The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a fantastic mystery-thriller.

It is a reflection on the darkness of human nature, depicting lies and betrayals, political power struggles, selfish actions fueled by pride and fear, and murder. But it is also a reflection on joy. Throughout the novel, the values of trust, family, and loyalty are strongly emphasized.

As a philosophical novel, it offers reflections on society and human nature, uncovering a veil which says the power of belief is stronger than the power of truth. This veil is revealed by Robert Langdon, a fictional Harvard professor known for his work with symbols and religious icons, caught in the center of a homicide investigation. He is loyal, intelligent, charming and often criticized by his colleagues for being arrogant and a nonbeliever. As the novel opens, Langdon is awoken in the middle of the night by an officer of the Parisian Judicial Police and summoned to the Louvre, where a horrific murder has taken place. He is told his expertise is needed, along with police cryptographer Sophie Neveu, to help decode cryptic messages to solve the murder. Throughout the novel, Langdon discovers the mysteries hidden in Da Vinci’s most influential masterpieces such as the Vitruvian Man, the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.

The Da Vinci Code was very controversial when first published, and provoked debates about the beginnings of Christianity. A decade since its publication, it is still subject to vigorous debates about the lives of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and the Roman Catholic Church itself. There were some that said that the ideas presented in the book were preposterous and imaginary. Yet others agreed with the image painted by Dan Brown. For example, Carlos Pedretti, one of the world’s leading Da Vinci experts and head of the Leonardo Institute in Florence, Italy, says that the figure next to Jesus in the Last Supper clearly appears to be a woman. Claims about early biblical history include the eradication of the sacred feminine from history. The novel draws upon certain objects that were once associated with the sacred feminine, although these symbols later became associated with other things. And the book implies that the symbol of a hexagram, or six pointed star such as the Star of David, may be a symbol of the male and female joining in perfect harmony.

But isn’t it just a novel? Is Brown really arguing for anything? If not, why do people take a fictional story so seriously?

The answer is that The Da Vinci Code does not come across as pure fiction. It comes across as possible reality. Although most of the ideas proposed in the book may be convoluted and controversial, they still provide reasons for people to believe in them. Just because an idea isn’t true does not mean it isn’t powerful. Ideas only have power because people believe in them.

Dan Brown claims that The Da Vinci Code contains solid evidence, not only from Da Vinci’s paintings, but from authentic documents and the bible itself. Historians and scholars have devoted their time to studying his argument and some believe it to be true. Others before him have published books on the subject, such as Secrets of Mary Magdalene, by bestselling authors Dan Burstein and Arne De Keijzer. In the acknowledgments, Brown states that the art, architecture, and secret societies he describes are real. The art and architecture do exist, and Opus Dei is an actual institution within the Catholic Church.

The novel presents ideas that could be perceived as an attack on the Catholic Church; points that discredit Saint Peter’s claim as head of the church, or show women as equals in the early church doctrines. The book was banned in some places in the United States and in some other countries. The ideas in The Da Vinci Code almost blur the boundary between Dan Brown’s world and our own.

From a literary perspective, the novel is well-crafted. It is a fast-paced story with incredible descriptions and compelling characters. Throughout, we are presented with a variety of fully realized, believable characters. They represent real people, with each character having specific flaws, living in a real society.

I found the albino character, Silas of the secret society Opus Dei, an intriguing character. His story is presented as one of redemption. As a child, he was repeated abused by his father; by the end of the novel he has learned to understand god’s love, and the love in forgiveness. The Bishop character, who Silas saw as his true father, was also presented in an interesting manner. He realizes too late that Silas is being used for evil purposes, but also loves him as a son. The Bishop’s last words to Silas were, “Forgiveness is God’s greatest gift.” Their stories show the humanity, the power, and diversity of thought within the church and its members.

I gave the novel 4 out of 5 stars. The book is thrilling, so I recommend it to individuals interested in psychology and religion, as well as mystery and conspiracy lovers. While it can be slow to start, it swiftly moves the reader into its characters, setting, and plot. Although the book is a thriller, it can be included in the genre of philosophical fiction. I enjoyed Dan Brown’s writing style, which was exciting during the action scenes, but slowed when discussing the finer points of family, belief, and love.

The Da Vinci Code can be criticized and debated for its ideas, but it shows us that life is not simply painted on a black and white canvas; and more importantly, that art can reveal the power of belief. By the end of the book, it is suggested that Langdon discovers the value and power of faith. If faith is placed in something, it becomes meaningful and true; I believe this is the lesson of The Da Vinci Code.

I’ll leave you to ponder what these words mean…

“The Holy Grail ‘neath ancient Roslin waits.

The blade and chalice guarding o’er Her gates.

Adorned in masters’ loving art, She lies.

She rests at last beneath the starry skies.”