham Lincoln once wrote in a book review: “People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like.” Though Lincoln was certainly writing about a book other than Dan Brown’s recent novel, The Lost Symbol, the quote is extremely applicable.

Those who enjoyed the fast paced informed style of Brown’s writing (Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code), will find more of the same. Those who enjoyed the various puzzles layered on top of each other will again find more of the same. Those who find Brown’s repeated references to [Robert] Langdon’s claustrophobia a bit tiresome, are likely to do so again. Thus, in style and tone, the book is very similar to the last two. So, the question is, how does the book stand on its own merits?

The book, this time set in Washington D.C., weaves a story surrounding the secret society of the Freemasons. It is possible Brown merely wished to avoid the large scale protests that the Catholic church had in response to Brown’s first two Langdon novels. After all what self-respecting secret society member is going to go carry a picket sign in front of a movie theater. More likely, Brown found the Freemasons too interesting a group to pass up writing about. With secret initiations and acceptance of members of every religion, Brown had thousands of symbols to choose from and a wealth of rumor, mythology, and religion at his disposal.

Drawing on every major current and former religion (at least I don’t think there are any Zoroastorists around), Brown raises interesting philosophical questions concerning what is means to be human as well as ones place within the greater universe. As he raises these questions, he provides his own answers, certainly not answers everyone will agree with, but debate is always part of the fun with a Brown book.

While I recommend the book, it is certainly not for everyone. In fact, the book is rather tailor made for me – I have Masonic family, I lived in Washington D.C., I love puzzles, I often use symbols in my work, I have studied history and politics for many years, and the short chapters are great to read with my wife before bed. Ninety-nine percent of the population, probably more, cannot say the same thing. So, why do I think most people will enjoy the book, well, … everyone loves a mystery.

Guest Author Bio: Joshua Milton Anderson teaches and runs tournaments for Silver Knights Chess, as well as some eBay work, and spends his free time on a variety of history/puzzle projects. He lives in Paoli, PA, with his wife, Brandy, and a menagerie of plants and animals.