The Dan Brown Inferno Brouhaha

I am not writing this piece to come into defense of Dan Brown. Yes, I do read his novels. However, this does not mean I advocate for him. I agree with some of his views while in others not. Just like will Carlos Celdran, I openly comment on his page if I don't agree with his opinions on certain issues. 

My take on this sudden brouhaha: The problem with some people is that they tend to look at things too literally. Hey! Those things are really present in Manila. Traffic jams, pollution, prostitution. The “gates of hell” reference points out to what the character experienced and not Manila per se or Philippines per se. No direct sentence stated as "Manila is a gate of hell". It has been used figuratively. It will still mean the same even if say Bangkok is quoted. It will still be in its figurative use.

This is more so like the recently concluded elections where some of us failed to see with an analytic eye and mind.We only saw superficially. Too literal. Some of us voted with simple name recall. A popular surname does not necessarily mean that he or she will serve as the same of his or her father, husband, or uncle. There is a failure to some in examining their choices deeply. 

                                                                                                                  

A certain facebook page of facts stated this: "...also called the city "the gates of hell" in his latest novel, Inferno". But when I read the news page in its entirety, there no portion stating that Brown directly said "Manila is the gates of hell". Here's what on the news page: In Inferno, ...one of the characters goes through the "gates of hell" in Manila. If you have read up to this part, you might take it too literally. But if you read this: The book went on to detail a turning point in Brooks’ life. “I’ve run through the gates of hell,” she said. It is will be seen as figuratively used. 

The actual news page article title fans the too literal views. Dan Brown calls Manila "gates of hell" in novel. But as I read it in its entirety, I see it to mean two different things. The facebook page saw it too literally whereas the news page contents on in its entirety quoted the book where it has been used figuratively. This is the same to an actual news footage shown on another channel wherein the reported read the page aloud. Again, the word or tagline has been used figuratively.

          

There is no controversy here. Those things are present in Manila. Let us use this as wake up call to change Manila and have it back as once it was known, a pearl of the orient. As for the gates of hell tagline, it has been used to refer to what he has experienced as if he had been run through the gates of hell. No direct reference per se to the city or the country. Again, it will still mean the same even if say Bangkok is quoted. It will still be in its figurative use.

Your opinions may differ from mine but I am glad to say that mine was made by keeping an analytic eye and mind rather than see things too literally and stir an unnecessary controversy. 

Downplayed by Mitch

             Again, it took me a while to write an entry for this sort of blog site of mine. When I decided to “blog”, I wanted to write at least one article or opinionated entry each month. But it proved to be quite difficult to do. You see, there are many topics that are worthy of opinions or write up. But only a few gives you the vibes to actually sit down and write.

            I am now writing. So for those who bother themselves to actually read this piece, you might have wondered what made me to sit and actually write. Well, it is actually a book. Yes, a book! It’s Mitch Albom’s “The Time Keeper”. I am fond of books but I elect to wait for the paper bound version before I buy one. And yes, I recently bought Albom’s book. So far, it is Mitch’s greatest book. It is so nicely written that I recommend it for everyone to read. 

            I will not offer a synopsis of the book as it will only serves as spoiler of which will cause an injustice to the author. If you want to know the whole story, go buy one. I assure you that you will not regret it.

            The central elements of Albom’s novel are success, failure, love, life, and time. These are so beautifully intermixed that it leaves the readers in awe and truly make them “reconsider their own notions of time”

            It is not simply a book but a source of inspiration. If you don’t feel encouraged enough in your current state of life, read the book and be moved by the valuable lessons efficiently downplayed by the book:

1. A single failure can make us feel like it’s the end of everything but “ends are for yesterdays, not tomorrows”. We must not give up easily because the very next moment maybe an answer to our prayer. To end life is like denying the most important part of the future – Hope.  

2. Life is not forever. Enjoy every emotion that life has to offer. God limits time so that we know how precious every moment is in our lives.

3. Live your life to the fullest of your ability. Keep calm and trust God’s plan.

Bravo, Mitch Albom! Well done! Can’t wait for your next book!