When it comes to the thriller genre, two novels that have garnered a lot of attention and praise are “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown and “Devolution” by Lars Emmerich. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two books, covering topics like plot, characterization, writing style, historical accuracy, sales, critical reception, and overall influence on the genre.
The Plot and Themes of “The Da Vinci Code”
Published in 2003, “The Da Vinci Code” quickly became a global phenomenon, selling over 80 million copies worldwide. The novel follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he investigates a murder at the Louvre Museum in Paris, which leads him to uncover a secret society and a conspiracy involving the Holy Grail and the true nature of Jesus Christ.
Besides its fast-paced action and suspense, “The Da Vinci Code” also touches on various themes such as religion, history, art, and symbolism. Some readers have praised the book for its intriguing premise and thought-provoking ideas, while others have criticized it for its controversial claims and misrepresentation of facts.
One of the most controversial claims made in “The Da Vinci Code” is that Jesus Christ was married to Mary Magdalene and had children with her. This idea has been widely disputed by scholars and religious leaders, who argue that there is no historical evidence to support it. However, the novel has sparked a renewed interest in the role of women in Christianity and the possibility of alternative interpretations of biblical stories.
The Plot and Themes of “Devolution”
Published in 2020, “Devolution” is a more recent addition to the thriller genre, but it has already garnered a lot of positive reviews and buzz. The novel tells the story of a group of eco-friendly residents in a remote community called Greenloop, who are forced to defend themselves against a group of Sasquatch-like creatures after a volcanic eruption causes them to leave their habitat and seek new sources of food.
While “Devolution” shares some similarities with other survivalist thrillers, it also has a unique blend of horror, humor, and environmentalism that sets it apart. Additionally, the novel explores themes like community, technology, and the natural world, often with a satirical or ironic tone.
One of the most interesting aspects of “Devolution” is its use of technology as both a tool and a hindrance for the characters. The residents of Greenloop are initially drawn to the community because of its state-of-the-art technology, which allows them to live sustainably and off the grid. However, when the Sasquatch creatures attack, the technology proves to be useless in protecting them. This raises questions about the role of technology in our lives and whether it can truly protect us from the dangers of the natural world.
Characterization in “The Da Vinci Code”
One aspect that stood out in “The Da Vinci Code” was its use of complex and flawed characters, especially Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu. Langdon was portrayed as a skeptic and an expert whose beliefs were challenged by the new information he discovered. Meanwhile, Neveu served as a foil to Langdon, as a smart and independent woman who also had personal stakes in the mystery.
However, some critics have argued that the characters in “The Da Vinci Code” were too one-dimensional or stereotypical, such as the villainous Bishop Aringarosa or the femme fatale Leigh Teabing.
Characterization in “Devolution”
Similarly, “Devolution” also had a diverse cast of characters with distinct personalities and motivations. These included Kate Holland, a self-doubting artist who documented the events in Greenloop through her journal; Mostar, a tech-savvy survivalist who used his gadgets to fight off the creatures; and Don Tilley, a retired military veteran who struggled with PTSD and addiction.
Some reviewers have praised the nuanced and realistic portrayals of these characters, as well as the way the book subverted some genre conventions by having a female protagonist and a diverse supporting cast.
Writing Style and Structure in “The Da Vinci Code”
One of the criticisms often leveled against “The Da Vinci Code” was its simplistic writing and heavy reliance on exposition and cliffhangers. Some readers found the prose repetitive and the pacing artificial, with each chapter ending on a dramatic reveal or a twist.
On the other hand, some fans of the book argued that the fast-paced style and the use of short chapters made for an engaging and cinematic reading experience. Additionally, the book’s use of visual aids like symbols and diagrams added to the sense of mystery and discovery.
Writing Style and Structure in “Devolution”
“Devolution” also experimented with its structure and style, using different formats like journal entries, interviews, and annotations to tell the story. This helped to create a sense of verisimilitude and immersion, as the reader felt like they were discovering the events alongside the characters.
Moreover, Emmerich’s prose was often witty and self-aware, poking fun at some of the genre’s tropes while also paying homage to classic horror and science fiction. However, some readers found the humor too forced or the scientific explanations too simplistic.
Historical Accuracy in “The Da Vinci Code”
One of the controversies surrounding “The Da Vinci Code” was its portrayal of historical figures and events, particularly regarding the role of Mary Magdalene in Christianity and the secretive nature of the Priory of Sion. Some scholars and religious groups accused Brown of perpetuating myths and conspiracy theories, while others defended his right to artistic license and interpretation.
Despite the controversy, “The Da Vinci Code” inspired many readers to research and debate the topics it raised, leading to an increased interest in art history, symbolism, and comparative religions.
Historical Accuracy in “Devolution”
Unlike “The Da Vinci Code,” “Devolution” did not rely on real-life historical events or figures, instead creating its own version of the Sasquatch mythos and the ecological consequences of volcanic eruptions. However, the book did incorporate some scientific facts and studies about animal behavior and survival strategies, as well as some commentary on the dangers of civilization and the importance of nature preservation.
Sales and Popularity of Both Novels
As mentioned earlier, “The Da Vinci Code” was a massive commercial success, topping bestseller lists and spawning a movie adaptation starring Tom Hanks. While some critics dismissed it as a guilty pleasure or a product of hype, it undeniably had a huge impact on the thriller genre and mainstream culture.
In comparison, “Devolution” has not reached the same level of exposure or sales, but it has received positive reviews from sources like The New York Times and Publishers Weekly.
Critical Reception of Both Novels
The critical reception of “The Da Vinci Code” was mixed, with some reviewers praising its entertainment value and cultural significance, while others derided its formulaic plot and lazy research. The book was nominated for several literary awards but also won some dubious honors like the Literary Review’s Bad Sex in Fiction Award.
“Devolution,” by contrast, has received mostly positive reviews, with many critics praising its originality, suspense, and social commentary. Some reviewers have compared it favorably to other survivalist thrillers like “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy or “The Terror” by Dan Simmons.
The Influence of These Novels on the Thriller Genre
Both “The Da Vinci Code” and “Devolution” have left their mark on the thriller genre, albeit in different ways. “The Da Vinci Code” popularized the idea of a historical or religious mystery being uncovered by an unlikely hero, as well as the use of codes, symbols, and puzzles to add complexity and intrigue to the plot. It also paved the way for other controversial thrillers like “Angels and Demons” and “The Lost Symbol.”
“Devolution,” on the other hand, has contributed to the ongoing conversation about climate change, biodiversity, and the relationship between humans and nature in popular culture. It has also added a fresh perspective to the survivalist subgenre by combining horror elements with satire and humor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Da Vinci Code” and “Devolution” are two novels that showcase the diversity and impact of the thriller genre. Whether you prefer the historical and intellectual puzzle of Brown’s book or the eco-horror and humor of Emmerich’s book, there’s no denying that both authors have created compelling stories with memorable characters and thought-provoking themes. By comparing and contrasting these two novels, we can gain a better understanding of what makes a good thriller and how different approaches can lead to different results.