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A review by rebcamuse
The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl
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.