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Indlæser... The Infernovaaf S. A. Alenthony
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Bliv medlem af LibraryThing for at finde ud af, om du vil kunne lide denne bog. Der er ingen diskussionstråde på Snak om denne bog. The Infernova by S. A. Alenthony ISBN 978-0-9819678-9-9 Review by Chris Phillips The subtitle, An Infidel Reinvents Dante’s Hell, is an accurate description of this epic poetic work. Alenthony has taken the premise that modern science has removed the reason and the reasonableness of religion and religious practice and after much effort produced a work comparable to Dante’s Inferno. The introduction does much to explain why Alenthony takes this viewpoint. Alenthony artistically illustrates his beliefs in this book. With the premise of secular humanism without the name, Alenthony writes 34 Cantos describing what he sees in a dream with a special conductor/guide (Mark Twain). His journey takes him through the representation of Hell as Alenthony reinvents it. Along the way there are some very interesting cameos and guest appearances, including Albert Einstein, the author’s personal hero, to Mary Baker Eddy and, the author’s dilemma, Ellen Jean White, through the gods and goddesses of ancient times. Although the literary element of “terza rime,” as Dante used in the Inferno, does tend to take over the discourse, the ideas portrayed are entertainingly discernible. The logic behind each ring of Hell and each encounter is often paramount to the Canto as in the dreamer’s conversation with Descartes: “…One final quote of mine, please let me tell; ‘It is not enough to have a good mind; the important thing is to use it well.’ To this good maxim I sometimes was blind. So think hard, doubt, and reject the unclear, And with your bravest face on, you will find a brighter star by which the wise might steer…” The choices of punishments are at the worst, appropriate, and at the best, sublimely rich and eloquent. If the reader needs more guidance, each Canto carries a brief, usually one word description of the type of persons inhabiting that section of Hell. Canto IV is described as Intelligent Mystics, for example. The amount of work evident in the book reveals a dedication to the art of literary practice. Alenthony’s consistent maintenance of the rhyming pattern as well as artistic coining of words highlights the passion in these lines. The book is highly recommended to all readers. Those interested in the religious and philosophical ideas will appreciate the wit and scything humor of the tale. Published by Blackburnian Press, PO Box 385591, Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 (www.blackburnianpress.com) (11.66 USD SRP/Amazon $11.66 USD) Reviewer received book from the publisher. This review was written for LibraryThing Member Giveaways. The premise of this work is intriguing, , as stated on the book jacket: "A novel in verse, this secular parody of Dante's classic takes the reader through a new Hell--an abyss devised not to punish those damned by Christian doctrine, but rather those greater agents of human misery: the irrational, the mystical, and the dogmatic religious." I was intrigued by the synopsis offered, and thrilled to get the book from the member giveaway. I still feel that this was a unique and fascinating idea for a book, and one that would be right up my alley as a lover of poetry and all types of fiction. Unfortunately, the writing and execution didn't live up to the idea.First, the guide (and often the speaker) is Mark Twain. Again, this Sounds like a great idea. However, if you're going to use Mark Twain, you need to recreate his voice. Anyone who's read Twain's fiction or essays knows the distinct voice and humor that make his work so wonderful. Here, that character is simply missing. Except for the fact that the narrator/voice is introduced as Mark Twain, you'd never guess it, and that's a serious problem. He's just another voice who is in no way distinct from the non-descript character he's guiding, and every time I was reminded or remembered that this was supposed to be Twain, I grew annoyed. The second problem here is the verse. I respect the desire and the inclination to work in Dante's form for the purposes of this work, but Dante KNEW this form, and he was good at it. I have to say that this work would have been much more worthwhile if Alenthony had let his content rule his form, instead of the other way around. Often, meters were off, or rhythms ended up awkward in favor of syntax, assuming that the word choice didn't ring strangely because meter or rhythm Was honored. Basically, the verse needed more work, though it was clear that Alenthony's got talent. A few more drafts, though, would have helped. Last, there's the content. While I was interested in what was going on, there just wasn't enough depth. Nothing was really as horrifying as it should have been, and none of the characters presented rang as truly as they should have. The old phrase "show, don't tell" comes up here. Simply, the book needed more depth. Instead, it often felt that Alenthony was rushing through his ideas in an effort to get them down in his given form, without much thought to the truth or interest of his ideas and story. In general, the conception of the work was wonderful, but the end result leaves much to be desired, I'm afraid. I was left feeling disappointed, and wishing that the author had taken more time with his work, worked outside of form, or at least given the work a few more drafts. I also think that, if he couldn't recreate Twain's voice, he shouldn't have had him as the narrator---the lack of voice there was not only distracting and untrue, but hugely disappointing. This review was written for LibraryThing Member Giveaways. Though some of the language may be a bit difficult for the average reader, this book was definitely a wonderful read. I personally liked the language, because Dante's version of the story had some difficult language as well, which made me appreciate it all the more. I am usually a fan of parodies, and this was no exception. As an atheist, I was able to read this book without the religious stigma trailing closely behind my heels. And having the voice of Mark Twain whispering in my ears--Genius!!! I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends, both religious and nonreligious alike. This review was written for LibraryThing Member Giveaways. Wow! Tough going trying to read in verse. Very interesting having Mark Twain guiding the author through the different phases of hell. Be prepared to read this book in one or two sittings ingen anmeldelser | tilføj en anmeldelse
Alenthony turns Dante's vision of the Christian hell upside-down. Retelling the poem from an atheist's perspective, the story parallels the descent through nine infamous circles where increasingly pernicious sinners endure their symbolic punishments. Satirical and irreligious gadfly Mark Twain takes the role of guide and companion. No library descriptions found. |
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I have to admit that at first I had a hard time getting into the flow of reading poetry that rhymed but once I "got it" I was able to continue to delve into the thoughts of an atheist. The other thing I have to admit is that I consider myself spiritual and do have a personal God. However, I also have to make a statement at this point that I had no qualms whatsoever with Alenthony's views on ideology. In fact, I agreed with many of them.
Combining personal experiences with satiric and reasonable worldview, Alenthony encourages readers to step back from their own beliefs and look at how decisions are made, not only on a personal level but on a global level including those within government, private, and religious institutions. Reading "The Infernova" with an open mind will give enough food for thought to either strengthen one's own beliefs or step back, look at the questioned beliefs and consider reframing memes that have been passed down for generations.
This is a relevant read. Highly recommended for those with an open mind. ( )