I've enjoyed the way I have been doing the chapter synopsis for ASOIAF, so much that I've decided to do a chapter by chapter synopsis of the book I'm currently reading. Dan Brown's Origins is the fifth book in the Robert Langdon series. I really enjoyed The Da Vinci Code which is what introduced me to Dan Brown. This will be slightly different, though because I haven't actually read this book. So let's dive right in with Origins.
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Origins Prologue
We first meet Edmund Kirsch. He's 40 and specializes in game theory and computer modeling. Game theory is a field of mathematics that studies patterns in order to make predictions about the future. Kirsch has made a few major predictions regarding technology and science that are extremely accurate. He predicted a monatary crisis in Europe, but no one listened to him. So he wrote a program that managed to save the EU from collapse.
Edmund is riding a cogwheel train up the mountains side. He requested a meeting with three of the world's prominent religious leaders. He believes he has made a discovery that he wants to share with the leaders before making it public. Bishop Antonio Valdespino meets him when the train arrives. They exchange banter trying to learn more about one another, while Valdespino leads Kirsch to the meeting.
The Parliament of World's Religion had just met in Spain, so Kirsch took advantage of the close proximity to his home. Valdespino leads Kirsch to the library of Montserrat, famed for its secrecy. Valdespino introduces Kirsch to the two other men waiting in the library, Rabbi Yehuda Köves, and Syed al-Fadl.
He tells them he has made a scientific discovery that will directly effect those of faith. He wanted to consult with a few of the influential religious leaders to gain insight to the reaction of those it will directly effect. Kirsch thinks that it won't just shake the foundation of all religions, but shatter it all together. He explains to the men that he plans on announcing it in a months time but, in actuality, has prepared the announcement for three days. He pulls out a specially made cell phone and plays for them a rough presentation.
The prologue does a good job of hooking you in. Brown gives just enough information that makes the pages keep turning. We are left wondering what this discovery is, or how these major religious leaders react to the presentation.
I have been a fan of Dan Brown since The Da Vinci Code so it's nothing new for me to be hooked even before opening the book. Brown uses a wide array of beautiful locations that allows the reader to travel the world. For someone like myself who is not diversified in traveling, it's awesome to read about these new and exotic places.
He also works so much factual information into the narrative, the lines between fact and fiction begin to blur. It's hard to distinguish which are real locations, people, or events. To me, that makes a story so much more realistic and enjoyable. I have recommended his writing many times over and will continue to do so.
So this was the prologue of Origins. I wanted to try the synopsis idea on the book I'm currently reading as well as the ASOIAF. I always have a book close, so I hope to be able to share complete synopsis with you all as time passes.
As always, thank you for your time. It's the most precious gift you can give anyone and I appreciate any and all who share theirs with me.
-Bran the Builder