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I suppose I’ve always compared books, but that’s more of a flaw in my nature than any real error of the authors.

The Girl Who Knew da Vinci reminds me of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code in so many ways.

First, there’s obviously the presiding canvas of art history, but then add that, in both books, the characters search for an item that has a questionable existence at best. There is also the aspect of fantastically changing settings as characters race against a clock.

Do you find similarities too, or am I fishing?

Do the similarities add or detract from the book for you?

I think the only resemblance is the name of the great artist. the two books have different themes so I don't see a necessity to see common things

I agree there are a few similaries such as the search for an item, the obvious art history theme, and different settings. However, I think the books are not comparable otherwise. The Girl Who Knew da Vinci has a more simplistic plot with few clues and a beach read-style romance element. The Da Vinci Code contains historical subject matter that has been well researched and a more complex plot with codes and a type of treasure hunt. Also, it's a more serious book and Dan Brown's writing is in a completely different league. Just my opinion.

Sushan wrote: ↑01 Jun 2018, 11:21 I think the only resemblance is the name of the great artist. the two books have different themes so I don't see a necessity to see common things

I would love to hear more about why you feel they're so different! Do you disagree with the similar themes I listed above?

bookowlie wrote: ↑01 Jun 2018, 11:28 The Girl Who Knew da Vinci has a more simplistic plot with few clues and a beach read-style romance element.

Yes, you're right that the romance certainly separates them!

bookowlie wrote: ↑01 Jun 2018, 11:28 Also, it's a more serious book and Dan Brown's writing is in a completely different league. Just my opinion.

Can't argue with you there!

NL Hartje wrote: ↑01 Jun 2018, 11:43

Sushan wrote: ↑01 Jun 2018, 11:21 I think the only resemblance is the name of the great artist. the two books have different themes so I don't see a necessity to see common things

I would love to hear more about why you feel they're so different! Do you disagree with the similar themes I listed above?

Yes I agree with what you say. Yet, I think the two stories run in different pathways under different themes so, I don't see much similarity

On the whole, I agree with what Bookowlie previously said. At first, I was struck and somehow frustrated by the resemblance of the two covers, but as I started reading the book, I realized the similarities do not go so far. As far as I remember, there's no romance at all between Langdon and Sophie whereas Belle Ami's novel heavily relies on romance involving not one, but three couples. I know that critics have blaimed Dan Brown for writing mass consumption novels. I wonder what would they say about this novel then? Even if I liked Dan Brown's novel more, I'd say both novels have a distinct target audience and Belle Ami did a good job in developing a decent plot.

I think you're fishing. It has references to da Vinci and his paintings, but other than that, I don't think there's a clear comparison. Da Vinci Code was a fairly serious novel combining themes of art and religion. This is a cheap romance novel desperately disguising itself as a book about art.

I agree with Bookowlie that there are more differences than similarities. Dan Brown takes years to finish a novel, with research taking up the most time, I would guess. His Da Vinci Code has complicated puzzles, intricate characters, and controversial opinions, not to mention a lot of gore. Belle Ami's novel is more lighthearted.

The only way this reminds me of The Da Vinci Code is because my brother is currently reading that book. Although the artists are the same in the book, the overall plot is completely difference. The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci is more romance-based, while The Da Vinci Code is mostly mystery and action.

Indeed! The title already made me think the book The Da Vinci Code the very first thing! I even thought that maybe the books have somewhat related stories or continuing plots.

I dont think they have lots of similarities. Da Vinci Code is more like a heavy read with lots of information. This one is more of adventure and romantic side.

I think the writing pattern is far different. At first, seeing the title makes me feel somehow it's similar to the book of Dan Brown. But for me, they are not similar. Dan Brown's book is more in action, mystery, puzzles. While Belle Ami's book has a romantic side that will tickle your mind.

Yes, it does. And because of this, it turned me off since I did not like the plot of The Da Vinci Code.

Dan Brown's book deals with more cryptic themes that stir up controversies while Belle Ami's is more romantic with a simple plot.