This book is strong in story and setting.
Summary:
Four brainy roommates at Princeton try to stay alive after two of them
become obsessed with solving a mysterious and rare 15th-century manuscript, the
Hypnerotomachia Poliphili (a real book) that contains embedded codes revealing the
location of a buried Roman treasure. Romances, dangers and even murder ensue.
I might recommend this book.
Why?
Of course it's being compared to The Da Vinci Code but this is better
written. One reviewer said "think Dan Brown by way of Donna Tartt and Umberto
Eco."
You have to wade through so many meaty topics -- etymology, Renaissance
art and architecture, Princeton eating clubs, riddles and codes and rare
manuscripts -- that it's a complicated and sometimes difficult read. Reviews
were rave, and obviously the authors are scholars, but the characters seem flat
and even unlikable. But it'll keep you turning the pages!
Other suggested reading:
- Donna Tartt's The Secret History has a similar academic setting.
- If you like books with a similar tone and theme to Dan Brown, try Daniel Silva or John Case.
Employee Initials: SB
Review Date: July 2004
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