Dante Alighieri is a fascinating medieval figure. He has experienced the tragedy of loosing a loved one who he didn’t even have a chance to marry because his family chose another woman to be his wife. This life’s tragedy among many others greatly intensified his interest in philosophy and country’s political life.

The “Divine Comedy” consists of three separate books: The Inferno, The Purgatorio and The Paradiso. The events take place at the beginning of the 14th century. The main hero is following an imaginary leader who promises he’ll find his love at the end of the way. But it seems there’s no end to the journey.

Magical events happen when you go through all circles of heaven and hell. The writer’s creativity is striking and the level of research put into the book will immensely surprise your mind. The events are mingled with real life circumstances of those times, ghosts of Antique poets, such as Virgil, and appearances of exotic animals, such as leopard or she-wolf. The hunt for author’s beloved Beatrice is all over the book scenario.

Imagine yourself in a middle of the fierce battle of the church and civic government (however civic leftover of an empire can appear) for the power and control over society. Do you believe in the life after death? What if Dante told you that every action of yours has consequences later? All these notions are deeply explored in the Comedy.

Besides bizarre characters and plot, the book is very fun to read in terms of style. The poem is written in the common people language, which seems so eloquent and sophisticated nowadays. No wonder the text couldn’t have been named tragedy due to its vulgar status.

Besides the high morals and fatalism Dante hints at in his book, it is still very positive and forgiving. Finishing with the joy of heaven, or the Paradiso, the “The Divine Comedy” will leave your literary taste satisfied after reading it. Definitely recommended to check out!

Author: Timmothy Bishop