The notoriously meticulous Dan Brown, author of the globally bestselling Robert Langdon series, has indicated a surprising lack of immediate plans to feature Germany as a central setting in his next thriller. In a recent interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Brown explained that his choice of location typically originates from the thematic core of the narrative, revealing that a suitable premise for a German-based novel has yet to materialize. This absence of an inspiring concept raises questions about the author’s creative process and its reliance on specific geopolitical or historical contexts to drive his complex plots.
Brown’s latest installment, “The Secret of Secrets”, reinforces his continued focus on established global themes, prompting some observers to wonder if a deviation to a German backdrop would necessitate a significant shift in his preferred narrative style. The author also disclosed a reluctance to incorporate graphic violence into his works, preferring to emphasize intellectual discourse and expansive ideas. He expressed a preference for exploring “the big ideas and conversations” suggesting that the often-cruel or overtly horrific elements frequently found in thriller fiction hold little appeal.
The admission is particularly intriguing given Brown’s meticulously researched plots, which often hinge on historically plausible, albeit frequently sensationalized, events. He acknowledged past criticisms surrounding the plausibility of certain scenes within his novels, citing the infamous Tiber jump in “The Illuminati” as a prime example. While he defended the scene’s theoretical feasibility based on consultations with physicists, the incident arguably exemplifies a recurring tension in Brown’s work: the uneasy balance between thrilling narrative and unwavering realism. The author’s willingness to defend such a questionable detail, even with scientific justification, raises broader questions about the author’s perceived responsibility to maintain a certain level of fidelity to factual accuracy when dealing with sensitive cultural and historical subjects – an ongoing debate within the literary and intellectual spheres.
