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cantrememberthedreamthatihad's review against another edition
4.0
This sequel to Inferno sees former science fiction novelist Allen Carpenter re-traversing the Dantean circles of hell in an attempt to free souls and to come to grips with the meaning behind the Inferno.
Along the way he befriends noted poet and suicide Sylvia Plath, and meets a host of other famous historical figures as they traverse the landscape of the dammed.
While the endnotes declare the work is not a theological treatise, there is much pondering on the notion of a literal hell, whether escape would be possible, and what purpose such a place would serve. While borrowing heavily from CS Lewis' ideas in 'The Great Divorce,' there's a great deal of theological pondering that would be familiar to Christian proponents of Universal Reconciliation.
An interesting work, and whole it doesn't cover too much new ground over the original novel, the ideas presented within are perhaps more mature and more fleshed out.
Along the way he befriends noted poet and suicide Sylvia Plath, and meets a host of other famous historical figures as they traverse the landscape of the dammed.
While the endnotes declare the work is not a theological treatise, there is much pondering on the notion of a literal hell, whether escape would be possible, and what purpose such a place would serve. While borrowing heavily from CS Lewis' ideas in 'The Great Divorce,' there's a great deal of theological pondering that would be familiar to Christian proponents of Universal Reconciliation.
An interesting work, and whole it doesn't cover too much new ground over the original novel, the ideas presented within are perhaps more mature and more fleshed out.
imprimus's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent work, and a worthy sequel to the original: Inferno. Like Dante's Divine Comedy: Inferno, this book is something of a social commentary in addition to its properties of entertainment (which are, might I add, immense). The people encountered in Hell are those of both recent history and ancient; some of which might surprise you, and most of which seem to be appropriately placed within the circles of Hell. In addition to the social commentary, there are philosophical musings upon the nature of Hell, justice and salvation; some of which I personally do not agree with, but all of which are quite profound and thought provoking.
I would highly recommend reading Inferno by the same authors before reading Escape From Hell, but I can't say that it would be absolutely necessary. I do, however, recommend reading this book. Its an excellent read.
I would highly recommend reading Inferno by the same authors before reading Escape From Hell, but I can't say that it would be absolutely necessary. I do, however, recommend reading this book. Its an excellent read.
jwarach's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. There was no real new ground covered which warranted this sequel.
katmarhan's review against another edition
3.0
Sequel to [b:Inferno|100369|Inferno (Inferno, #1)|Larry Niven|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388270577s/100369.jpg|2015541], this book follows Allen Carpenter as he journeys through Hell again, trying to save others while striving to understand the ways of Hell. Interesting concepts but a little hard to follow for those not well-acquainted with Dante's Inferno from The Divine Comedy. And I never did quite understand why some of the characters made the choices they did, including Carpenter.
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