My March Into Hell During March 2025

I've spent the first half of March 2025, more or less, at the side of Virgil and Dante, beginning with the read of a fascinating autobiography by America's former poet laureate -- who translated "The Inferno" three decades ago. I admire Robert Pinsky greatly, and I was pleased to learn that my local library's book club planned to read a modern novel loosely based on Dante's descent into Hell.

The novel disappointed me. I had read such wonderful reviews of the author. So I went back to listen the original "Inferno," which I first read in college. And then I found I had descended even further.

Hopefully, I will emerge this week to see starry skies again, with Venus in both the morning and evening skies.

Jersey Breaks: Becoming an American Poet by Robert Pinsky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A friend recommended this book. It didn't disappoint! I listened to the Audible version so I could hear the poet read it, but then I bought a hard copy so I could go back and reflect on my favorite passages in a more tangible way. Oh, and it inspired me to watch Season 13, Episode 20 of "The Simpsons," which is also wonderful. Thank you, friend.

 

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I felt stuck in the mud trying to get through this book. Thin, hard-to-follow plot, with words that seem to scream, "Admire the writing here!" I appreciated the references to "The Inferno," so this has at least inspired me to reread the original work by, as the author puts it, "the Italian." Also, it was helpful to discover something about myself: not a fan of "magical realism."


The Inferno of Dante by Dante Alighieri
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed Pinsky's "Jersey Breaks" and being a lifelong fan of John Cleese, what could go wrong with this audiobook version?

Well, three things: 1. the production is a bit muddy, especially in the first hour or so... it's as if Cleese is reading with marbles in his mouth.

2. It's an abridged version of "The Inferno," and that isn't entirely made clear up-front.

3. Some of the translation seems... weird... like encountering "incontinence" as a reason for winding up in Hell (yes, I know, there's another, far less recognizable meaning of the word, but). And, here, for example, when we're suddenly (due to abridgment) on the verge of the 9th Circle, and we encounter a spirit with a wound "split from his mouth to his farting place" and who speaks with a comical Scottish accent. In fact, Cleese's voicings are problematic throughout. I kept thinking, "There's a penguin on the telly!" whenever he'd voice a spirit in a familiar Monty Python affectation.

Oh, well, if you really want a harrowing version of Hell these days, check out the new Netflix series "Adolescence." It's much more nuanced and arresting than this translated classic.

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