All guns blazing????

Short Book Review: Digital Fortress (Dan Brown)

By Sanket ‘busy, very busy’ Kambli

Not necessarily, but it’s a thriller for those who like heroes of big brainpower rather than big brawnpower (creative freedom!!). If that doesn’t sound exciting, then a new means of data encryption, that is capable of changing the balance of international power, would sound more thrilling. The book isn’t all technical mumbo-jumbo, it is quite fun as the book takes the reader along into an understanding of encryption technologies. But don’t expect too much realism, as the book looks at the issues through the eyes of fiction. There are a few flaws in the plot if looked at closely, but the cleverness and the sheer exciting fun of it all, more than make up for them. Ample twists and turns (like yummy jalebi’s!!) will keep the adrenaline flowing, as you delve deeper in geek-level information about encryption, code breaking, and their role in international politics

The action stretches from Seville to Washington. Mr. Brown surely loves Seville a lot, because the level of detail is enchanting, instantly pulling you into Seville neighborhood. No chapter is longer than five pages, while most are just over one page.
The structure of the book is such that it ties the reader to the story and eventually finishing the book. The book has it sets of clichés, but it is easily missed in all the intrigue and action. To conclude, it has a colossal and compelling story, but falls short of being a masterpiece.