An unbiased book about technology and religion

You would think that a book about religion and technology would involve a lot of science bashing or heretic thought. That's where my fascination for this book came in. I have to admit that when I bought the book, I bought it purely for its title (which is "Illuminati" in german). As I started reading though, I discovered that this book tries (and succeeds) in showing that there is a way for science and religion to co-exist.

I won't go into too much plot detail here, since you should definitly read this book anyway, but suffice to say that the plot twists and turns and keeps you guessing at ever point. I have read my fair share of twisty books, but this one actually made me guess completely wrong, until I gave up in the end and just waited for the next plot line to turn around 180 degrees.

The book is written at a nice, fast pace and visits some of rome's most interesting and well known locations, such as the St. Peter's Basilica and the Piazza Navona. You have the feeling of being taken on a thrill ride that just won't stop. I have been to Rome recently and of course, checked all the locations described in the book, which Dan Brown claims are all authentic. They are! I've been to all the churches on the Path of Illumination and they really exist and look like in the book.

All in all this an extremely well researched book, which can be read for either its entertainment value as a racy thriller or as a balanced look at the century old battle between the church and science, and it even gives us a middle way.
The only downside to this book are the characters. For my part, I found Robert Langdon slightly unbelievable and Vittoria was not developed throughout the book. Apart from that this book is a cracking read! Recommended to all!

: 30 Sep 2004 11:23 |  Tags: Book Reviews |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem