Scan barcode
captlychee's review against another edition
5.0
This review is for the Kindle edition published in 2008.
I loved this book when I first read it in 1977, in what is called a 'much altered' form from this ediiton according to the publisher's note at the start. I didn't notice many significant changes, except that on page 164 of this edition, Eva Braun has been replaced by Hilda Kroft. Perhaps the authors or the publisher felt that letting Eva Braun out of Hell was too soon.
The author's notes at the end also mention the translation of The Divine Comedy they were using while writing this. It's [a:John Ciardi|19361|John Ciardi|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1351504974p2/19361.jpg]'s one, that I can't find a link to on Goodreads.
I loved this book when I first read it in 1977, in what is called a 'much altered' form from this ediiton according to the publisher's note at the start. I didn't notice many significant changes, except that on page 164 of this edition, Eva Braun has been replaced by Hilda Kroft. Perhaps the authors or the publisher felt that letting Eva Braun out of Hell was too soon.
The author's notes at the end also mention the translation of The Divine Comedy they were using while writing this. It's [a:John Ciardi|19361|John Ciardi|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1351504974p2/19361.jpg]'s one, that I can't find a link to on Goodreads.
dromwald's review against another edition
3.0
An entertaining twist on Dante's masterpiece which I originally read about twenty years ago. Good enough that I shall probably read it again.
revisins's review against another edition
3.0
As with any literary experience, mileage varies. Mine...fell a bit short I suppose.
Started this as an audiobook. Decent enough, but some of the inflections of the narrator made for some moments where I was pulled outta hell.
So I finished it actually reading the book.
It's Dante's Inferno...but through A punk rock filter. It is contemporary of its time. It's a touch dated. That might be why I'm not exactly sold on this walk in hell.
Enjoyable enough, but it could have been just a touch more punky.
Full honesty: doesn't help I was reading this along side Crooked God Machine--where that books hellacious descriptions were more unnerving than the somewhat tired jaunt through hell.
Started this as an audiobook. Decent enough, but some of the inflections of the narrator made for some moments where I was pulled outta hell.
So I finished it actually reading the book.
It's Dante's Inferno...but through A punk rock filter. It is contemporary of its time. It's a touch dated. That might be why I'm not exactly sold on this walk in hell.
Enjoyable enough, but it could have been just a touch more punky.
Full honesty: doesn't help I was reading this along side Crooked God Machine--where that books hellacious descriptions were more unnerving than the somewhat tired jaunt through hell.
pugloaf's review against another edition
3.0
The story of Dante's Inferno and the setting it produces continues to be intriguing to read about when reinterpreted in different times. While some plot points become on the nose after a while the journey through Hell and the trials and complications around it are still entertaining and thoughtful to consider.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I made sure to read Dante's Inferno before this just to make sure I could catch all of the references the authors made--it's truly a work of art to combine a modern plot with an Italian classic.
jjmclellan's review against another edition
4.0
A retelling of Dante's Inferno from a deceased science fiction writers perspective with updated sins and punishments. What's not to like. Probably not the greatest book, but having read it decades ago, some of the scenes in this book still flash back to me occasionally.
suzemo's review against another edition
3.0
I have been meaning to read this book for years. I love Dante's Inferno, and I love reading alternate versions of classics. I also really like reading Niven & Pournelle's work, so I thought this would be a great book.
As it is, the book was merely "meh" for me. The main character had some interesting adventures in the book, and met interesting people, to be sure. There was a lot of commentary/in jokes with regards to other sci-fi authors, and the book does seem a bit dated. It was worth reading, but I am thankful that it is relatively short. The book was just not quite what I was expecting.
As it is, the book was merely "meh" for me. The main character had some interesting adventures in the book, and met interesting people, to be sure. There was a lot of commentary/in jokes with regards to other sci-fi authors, and the book does seem a bit dated. It was worth reading, but I am thankful that it is relatively short. The book was just not quite what I was expecting.
wesleyboy's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
So begins my end of the year, speed run of short books to pad out my 2021 numbers. Also, just getting tired of spending weeks and months on books, just want to crank out some stories.
This book is good but as I dig into the world of 70’s sci fi there’s always this undercurrent of unlikeable male protagonists. The story is interesting, but feels formulaic and a bit forced at times.
Interesting ways of describing social ills of the late 70’s as sins, and the punishments for them are predictable. What sticks out to me is the lack of nuance or argument in the damned. They give a quick acknowledgment or refusal of their reason for being in hell and then the story moves past it. Makes every side character feel 2 dimensional, and the main characters aren’t much better.
Despite all that, it was worth a read.
So begins my end of the year, speed run of short books to pad out my 2021 numbers. Also, just getting tired of spending weeks and months on books, just want to crank out some stories.
This book is good but as I dig into the world of 70’s sci fi there’s always this undercurrent of unlikeable male protagonists. The story is interesting, but feels formulaic and a bit forced at times.
Interesting ways of describing social ills of the late 70’s as sins, and the punishments for them are predictable. What sticks out to me is the lack of nuance or argument in the damned. They give a quick acknowledgment or refusal of their reason for being in hell and then the story moves past it. Makes every side character feel 2 dimensional, and the main characters aren’t much better.
Despite all that, it was worth a read.
allowabr's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
erika_is_reading's review against another edition
3.0
Ha! Fun read. Dante reimagined; science fiction writer makes the trek with Benito Mussolini playing the role of Virgil. And the purpose of Hell? Not what you think. A nice reminder about finding blessings wherever they may be.