Wednesday, April 26, 2006

The Da Vinci Code

I long ago promised myself that I would not give $18 to Dan Brown nor would I scorn the book entirely: I'd just wait for paper. I'm not very deep into the book but this is proving a particularly happy moment to read it. The dear one's baby sister is due to arrive any day--like her older sister, she is taking her time and waiting beyond her due date--and nothing kills the hours of counting contractions and going to the seventh or eighth "final" doctor's appointment better than a book about "the sacred feminine" and a bunch of strange men who believe that pain is good...

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Funny, I read it when I was pregnant too. It was an okay distraction. The thing that disturbed me, though, was that there were many details that you would hope to be true, that are pure inventions - right down to the geography of Paris. It would have been nice to think the story was at least possible, or that I was perhaps learning something about art history and religion, but I kept stopping, thinking "now wait, that wouldn't work...."

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I know, it's fiction...

Anonymous said...

You're right -- now is a great time to read it. As Jessica says, it's an "okay distraction." I actually read it (a borrowed copy) on the plane flying home from Paris. It's a good book to read while you wait for something that will inevitably occur, but will certainly take much too long.

Oh, and good luck! We're rooting for you!

Louise said...

I heard a podcast only the other day saying how the DVC publishers had not bothered bringing out a paperback just yet because it was making so much money in hardback. I wish you the very best of luck, in getting through it (I've read one page; that was enough), and over the next few days.

Lots of love,

Louise

Anonymous said...

While the writing is awful, the plot hooked me completely. I read it during a hurricane, on the couch, w/ a flashlight after we lost power. It's a GREAT distraction.
Wishing you all the best w/ the "other" distraction...

Patty

Sam Grossman said...

thank goodness for distractions. thinking of you! lisa

Sarahlynn said...

I had no idea! Congratulations, best wishes, and good luck, all at once!

I found The DaVinci Code to be an engrossing read. I am forcing myself not to qualify that with a critique of it. It is what it is (the novel never set out to be high art) and the author is a good storyteller. I was most glad for the discussions the book raised.

Anonymous said...

I read Holy Blood, Holy Grail about ten years ago, or bleeding chunks of it, in a library. The subject matter is of some interest to anyone with some background in Arthurian studies or even just an interest in esoterica. I didn't dream at the time it would save me having to read something else! Best wishes for a quick and easy delivery, Anne. I think all babies should be second children - it's usually a better trip.