Sunday, September 21, 2008
I really like Deception Point so far. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I realized Dan Brown was bringing aliens into the mix, but the science behind it makes it more credible. I enjoyed reading the politics of the book, and Brown’s writing technique (switching between the characters) makes it more intriguing. Rachel is the only person whose thoughts are completely revealed, but you also get the view point of each character. I do have one grievance however, Senator Sexton has been made into evil incarnate, and Zach Herney is seemingly incorruptible. Not only did Sexton cheat on his wife, but he used her death to gain sympathy for politics, then he sleeps with his assistant (major stereotype), and now he is getting illegal funds from mysterious people in vans. Politicians have their problems but none are so completely heinous, and definitely none are completely good. Senator Sexton and Zach Herney just seem a bit one dimensional to me. Other than that the book has been great, I haven’t been able to put it down because of all the questions I want answered. My biggest one, what is this big deception and who is behind it? Is it someone we have already met, or will a new character be introduced? I cannot wait for the answers to these questions to be divulged.
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2 comments:
I have to agree with you on the fact that when I first read that the "big secret" was that there were aliens, I found it a bit cliché. After reading on though, the use of real, existing technology made the book have a different twist to it. While some of the characters are a bit stereotypical, you do have to have the "bad guy" and the alter ego "good guy" in just about any action story. Sometimes Brown does go a bit over the top with the over exaggeration of those traits however. My unanswered questions keep propelling me to read further. Especially since most aren't answered right away, but instead, a few chapters after they are first introduced. The ending of chapters never gives you closure. They simply partially answer one question while presenting you with another. So instead of being able to finish the chapter and have some sense of being fulfilled, you feel like you have to read another four chapters just to get back to the same part of the story line that you're following. Overall though I've found the book great so far.
While Brown’s writing technique makes it more intriguing, it sometimes seems a little overdone. While the switching between characters is a nice way to get to know them all, it leaves many questions unanswered when suddenly the new chapter switches to a side plot. All the unanswered questions eventually just make me want to sit back and read without thinking about what the answers might be. I agree with you about the too black and white characters of Herney and Sexton. However, if I were Brown I probably would’ve picked a different name for someone so good. I can’t help but think of a hernia every time I read Herney’s name, which kind of ruins the effect. Instead of thinking about how he is the powerful, awe-inspiring, “perfect” president, I end up thinking “What a weird name.” While it is easier to criticize it, I think the book is still pretty good so far.
Lindsay
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