I picked up this book with some expectations about the author – unusual subject choices for his novels, ability to seamlessly mix reality with fiction (fictional reality?) and the wonderful geek hero of his books – Robert Langdon. To be fair, would like to clear out that I’ve read only The Da Vinci Code so far in a book format and rest of his, I’ve observed through the movie adaptations.

So far my conclusion is that he has a got formula for his novels, especially for Robert Langdon series. The usual ingredients include our protagonist geek hero, sudden murders, a beauty-with-the-brain in tow, smattering of clues across famous art pieces et al.

The Origin also stays true to this original template to the tee – there is a sudden murder (followed by two more), everybody’s favourite professor tumbling through artistic treasure-trove, a Spanish beauty with enough brains (but less of brawn perhaps) accompanying him on solving the riddle, their mission across some of the most famous landmarks of her native country and ta-da after a very lengthy course of story the author demystifies the murder mystery.

My main problem with this book being too verbose; that’s not only with opening few pages which was dedicated describing the Guggenheim at Bilbao with its modern art, but across the length of the book. Be it the more detailed than necessary account of Gaudi’s work- like giving a tour of his art to some novice tourist, scientific theories with years and all related counter theories, the earth-shattering presentation of Edmond, King of Spain and Prince journeying through some gruesome Franco era sites etc.

Our professor who seems to be not content with delivering symbol special lectures and just grading papers in his office; has too much of knowledge that I wonder how they are not considering him for some major global mission like taking him on UN or something. His erudite memory, ramblings about art/ artists/ poets/ authors/ scientists/ architect/ architecture becomes too much of noise after few pages in the book.  Not to forget his discussion with Ambra Vidal, where she also seems to be exasperated after some time.

Some respite of this book being involvement of a smart AI named Winston, who can be called a guiding force behind this whole plot. His capability and existence is much discussed throughout the book which is a novel addition to the set formula implemented by the author. However, Winston does leave some questions unanswered at the end of his ‘confession’; well if you read the book carefully you’ll have them too.

All-in-all a good page turner if you are a true fan of Dan Brown; otherwise nothing much original here than the title itself.