Despite the "Gates of Hell" controversy involving Dan Brown's latest novel, I decided to read it. As much as possible, I try to be tolerant of my fellow human beings and respect them for their personal views and opinions. I understand they have a right to express whatever they feel and whether it is offensive or controversial is beyond the point.
I had made up my mind to read "Inferno" the moment I heard Dan Brown had a new novel. And the controversy in no way influenced me to grab a copy. It was just an after thought or like an extra bonus that comes with a promo priced item.
"Inferno" is the second book I am reading on my computer and not in hard bound or paper back form. The first one was a sleazy novel and come to think of it, I haven't read parts 2 and 3 of that yet another controversial book.
The advantage is I don't fall asleep while reading because I have to sit up and glue my eyes to the monitor while the con is I have so many distractions (like playing Candy Crush and chatting on Skype with my sister) as I tend to multitask while I am online.
I am still in the middle part of the novel as I like to take my time reading each page. I also have this habit of googling for images of the venues which Dan Brown so elaborately describes in his books. That way I add a more visual approach to the text.
It also helps that I've visited the places he mentions so it serves as a walk down memory lane of my trips to Florence and Venice, Italy. Although it wasn't as thrilling and as adventurous as the one that Robert Langdon is experiencing in the novel, it still puts me in a nostalgic mood.
This was taken in March 2001 in front of the Fountain of Neptune in Florence, Italy. It is situated on the Piazza della Signoria (Signoria square) adjacent of the imposing Palazzo Vecchio.
6 comments:
i'm not up to date with the controversy, but what is it about the book that many pinoys are up in arms and making a lot of noise? do you think there cause or simply overreaction?
A character in the novel describes "Manila" as "The Gates of Hell". I haven't reached that part of the book yet so I don't know if it was taken in context or not.
My say on this controversy is that Dan Brown is an author and he has what is called an artistic freedom to express his views. Given that it is a fictional book, I think people are over reacting.
So given my stance that people have the right to express their opinions, I figure every single one is free to state whatever they feel about the "Gates of Hell" part.
Me, I am not offended at all and that's my view on the matter.
I am reading the book as well. Although it's been unattended for a week now as I've been busy with my appointments. I've read his other books as well - Angels and Demons and Da Vinci Code. I think some people over reacted to the 'gates of hell' description of Manila.
How is it so far? It's on my To Be Read list. Haven't gotten into a Dan Brown mood yet. I think that whole Gates of Hell thing was just too much! I wasn't offended by it at all. Manila's far from perfect and has its hell-ish moments. But that's his opinion, right? You and I share similar views.
Yes Kayni I was away so I took a break from reading it as well. I like his other novels too. They are well researched and very detail oriented.
Toni so far it has held my interest but it isn't a book you'd want to finish right away. That is probably just me as I am not a fast reader as I like to absorb the details and visualize the places. he he he
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