Deception Point has proven to be a typical Dan Brown read thus far. Brown’s style of switching between different characters allows us to follow multiple storylines and see the same parts of the story unfold from different points of view. At certain points the switching also feels like a nag in how it will leave you wanting to know more about one character and then you are whisked away to see some other event. Brown’s shroud of secrecy also seems to be a little over the top. While the whole idea of Delta Force operatives watching unknown people in the
One good bit about the story is the setting. It is rich with political intrigue and unique characters, but also seems to move much like politics does: slow and uninteresting. The fact that it takes Brown 7 “chapters” just to move Rachel from the
All in all, the story so far reads more like a movie script instead of a good book. I can sense the later chapters between Tolland and Rachel will read like The Bourne Identity with the two running from people trying to kill them for any number of boring reasons. It’s still a bit early to tell but I have the feeling that there will be some serious revelations, although they won’t be until the very end and will seem rather abrupt. That has been one of my biggest problems with this “Thriller / Conspiracy” Genre. They do whatever they want for no apparent reason other than making you confused for 500 pages and then just come out for the last 50 and tell you everything. Its akin to being randomly punched in the face by strangers only to be told a week later that you had “punch here” tattooed on your forehead and no one bothered to tell you.
3 comments:
Wow, Dave, you’re such a cynic! You make a lot of good points; they’re harsh, but make sense. I also think its annoying when Brown abruptly switches characters, leaving the reader wondering what happened to the one they are interested in now. I understand what you mean about the intriguing bits of information, but though it’s annoying, it makes me want to know even more, instead of becoming entirely disinterested as you suggest. And I actually do need the lengthy introductions to important parts of the story, because I hardly know anything he doesn’t tell me already. Brown probably presents Air Force One in the way he does, to get the reader to appreciate Rachel’s circumstance. I agree with you that the book reads more like a movie script, but that’s what I think makes it interesting and exciting. I can totally see the “Bourne Identity” thing happening too. I like your end comment about the “punch here” tattoo, but just because you don’t know everything in the story until the end doesn’t mean you’re utterly confused for 500 pages. Interesting thoughts though~
Whitney
I agree with your comment on the over the top secrecy, it feels like every time Brown gets close to letting you figure something out, he takes you to a new character. It's like he doesn't want you to realize what's going on, ever. He wants to be the one to shed the light, even if it means he has to keep you confused for way too long. Apparently the whole point of this book is to keep us guessing until we're too exhausted to think anymore. Though I like suspense in books, Brown needs to get on with it.
Yeah Dave, your right it reads a lot like a Dan Brown story. But I completely disagree with you on the fact that he is too deceptive and switches characters too much. I think that is the only reason while Dan Brown is one of the few authors I like to read. I enjoy all the secrecy and all the useless details, which help me to understand better and I think the secrecy makes it more intriguing. The constant character switches are also another good part of the book; maybe it’s just because I like movies more than I like books, but I think I read better if the plot is constantly shifting. I like the book very well so far.
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