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The Infernova Reviewed By Chris Phillips Of Bookpleasures.com
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Chris Phillips

Reviewer Chris Phillips: Chris is a veteran editor for friends and family as well as most of his employment positions.  He often finds himself reading a book and correcting problems he discovers, even after their works have been published by well-known publishers. Chris enjoys writing to authors, when possible, and discussing problems he has seen in the reading of their work. And as he states, “there is always the chance for great intelligent conversation whenever creative minds get together.”


 
By Chris Phillips
Published on January 15, 2010
 

Author: S. A. Alenthony
ISBN: 978-0-9819678-9-9
Publishers: Blackburnian Press

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.



Author: S. A. Alenthony
ISBN: 978-0-9819678-9-9

Click Here To Purchase The Infernova

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.

Click Here To Purchase The Infernova