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notacreditcard's review against another edition
Like two chapters in kinda boring but in pausing this to read dune
rpych2's review against another edition
2.0
I thought this was going to be way better. A murder mystery featuring a killer with a predilection for Dante sounds incredible, but this book was so slow. After an incredible first chapter it took forever to get going, and by time the action started it was too late for me. Action is even a strong word, because there wasn’t nearly enough of it. Well written, great concept, just fell short for me unfortunately.
kraley's review against another edition
2.0
This book is written by a Harvard professor who doesn't let you forget for a minute that he has taught at "HARVARD." I found the story interesting (a mystery of who is repeating the punishments seen in Dante's Inferno at the turn of the century). The writing was meandering and pretentious. I picked this up for a summer read and had enjoyed other novels that use classic art or literature as a base, but this one is one I can't really recommend. It took me a long time to read this one because I kept picking up other books in between.
showell's review against another edition
4.0
The only problem I had with this book was that at times it felt that Matthew Pearl was so excited about all the cool stuff he'd learned in his lit class that he just had to write it all down before he forgot. Otherwise, a great story.
thaoeatworld's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I had such a hard time doing so. The premise seemed attractive but was ruined by the overt amount of name dropping and seemingly slow moving plot. Took me forever to finish because I lost interest completely from time to time. I'll try reading the next one in the series but I'm not too enthused.
rebcamuse's review against another edition
5.0
This marvelous book is a superlative example of numerous genres: historical fiction and mystery being two examples. While the premise of engaging famous historical figures in a mystery is intriguing, Pearl never allows this element to drive the narrative. His characterizations of Longfellow, Holmes and Lowell are so brilliant, the reader forgets that they are icons of literary history, and views them as intense and vivacious fictional characters.
This is not beach-reading, but instead an intellectual journey through Boston of the 1860s. Pearl is subtle but firm when he integrates statements about racial tension, academic politics, and even the neglect of soldiers suffering from the horrors of war.
While built on an intellectual premise, one needs not be familiar with Dante to enjoy this book. The author manages to introduce those unfamiliar with Dante to the thrill of the Inferno, without belittling those who may already know the great work. This is rarely accomplished with finesse, but Pearl manages to do it with literary aplomb.
This is not beach-reading, but instead an intellectual journey through Boston of the 1860s. Pearl is subtle but firm when he integrates statements about racial tension, academic politics, and even the neglect of soldiers suffering from the horrors of war.
While built on an intellectual premise, one needs not be familiar with Dante to enjoy this book. The author manages to introduce those unfamiliar with Dante to the thrill of the Inferno, without belittling those who may already know the great work. This is rarely accomplished with finesse, but Pearl manages to do it with literary aplomb.
lauriestein's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining enough. Not my usual read but I was looking for Florentine-esque books at the library for the honeymoon. I'm not sure, though, if I'd have gotten more or less out of it if I'd actually read the Divine Comedy, which is hardly an unreserved endorsement.
mareliweb1's review against another edition
Bad book!! Horrible!! 1 star if even that!!
asolweb's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I wanted to like this book because the premise was so interesting. The language used was challenging and oftentimes unintelligible. I liked the historic aspect and getting to know Longfellow and Holmes involvement in translating Dante’s book. It was a slow read and tough to finish.