The Infernova
Author
S.A. Alenthony
Publisher
Blackburnian Press
2 Review Copies Left
Dante Alighieri's magnificent Inferno has ruled for centuries as literature's most imaginative depiction of the fates of the damned. As a masterwork of allegorical fantasy, it stands unequaled. As a survey of the true causes of human misery, it fails utterly, built as it was upon a medieval religious worldview divorced from reality. S.A. Alenthony's The Infernova is the new book that rectifies this error by turning the classic vision of the Christian hell upside-down. Retelling the poem from an atheist's perspective, the story parallels Dante's descent through nine infamous circles where increasingly pernicious sinners endure their symbolic punishments. The upper circles house the minor offenders: those who lacked clarity or promoted fallacious arguments. The middle levels incarcerate those who preyed upon-and profited from-irrationality: paranormalists, conspiracy theorists, astrologers, and their ilk. Lower and yet darker realms are reserved for religion's criminals, such as televangelist-frauds, pedophile-priests, and terrorists, while at the pit's nadir reside the legions of the world's prophets and a virtual menagerie of the countless gods born of their imaginations. Dante was famously accompanied on his journey by his revered hero, the Roman poet Virgil. In The Infernova, it is the satirical and irreligious gadfly Mark Twain who takes the role of guide and companion. As their odyssey continues, the dangers of irrational and mystical thinking grow more clear, and their dialogues and encounters with hell's residents provide a unique tableau on which to set out the arguments against supernaturalism. Mythological traditions have long used narratives and parables as vehicles to get their messages across. While secular writers have produced a steady stream of quality non-fiction recently, works of fiction and poetry are more rare. The Infernova addresses the paucity of atheist imaginative writing, and will be of interest to all manner of freethinkers, humanists, and skeptical persons looking for a different kind of deconstruction of the world's superstitions.
Reviews
The introduction reads "Two unlikely facts collided at the event of my birth, with potentially lethal consequences. The first fact concerned the genes that my parents carried in their cells. The second fact concerned the memes they carried in their heads." After reading this first paragraph I knew I was in for an interesting read. I understand genes and how they influence our lives genetically, however, my interest was sparked by what memes his parents had and would attempt to pass on. With a little more reading I found out: Jehovah's Witness and their interpretations of the Bible. At that moment I knew this will be a page turner, and I have to say it didn't disappoint me.
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.
Reviewed on 06/27/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Irene Watson
The Infernova is a 6X9 paperback that is 212 pages long. I first want to address the cover art. I didn’t really understand the symbolism on the front cover with steps leading up to where a burning image or room seemed to be located. I probably am wrong, but I believe this cover design could possibly be tied into the title - definition of Infer-(Nova) which is a star that suddenly becomes thousands of times brighter and then gradually fades to its original intensity. If I am right then the cover makes sense to me because a star is located up in the sky which is why the fire is at the top of the stairs. The copy text on the back of the book delivered on the theme and flow of the interior book. It delivered exactly as promised.
Reviewed on 03/31/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Bill Hartmann
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 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.
Reviewed on 01/14/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Chris Phillips
