Suspense Annotation: Origin: A Novel, by Dan Brown
Author: Dan Brown
Title: Origin: A Novel
Genre: Suspense
Publication Date: 2017
Number of Pages: 461
Geographical Setting: Spain
Time Period: Contemporary
Series: Robert Langdon #5
Plot Summary: Harvard professor of symbology
and religious iconography Robert Langdon (of the Da Vinci Code) travels to the
Guggenheim museum in Spain at the behest of former student and controversial tech
billionaire Edmond Kirsch to observe his presentation of a scientific discovery
that he claims will change the world. When Kirsch is murdered before the eyes
of the watching world, Langdon and Kirsch’s colleague, museum director Ambra
Vida, with the assistance of an AI program created by Kirsch named Winston, are
plunged into a race to crack Kirsch’s password to launch the presentation with
the hopes that whoever killed him and is pursuing them will be stopped. In one
frantic night the duo evades the threats of a mysterious assassin, and race to
crack the code that will unlock the discovery, never knowing who or what to
trust as a social media firestorm erupts online. Ambra and Robert are unsure if
they can trust her royal fiancée the Prince of Spain, the government authorities
and police, or the enigmatic religious advisor to the Spanish royal family. Bodies
pile up as the specter of secret societies bent on the destruction of Kirsch’s
innovative work hovers over the pair, and unknown forces seek to silence Kirsch’s
attempt to answer existential questions about humanity, “Who are we and where
are we going?” Puzzles that are keys to unlock Kirsch’s password abound as art,
architecture, and the beauty of Spain provide the rich and exciting backdrop for
this suspensful, twist filled, fast-paced race against the clock to survive the
night, as Langdon and Ambra become the mysterious conspiracy’s head -The Regent’s-
next target for death.
Subject Headings: Langdon, Robert (Fictitious
character) > Fiction. Cryptographers > Fiction. Human beings > Origin
> Fiction. Spain > Fiction. Gaudi, Antoni (artist) > art>
architecture > Fiction. Artificial intelligence > Fiction. Code and
Cipher stories > Fiction. Conspiracies > Secret Societies > Fiction.
Appeal: Fast paced, intricate plot, building
tension
3 terms that best describe this book: page
turner, complicated puzzles, exciting setting
Similar Authors and Works
3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors
TheReincarnationist - M.J. Rose- Secrets, hidden history and danger lurk in this
suspenseful thriller, set in the present and in the past of characters’
previous lives in ancient Rome. A shadowy, mysterious organization,
archeological discoveries, and lost treasures are part of complicated plot that
like Brown’s Origin, hints that the
answer to questions about human existence are knowable, but will be discovered
at a high cost.
The Gaudi Key -Esteban Martin, Andreu Carranza - If readers enjoyed Origin and were intrigued by the art and architecture of Antoni Gaudi that played such a large role in the plot and liked the beautiful Spanish setting featured in Origin, they might be interested in following that read with this conspiracy filled suspense thriller based on the work of Gaudi. Written in the vein of the Da Vinci Code and Origin.
3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors
Gaudi (Taschen BasicArchitecture) by Maria Antoinetta Crippa, Peter Gossel. This title offers an
overview of the Spanish architect’s work, with beautiful photographs and useful
information for readers seeking to learn more about one of the key elements of
Dan Brown’s plot in Origin.
Gaudi: A Biography – Gijs van Hensbergen. This biography explores the life of Antoni Gaudi, once the most famous architect in
the world and creator of modern masterpieces that continue to influence and
fascinate modern viewers. Readers of Brown’s Origin who were fascinated by the setting in Spain and the large
role played by Gaudi’s work, may enjoy learning more about the fascinating
architect’s life and his dynamic and innovative architecture.
Franco: A Personal and PoliticalBiography – Stanley G. Payen, Jesus Palacios - The haunting specter of fascism in Spain’s modern history permeates Dan Brown’s Origin, as the protagonists are threatened by reactionary forces that seek to return to Spain's fascist past. The history of General Francisco Franco, the dictator who brutally ruled Spain for forty years, is the subject of this biography. This work is particularly of relevance given the recent resurgence of fascism and white supremacy movements in Europe and the United States; trends Brown’s Origin subtlety evokes.
Interesting graphics! These are definitely handy little guides for "further reading" if one liked Origin. I appreciate that you grouped the books by what might've appealed to a reader so they can zone in on what they enjoy and not have to worry about the parts they didn't enjoy so much. That you've given relevant works in both fiction and nonfiction so that readers might enjoy a little more background is also helpful. Sometimes books we enjoy stick with us, and we want to read anything and everything that have even the most remote thing in common with them. This is a super helpful guide in that respect, especially if you just can't stop thinking about Gaudi architecture.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I tried the grouping because I was thinking about Sarick's suggestion to offer suggestions that help reader's branch out. I found several books that had similar elements, but not all readers will want to read something exactly like the book. I also tried to balance what I liked and what others might like when formulating suggestions. As for Gauid, I can't stop thinking about it. I'm thinking of going to Spain!
DeleteYour synopsis of the book made me want to read it. I read "The DaVinci Code" during its original craze (2004?) and I could not put it down. To be honest, I had no idea there were more Robert Langdon books. I also liked the descriptions of the read-alike books.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I really enjoyed it. I literally couldn't resist turning the page. The pace was relentless. Reviews of Origin are pretty bad, but that doesn't mean anything to me. When it comes to enjoying a book, who cares? I thought it was so fun! When you order a hamburger, you don't complain that its not filet mignon. This book is a big juicy hamburger, and it was delicious!
DeleteI love you analogy of the burger! And that is the best attitude to have. Always keep an open mind because no one reads the same book "the same way."
DeleteYour description really made me want to read this book. I enjoyed The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons, and this sounds really great as well. I like the groupings of the read-a-likes. That is an excellent way to help the reader make a decision. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWow! You really covered your bases with this annotation. The graphics are well done and everything is well organized. I've looked at some of the other annotations, and it's really cool to see how people approach them differently. What made you choose this format?
ReplyDeleteRicke, I was drawn to your post because Dan Brown's Origin is on my shelf to read. When I first read The Da Vinci Code years ago, I (like so many others) was so intrigued that I went back and read all 3 of his previous works, Digital Fortress, Deception Point, and Angels and Demons. (Isn't it amazing how "overnight success" can jumpstart older books to STARDOM? Here's looking at you, John Grisham's A Time to Kill!)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved your boxes, your clever graphics, and your suggestions of other works to try. Other students have commented already, but you really did cover all the bases pulling out any and all possible plot points or style elements or settings that might have hooked the readers on Origin.
I also loved that you included The Templar Legacy in your list of non-fiction choices. That's a must read for any fan of Robert Langdon. Great job!
Oops...me again. My bad: The Templar Legacy is FICTION. Here's an excellent NON-fiction work about the Templars: The Templars by Dan Jones. Here is a link to a starred review in Kirkus: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/dan-jones/the-templars-jones/
ReplyDeleteI am now wanting to read The Templer Legacy, I love conspiracies! I have never really give Dan Brown's work too much thought. I might have to pick up the audio version of Origin now after reading your review. Also amazing use of graphics, it kept my attention throughout the post.
ReplyDeleteI love complicated puzzles. I have never read any of Dan Brown's books or watched the movies; but this makes me want to. I'm going to have to see what I've been missing out on. I like how you set up the similar authors and works section.
ReplyDeleteFantastic annotation! Full points! I absolutely love your graphics and groupings! What a great way to pinpoint different appeals of the book! Your summary and read alikes are also spot on. I've been meaning to read this one, I've only read 3 out of the series and I need to buckle down and finish them already!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you annotated this book! Since National Library Service buys the rights to record our audio books, it can take up to a year to get new books, and my patrons are asking about it on a daily basis. I loved the DaVinci Code, but have not read any others by him. However, with all of your information about Spain and Anton Gaudi, I am really excited about this one. I became obsessed with that that architecture in college when one of my room mates was studying him, so I am especially interested in your relevant non-fiction. The connections to the Knights Templar is also something I found interesting-how The DaVinci Code brought Templar into the forefront of people's minds, even though the stories have been around forever. I wonder if the same thing will happen to Gaudi now that Dan Brown has set his sights on him?
ReplyDelete