The celebrated American author Dan Brown has indicated that a setting in Germany remains elusive for his next Robert Langdon thriller, highlighting a potential shift in his creative process and prompting questions about the evolving demands of the global literary market. In an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Brown explained that his choice of location typically stems from the central themes he intends to explore, suggesting that a compelling narrative framework for a Germany-based novel has yet to materialize.
This admission arrives shortly after the launch of “The Secret of Secrets” the latest installment in the Langdon series and raises speculation about whether Brown feels constrained by existing perceptions of Germany or is actively seeking a fresh, nuanced perspective that avoids cliché. While internationally recognized for his intricate plots woven around historical and architectural mysteries, a German setting would necessitate a particularly sensitive approach, given the country’s complex and often fraught history.
Beyond location, Brown also offered a rare glimpse into his writing ethos, revealing a preference for intellectual discourse and conceptual exploration over gratuitous violence. He confessed to finding the depiction of murder scenes distasteful, stating he prefers to focus on “the big ideas and conversations”. This declaration could signify a deliberate effort to distance himself from the more sensationalist elements that have sometimes characterized his earlier works, potentially in response to criticisms surrounding their level of violence and suspense.
Notably, Brown addressed persistent debate surrounding the plausibility of a particularly audacious scene from “The Illuminati” where protagonist Langdon performs an improbable jump from a helicopter into the Tiber River. While defending the scene by citing expert physicist confirmation that the feat “could” be physically possible, he acknowledged that it remains a point of contention among critics. This incident underscores an ongoing tension for Brown – the need to balance thrilling elements with a semblance of realism, a balance that consistently draws scrutiny and influences reader perception of his narratives’ intellectual credibility. The author’s comments implicitly recognize the imperative of navigating these expectations as he continues to cultivate his signature storytelling style in a landscape increasingly sensitive to the portrayal of spectacle and risk.