sanny2005's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 4%

I want to take time for this, to analyse it, and I do not have that at the moment
adventurous challenging dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kludasch's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

Read inferno. Did not enjoy reading purgatory. Stopped at Canto V

This is a good book to know; it's referenced a lot. Personally, though, I had to drag myself through it. It was depressing. Very challenging allusion-wise, though.

someone put it on ao3

Inferno
I first read this book in French, when I was 25, and I immediately was swept away by its poetic force, its classical symmetrical construction and its sharp and benign view on the human condition. Brilliantly composed. Each canto tells the story of several prominent historical persons, set in breathtaking landscapes. Tragedy is all around, sometimes with a comical touch, but almost always compassionate.
The filosofical and theological dimensions are less prominent than in book II and III. I've reread this book in Dutch (both prose and lyrical translation) and in the original Italian. An everlasting treasure.
Purgatorio
Less dramatic than the first book, but in fact more beautiful, because of the perfect balance between poetic force and educative power. Quite exquisite style.
Paradiso
Very different than the other two books through its tremendous power that takes you in an other dimension, every time Dante ascends into a higher 'sphere'. Although this book treats about the everlasting truths, Dante remains very human with his questions and doubts.
Every time I read some of this book, I'm feeling I'm reaching the stars!
adventurous dark informative mysterious fast-paced

Litt kult å si at man har lest den, men ikke så kult å si at man bare har lest 15/100 sanger
dark emotional inspiring slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Read this in Italy…duh. I didn’t love the translation I read, as I felt it was an awkward middle ground between accessible and poetic, and I’d rather have completely one or the other. 

Hell was great. Heaven, not so much.