Book Quote by Geoffrey K. Pullum
“The Da Vinci Code may well be the only novel ever written that begins with the word 'renowned'... I think what enabled the first word to tip me off that I was about to spend a number of hours in the company of one of the worst prose stylists in the history of literature was this. Putting curriculum vitae details into complex modifiers on proper names or definite descriptions is what you do in journalistic stories about deaths; you just don't do it in describing an event in a narrative... Why did I keep reading? Because London Heathrow is a long way from San Francisco International.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Review of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, 2003
The novel’s opening word signals a stylistic flaw: over‑complex naming that hampers narrative flow.
In simple terms: Complex name modifiers in fiction can feel like journalistic obfuscation.
Key Takeaway
Prefer clear, concise language in storytelling.
Themes
writing
style
clarity
literary criticism
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
review
literary analysis
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- creative writing workshops
- editing sessions
Key Concepts
over‑description
narrative pacing
Questions to Reflect On
- When does detailed naming enhance a story?
- Can brevity ever sacrifice nuance?
A Different Perspective
Complexity can sometimes enrich character depth, so the rule isn’t absolute.
