Dark Dante

Dark Dante by Maggie Rose is an intriguing mystery that has its dark moments as well as a great deal of less ominous moments. Using Dante's work as a plot device is a double edge sword, though I think it is pulled off pretty well. When a classic text is offered as part of a plot, readers come to the story with varying expectations. Some will want every detail to speak to that work, in this case Dante's Inferno. Some, which is the group I fall into, are content with it playing enough of a part without being obtrusive to the current story. I think there is enough allusion to the Inferno to satisfy most of both groups. I also don't think it matters what the reader's familiarity with Dante is either. I would imagine that someone who has only heard of it or only read it once will enjoy it. I don't know how many times I've read the Commedia or how many translations (I happen to prefer Ciardi's verse translation though prose translations are good for casual reading). I used Ciardi when I taught so that is my most read. That familiarity with Dante did not detract from enjoying the story. So I do think that if how much or how little Dante is here is why someone didn't enjoy this novel it might speak more to posturing than actual dissatisfaction. What I also liked was the use of drama, primarily Shakespeare, in the story as well. The play between the cultures within which each was created and how they are now perceived and "used" made for a nice undercurrent throughout the book. There may be something available to answer my next question but I really just didn't look. I am wondering if this is the beginning of a series, whether a "Dante" series or more generally a Maria Farrell series. The slower pace and the background of several characters made this feel a lot like a first book in a series. Many such books spend a little more time on things that let you know about the potentially returning characters, and I think those elements in this book is what might make some feel it was slow. I personally thought it was nicely paced, though admittedly slower than many mystery/thrillers. I would recommend this to readers who like methodical mysteries and especially ones with literary references. If you lean more toward the thriller than the mystery genre it may be more iffy for you, but if you like literary allusions that will push it over to the positive side for you. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/236223/review/512077

Florence and the gorgeous Tuscan landscape are the setting for a series of horrific murders with a glamorous, eccentric cast of suspects in Maggie Rose's page-turning thriller - an extraordinary debut novel.

I recently read The Divine Comedy and so I found this book really interesting, it is such a greatr and unique premise that had me on the edge of my seat and wondering what would happen next. A great read. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/236223/review/865607

Maggie Rose takes you on a twisted, full-fledged Dantesque journey into Florence's magical but mysterious vicoli at the dawn of the new millennium. Rose's is a veiled Florence, concealing eerie crevices and corners that were not meant to see light. Follow the Dante trail with Maria, the protagonist, and unravel the intricate web of compelling mystery, obscure connections and concealed truths, both past and present, to which, as well as Dante's "Inferno”, Shakespeare is the key: like Prince Hamlet, Maria believes that ‘readiness is all'. By turns dark and exciting, "Dark Dante” is a book you will find hard to put down.

I greatly enjoyed reading Dark Dante ! It is brilliant how the author has woven Dante into the plot. Not that I ever knew much about Dante, but I know a little bit more now... I found it very entertaining to read, and it moves along at a good pace keeping the reader interested and intrigued. It also provides so many insights into the Italian memes and mores, as well as amusing comparisons with the Brits, their different attitudes to politics, style etc. Seems to me it promises to be a big success.