Inferno continues the saga of world renowned Harvard Symbologist, Robert Langdon. I have read all of the books in this series, and although exciting, the evolution of the Robert Langdon character is now becoming somewhat trite. For some reason, the flow of the book seemingly mimicked that of a Bourne novel by Robert Ludlum—including a major spell of amnesia.
One of the most significant discrepancies involves Langdon’s eidetic memory. At times, he is true to form, recalling every detail and description of any and all random things—Ken Jennings, look out! Yet, there are a few times in the novel where this character paradigm is forgotten. Perhaps, it provides Langdon some fallibility to make him more interesting and weak; but with similar paradigms in current movies and television (i.e. Sheldon Cooper, Big Bang Theory, or even Tony Stark, Avengers and Iron Man), Langdon’s obvious human fallibility comes across more as an aberration of the story rather than the character.
In addition, there are so many twists and turns, I feel it actually damages the plot, leaving it extremely implausible and, me, emotionally detached to the characters or story. As soon as I started loving or hating a character, they switched sides—which was so exciting at first—but ultimately, left me dispassionate and apathetic as the flip-flopping continued.
All in all, though, the book is a quick and fun read. Brown definitely played to his strengths,
bringing the romantic details of historical architecture and traveling abroad
to life. In my opinion, the historicity
of the story is another huge drawing point.
Brown masterfully weaves a medieval historical corollary with the futuristic,
apocalyptic threats which accompany modernity.
For fun, culture, or a thrill—or if you are a fan of The Amazing Race—join Robert Langdon on
another journey to save the world, the only way a Harvard Symbologist can…in a
tweed jacket.
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