Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Inferno (Inferno #1)

3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 · rating details · 2,561 ratings · 166 reviews

This is the 6th Pocket printing.
Cover Artist: Harry Bennett

After being thrown out the window of his luxury apartment, science fiction writer Allen Carpentier wakes to find himself at the gates of hell. Feeling he's landed in a great opportunity for a book, he attempts to follow Dante's road map. Determined to meet Satan himself, Carpentier treks through the Nine Layers of

...more

Mass Market Paperback, 237 pages

Published December 2nd 1978 by Pocket (first published May 1976)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Adventures of the Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Most Under-rated Science Fiction

10th out of 758 books — 659 voters

Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books

351st out of 2,946 books — 12,407 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jan 29, 2010 Graham rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. First of all I’ll admit of not having actually read Dante’s INFERNO, the book on which this book is based. Therefore some of the references mean little to em. But this version of INFERNO is nonetheless a compelling read which works on two levels. First, as the straightforward horror story, the tale of an innocent man (but is he really innocent?) descending into the seven circles of Hell and discovering all manner of suffering and pain on his way down.

There are many memorable horrific images in...more First of all I’ll admit of not having actually read Dante’s INFERNO, the book on which this book is based. Therefore some of the references mean little to em. But this version of INFERNO is nonetheless a compelling read which works on two levels. First, as the straightforward horror story, the tale of an innocent man (but is he really innocent?) descending into the seven circles of Hell and discovering all manner of suffering and pain on his way down.

There are many memorable horrific images in this book, all vividly described by the authors. Murderers stand forver in a sea of boiling blood, the depth of the blood depending on how evil they are (a hit and run murderer might stand ankle deep while a child murder might be up to his eyebrows). As each of the circles is completely different to the rest, the book is episodic in nature and contains a wealth of description and intrigue.

There are also many memorable characters in the story. The narrator, a science fiction writer who accidentally dies at a convention, starts off rather irritating as he refuses to believe he is actually in Hell but instead in a giant theme park (what?). But our warmth for the character grows as the story progresses and he achieves a transformation through his experience.

The supporting characters, from demons and balrogs to even Benito Mussolini (an excellent touch), who is now repenting for his life of evil, are all portrayed very well. INFERNO is as gruesome as the synopsis sounds, with the sufferers unable to die and eventually healing from all wounds. On a visceral level it will satisfy even the hardest horror fan.

Beyond the engaging action-adventure plotline, we also find a number of themes. Our narrator questions the existence of Hell and of a God who sends sufferers there for minor sins when perhaps they do not really belong. There are themes of redemption, loss and injustice running throughout and the story really makes you think in places, becoming profound. The ending is also an excellent way to conclude the tale and really satisfying. INFERNO is really a one-of-a-kind tale and should be read as a warning by anyone with an imagination.(less)

like · see review

Aug 02, 2011 Michael rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

A science fiction writer (Alan Carpentier) falls from a balcony, and dies. Only he doesn't believe he has died, he thinks he has been transported to another planet, or perhaps another dimension. But, the reality is that he has died, and now exists in Hell, as rendered by Dante Alighieri.. He needs a lot of convincing that this is true. The arguments and debates between Alan and Benito become the basis of the novel. Yes, his escort, Benito, minces no words, is truthful, and forthcoming, yet Alan...more

like · see review

May 25, 2010 Keith rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I first read this book as a young teenager, and enjoyed it tremendously. It is possible that if I had first read it today, I would only give it four stars...

Allen Carpenter is a science fiction writer. After he dies in a drunken accident he wakes up in the "vestibule" of Hell, a Hell largely matching the description found in Dante's Inferno. Carpenter is a rationalist and a non-believer, so at first he tries find rational explanations for his new environment---his fans had his body frozen after...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 12, 2010 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, book-club, fiction, sci-fi, fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Feb 05, 2012 Mark rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Inferno
By Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
Publisher: Orb Books
Published In: New York, NY
Date: 1976
Pgs: 237

Summary:
Imagine not being able to feel anything...not being able to see anything. And it goes on...and on...seemingly forever. Until you call out to God, and you feel the bottle open and you are poured out from your own private Hell into Hell. Benito has rescued you. And he has a plan. All you have to do is follow him downward through the deeper and darker sections of Dante’s Hell in search o...more

like · see review

Feb 04, 2010 Andrew rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very intersting.

At first I was a little bit disappointed at the lack of creativity for the gruesome things that happen to the evil people of this world, to atone for their crimes.

But then I realized, to the books credit, that it was partially an homage to Dante, and partially a criticism, and full of depth. I have not read Dante's version, so I can only speculate, through this book's admittance, upon the similarities with the origional rendition.

Well crafted and well written. The main character'...more

like · see review

Dec 07, 2012 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this having first read Dante's work, so I understood all of the references, and the 'world' didn't surprise me.
That being said, I have never subscribed to the whole Heaven, Hell and Purgatory thing. It doesn't stand up to the test of common sense and logic, and fails even further when standards of morality are applied. But, it's a damned good read nonetheless.
Basically, it parallels the original, only the sinners are historical figures of more modern vintage. Some 'sins' have been twea...more

like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 ***Dave Hill rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: text, favorites

(Original review: http://hill-kleerup.org/blog/2009/06/...)

"Inferno", for those who haven’t read it, is a revisiting of Dante’s playground, only in this case it’s an untimely dead mid-grade SF writer dealing disbelievingly with a somewhat updated Hell, led by a mysterious figure who promises the way out can be found at the bottom. Great satire, fun SF, and some decent philosophy, too.

The “Authors’ Preferred Edition” introduces a bit more text — mostly explanations and expansions on the philosoph...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 26, 2008 Rowan O'bryan added it

I can't find this anywhere! it's a story about a science fiction writer who dies accidentally and goes to hell. he finds it to be exactly like Dante described it. since he does not think he's supposed to be there at all, he has to descend to the final circle of hell and climb up the devil's maybe asshole? to escape. long time.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Alexis Neal rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: breakfast-club, sci-fi-fantasy, 100-books

After spending unknown hours (days? Weeks? Months?) is some sort of limbo state, deceased science fiction writer Allen Carpentier finds himself plopped down in the middle of a deserted wasteland, which he is informed is “the Vestibule of Hell.” Carpentier is understandably skeptical, and persistently resists the assistance of his rescuer/guide, a mustachioed gentleman by the name of Benito. Benito is intent on coaxing Carpentier into Hell (here an updated version of Dante’s nine-circle geography...more After spending unknown hours (days? Weeks? Months?) is some sort of limbo state, deceased science fiction writer Allen Carpentier finds himself plopped down in the middle of a deserted wasteland, which he is informed is “the Vestibule of Hell.” Carpentier is understandably skeptical, and persistently resists the assistance of his rescuer/guide, a mustachioed gentleman by the name of Benito. Benito is intent on coaxing Carpentier into Hell (here an updated version of Dante’s nine-circle geography), in the hope that once he reaches the depths he will be able to emerge into Purgatory and thence to happier places. Carpentier, on the other hand, would rather stay in the pain-free First Circle with the virtuous pagans than attempt the dangerous (and painful) journey deeper into Hell. Also, Carpentier persists in his increasingly far-fetched belief that this is all some sort of hoax. However, Carpentier agrees to accompany Benito further in, in the hopes that he can collect the supplies that would enable to build a glider he can use to re-enter the First Circle. Along the way, Benito and Carpentier meet a host of past and future personalities and witness torment upon torment. But will they ever make it out? Will Carpentier succeed in making his glider? Or will he have to join Benito in his downward trek? And just who is Benito, anyway? And what happens when you get to the bottom of Hell?

According to the authors, this book was intended to be a re-imagining (and update) of Dante’s famous epic poem, but with more hope and potential for growth. In other words, Dante’s geography by way of C.S. Lewis’s theology—at least as implied in The Great Divorce, Lewis’s portrayal of Heaven (or its vestibule, at any rate). As a result, each sinner is still punished for his defining sin, but he also has the opportunity to move past that sin and eventually escape Hell altogether. Or at least that’s the tale Benito tells. It does not appear that one needs any particularly charitable motive to undertake this journey—repentance is not required, merely a desire for (and belief in) escape.

Most, of course, decline to seize this opportunity. After all, the lower levels are rumored to be even worse than their current torments, so any downward climb would entail escalating pain and suffering. And there’s no guarantee that this quest would be successful, anyway. Plus there’s always the risk that the dungeon masters below would be unwilling to release new victims to return to their home circles. Better to accept your punishment.

Still, for those who are willing, Benito holds out the hope of escape. He even claims that others have succeeded, though the number is small and the way is difficult. Along the way, Carpentier witnesses endless suffering, and even suffers himself in turn. Niven and Pournelle‘s additions to Dante are mostly clever, and occasionally surprising. For example, advertisers are included among the flatterers, and a teacher who was a bit too free with her amateur diagnosis of dyslexia is punished for witchcraft (on the grounds that she spoke a false but ultimately self-fulfilling prophecy of failure). However, unlike Dante, Carpentier concludes not that the torment is just punishment for evil acts, but that it’s all ‘too much.’ The punishments, though rationally—and sometimes ironically—related to the crimes, are all out of proportion. And those punishments are eternal.

This is admittedly a difficult theological truth—that a just and holy and loving God would eternally punish seemingly ‘minor’ sins. Heck, even the big sins don’t seem to merit eternal torment. But that’s exactly what they receive, and this outcome is consistent with God’s holiness, justice, love, and compassion. It simply doesn’t add up, to our way of thinking.

It is hardly surprising, then, that Carpentier concludes that whoever set up the system is infinitely powerful and infinitely sadistic. Even Christians, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and informed by God’s inspired Word, struggle with the idea of Hell. We don’t like it. We can’t wrap our heads around the idea that anything we do could ever warrant that kind of punishment. But according to the Bible, such punishment is precisely what we deserve, and in fact it would be unjust of God not to punish us for all time, were it not for the fact that the full horror of our punishment was poured out on Christ. It is only because He bore the penalty for our sins that God can save us from damnation and still be good.

This is a doozy of a theological reality, and it comes as no surprise that Niven and Pournelle fail to comprehend it. The only way they can imagine Hell is if it’s some sort of test, some sort of refinery that people have the power to leave if they so choose (and the power, when it comes, comes from one’s own will). And even then, the creator of this Hell is decried as sadistic and merciless—powerful, to be sure, but with a corrupted idea of justice. Carpentier is perfectly willing to judge this Judge and refuses to worship a God who keeps His own private ‘torture chamber.’

All of which is a perfectly logical worldly response to the doctrine of Hell. But as a Christian, I was discomfited by the constant disparagement of the holiness and justice of God—the constant accusations and self-justification. My mom always says that I shouldn’t be surprised when pagans act like pagans. I don’t know anything about Niven and Pournelle’s own beliefs, but they certainly write like pagans—that is, people who are determined to judge God by their own standards.

It’s an interesting read, to be sure, especially for those who’ve read and enjoyed the original Inferno. And it does highlight the world’s questions about Hell and judgment. I suppose that in and of itself is of some value, since we as Christians need to know the world’s questions in order to give the world answers. But since I suspect the answer here lies in God-given faith in God’s words about Himself, not in any rational explanation, I don’t know that wallowing in the question is all that helpful.

Still, it’s a decently written book (with a few minor inconsistencies). I don’t know that it deserved to be nominated for the Hugo and Nebula, but it’s not a crummy book, either. I just didn’t find it terribly edifying. (less)

like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Scott Buckley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What I liked about it?
- Dante's Inferno, but better. Dante was never afraid of his journey through hell - Allen Carpentier (our protagonist) most definitely is. He has a lot more riding on it, and that makes it much more captivating.
- Cameos from history's most infamous characters
- Gory, but funny as hell (pun intended).

What I didn't like about it?
- It ended.

Should you read it?
Hell yes. Ha! It was morbidly hilarious, and indulged my twinge for the dark side of religion, complete with scary demo...more

1 like · like · see review

May 19, 2013 Manny Etts rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.15 Stars

I had much higher expectations for my first Niven/Pournelle novel. Inferno had some bright points, interesting descriptions, clever details, but overall it was meandering and bordering on pointless.

The end was satisfying for how flat the rest of the book was, but only enough to bring it up to 3.15 stars.

To be accurate, I listened to the audio book. If it would have been much longer I wouldn't have finished. If I was reading paper or e-ink I wouldn't have made it halfway. I didn't reali...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2009 Justin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I've always been a fan of Dante Alighieri's Inferno, having read it multiple times for pleasure and never once as an assignment, and so I was intrigued by the "reimagining" of Dante's trek through Hell on the way to salvation.

This time around, the pilgrim is a science-fiction writer (and insufferable douche) named Allen Carpenter, who finds himself in the Vestibule of Hell after a drunken stunt at a sci-fi convention for the benefit of unappreciative fans goes unfortunately wrong. He is discover...more

1 like · like · see review

May 23, 2012 M.H. Tardiff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I read this in one sitting and that's not because it is lightweight pap. Inferno is a retelling of the classic work of Dante, with modern twists. The novel's voice is pitch-perfect and is at times tragic and hilarious all at once. The big twist near the end is not at all surprising, but once you realize the implications of the twist, you may be forced to question your own concepts of eternal damnation and ultimate justice.

You don't have to be religious to enjoy this book. It is at once a grand a...more

like · see review

Nov 23, 2010 Joseph Hartsfield rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think Inferno is a really good book, the plot is very suspenseful, and has well developed ideas that relate to both scientific and science fiction plot. the theme of this story is very unique. I think that the message is about a an interpretation about the bible, not of heaven,but of hell. Carpentier is a developed character, and seems to grow throughout the story starting out as not believing, the to a person who says "what if".the story is very complex it full of action, and a lot of metapho...more

like · see review

Feb 14, 2011 Suz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobook, fantasy, award-winner

I have been meaning to read this book for years. I love Dante's Inferno, and I love reading alternate versions of classics. I also really like reading Niven & Pournelle's work, so I thought this would be a great book.

As it is, the book was merely "meh" for me. The main character had some interesting adventures in the book, and met interesting people, to be sure. There was a lot of commentary/in jokes with regards to other sci-fi authors, and the book does seem a bit dated. It was worth readi...more

like · see review

Jan 26, 2011 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Cheryl by: Jeff Peng

Interesting updated journey through hell, punishments and circles of hell based on Dante's "Inferno". This time, the person taking the journey is a former science fiction author and his guide is Benito Mussolini.

The people they encounter on the way through hell include modern professions from more recent societies, but the sins are still the same. Old and new are punished together, depending on their sins.

Creative, absorbing read, full of interesting characters throughout the journey. Made me p...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2009 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: horror fans, recovering christians

Recommended to Kelly by: Matthewhawthorne

Shelves: 2009, horror

This is not a book I would have picked up from looking at the cover or reading the blurb on the back. It was highly recommended to me, however, and I decided to give it a shot.

I've never read anything by Larry Niven, although I've heard the name before. I really had no idea what to expect. To my surprise, it was really good. I was expecting some old-timey not-so-good SciFi, but really, it's a horror story.

Yes, the plot (or at least the setting) is based loosely on Dante's Inferno, but with a muc...more

like · see review

May 19, 2012 Greg rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What if you were to wake up in Dante's Inferno otherwise known as Hell, would you believe it? How long would it take you to figure it out? What would you tell yourself to justify what you were seeing. That's what happened to Allan Carpentier. And to take it one step further he was a science fiction writer in real life, you can imagine how easy it would be to explain your surroundings with an imagination like that. Or would it be. This was a great modernization of the inferno that even brings th...more

like · see review

Feb 20, 2011 Edward rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sf

I was a freshman in 1962 at Mount de Sales, a Catholic High School, and Religious Studies, or whatever it was called, was a boring, boring class. We began reading Dante’s Inferno and it was a riot. This book was so bizarre, with its topology of hell, mythical beasts, and cartoon devils, I just couldn’t take it as gospel, which it wasn’t the nun pointed out.

I saw it as sanctioned Science Fiction! Earlier in the year, I’d taken a Frederick Pohl library book to school to read on the bus, and it wa...more I was a freshman in 1962 at Mount de Sales, a Catholic High School, and Religious Studies, or whatever it was called, was a boring, boring class. We began reading Dante’s Inferno and it was a riot. This book was so bizarre, with its topology of hell, mythical beasts, and cartoon devils, I just couldn’t take it as gospel, which it wasn’t the nun pointed out.

I saw it as sanctioned Science Fiction! Earlier in the year, I’d taken a Frederick Pohl library book to school to read on the bus, and it was confiscated until the end of the day and my parents were called. I wish I could remember the name of that book.

Niven and Pournelle take my science fiction interpretation literally. Allen Carpenter is a science fiction writer who dies and envisions his afterlife as the work of alien engineers who use Dante’s hell as a blueprint. His guide is no Virgil, by any means, but together they descend to the bottom and possible escape. Along the way, the author takes a few personal jabs at certain people by encountering them in their correct place in hell. Historical figures are treated similarly and are used to teach us a few things.

There are some technological upgrades like bigger and faster ferries, and, of course, there are more people, but the oppression of damnation and punishment remains. Allen views sin in modern terms, not Dante’s, so injustices are rampant. Once he decides he really is in hell, he finds it excessively cruel and questions its whole purpose. There is some philosophizing here but not enough to interfere with the adventure.

I referred to the original Dante a few times out of curiosity but it wasn’t a requirement, fortunately, as it was duller than I remembered. It must be beautiful in Italian verse, as I understand it was used to pull all the different Italian dialects of the time into uniformity as modern Italian.

+3 stars for the concept
+3 stars for what I learned
-2 star for making Allen miss the obvious and try the impossible
-1 star for denigrating one of my favorite authors (Hey, I make the rules here!)(less)

like · see review

May 21, 2010 Jimmy Corvan rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a big fan of Dante's original Inferno, I went into this book thinking that it could not possibly be as wonderful as the poem. Good, bad or indifferent, I was right. The entire feeling of the original work has been stripped from this version. Niven and Pournelle take some very gracious liberties with this decent through hell, the most annoying of which, is the creation of a ridiculously bureaucratic Hell (almost to the point of hilarity). The addition of filling out necessary forms and paperwo...more As a big fan of Dante's original Inferno, I went into this book thinking that it could not possibly be as wonderful as the poem. Good, bad or indifferent, I was right. The entire feeling of the original work has been stripped from this version. Niven and Pournelle take some very gracious liberties with this decent through hell, the most annoying of which, is the creation of a ridiculously bureaucratic Hell (almost to the point of hilarity). The addition of filling out necessary forms and paperwork in order to decent between different rings of hell was very unwelcomed and did a wonderful job of fully removing me from the feeling that I was descending the rings of hell through John Carpenter's eyes.

All of that being said, this book was a really good read. While the authors certainly took their liberties with Dante's work, they did keep plenty of important details the same. On the whole, the world of Hell functions in the same manner, as the sins of Dante's writing still elicit very similar punishments.

This was a very interesting take on Dante's work as it does not, in any regard, attempt to tell the story. Sure the paths taken are similar, however, the intention and thus the actions taken with the characters of the world are vastly different. I was a little disappointed that Niven's novel lacked the beautiful scenery descriptions that was rife in Dante's, however, Niven earned some points back by more elaborately explaining the pains of each punishment.

While a very small point, I was PLEASANTLY surprised to see bits of influence from Trumbo's "Johnny's Got His Gun." At times the descriptions of Carpentier's thoughts are more interesting than the action. The beginning of this novel, before Carpentier is found to be in Hell, is almost a direct homage to JGHG...and a very good one at that.

On the whole, this book certainly does Dante's original piece justice and is certainly worth the read. If asked, I would offer that this version is a little more accessible to most readers than Dante's but I would very rarely encourage someone read this over the original.(less)

like · see review

Dec 10, 2009 Ben Babcock rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009-read, fantasy, religion-fiction, owned, nebula-nominee

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Christian mythology is a rich source of fiction. It's a great deal of fun to re-interpret mythology and add a new twist, a new perspective. This isn't a new trend either; it's been going on since there was a Christianity to mythologize. Few figures have drawn as much attention as the Devil, also known as Satan, Lucifer, What Have You. In the Bible, he is a serpent and a trickster. Milton made him sympathetic (although I suspect he was copying the Rolling Stones). Although Dante's Inferno from th...more Christian mythology is a rich source of fiction. It's a great deal of fun to re-interpret mythology and add a new twist, a new perspective. This isn't a new trend either; it's been going on since there was a Christianity to mythologize. Few figures have drawn as much attention as the Devil, also known as Satan, Lucifer, What Have You. In the Bible, he is a serpent and a trickster. Milton made him sympathetic (although I suspect he was copying the Rolling Stones). Although Dante's Inferno from the Divine Comedy is more about Dante's journey through Hell than it is about the Devil, the same idea applies: it's one man's interpretation of a mythology that has shaped entire societies.

Now we have Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle's take on Inferno—a re-interpretation of a re-interpretation of Christian mythology (at least, the Hell part). Niven and Pournelle (I'm going to call them N&P from hereon if that's fine; I don't know which wrote more of if that's applicable here, so I'll laud and lament them collectively) draw heavily from their source material. However, you don't need to have read the original before tackling this Inferno. I haven't yet tackled the Divine Comedy, but I'm aware of enough of the basic plot to see the parallels here: a writer dies and finds himself in Hell. He ventures deeper and deeper into Hell's concentric circles, each one featuring punishments for different types of sinners. The narrator receives a guide—in Dante's case, Virgil; in Carpenter's, Benito Mussolini. The goal of this journey is an escape from Hell found at its very centre. The ending of the book, as well as in some of its particulars, differs from the original. This is more a work "inspired by" Dante's than a straight "updated" version.

The Hell of N&P's Inferno is one of horrors and punishments that seem just but, as Carpenter puts it, "much too late." At first, Carpenter can't believe he's in Hell. As a science fiction writer and an agnostic, Carpenter tries to rationalize Hell. He calls it "Infernoland," a sadistic amusement park created by advanced humans or aliens. As he goes deeper into this setting, however, he encounters stranger and more unsettling sights that call this theory into question. The problem is not that Carpenter is unable to believe in God (and thus in Hell) but that he can't reconcile a God with a "private torture chamber" with the largely benevolent God depicted in Christianity. In fact, any Inferno is somewhat of a deconstruction of the Christian mythos, since attempts to depict the nature of punishments in Hell inevitably evoke this sort of reaction: why would God do this? By the end of the book, Carpenter believes he has arrived at an answer, one that requires him to stay in Hell and help others escape while Mussolini goes on to the next stage (presumably Purgatory).

N&P break the monotony of Carpenter and Mussolini's relationship with several transitory characters, including Billy the Kidd, an astronaut named Jeremy Corbett, and for a moment, Jesse James. As much as the idea is a good one, I have to question the choice of companions. Really, Billy the Kidd? Maybe I'm just a bag o' no fun, but these people aren't examples of what I'd call interesting historical personages (now Mussolini is definitely on that list). And these companions are with the main characters for such a short time that it's hard to develop any attachment to them. Just as I begin to warm up to Corbett, N&P pull him back to his place in Hell, leaving Carpenter and Mussolini alone once again. Almost all the characters save these two are underdeveloped, more one-liner jokes ("What are you in for?") than actual people.

My problem with the bureaucratic episode is similar. I loved the parody of bureaucracy—I love parodies of bureaucracy in general, and N&P include a good one here. It's just too short (although maybe this is necessary in order to keep such parodies fresh and funny). All of these short sketches of punishments in Hell give Carpenter the opportunity to reflect on his past life, but without much of an idea of Carpenter's life, there's very little in the way of pathos.

In addition to the bureaucracy parody, there are plenty of lighter moments in Inferno. N&P make plenty of references to popular science fiction authors at the time, delivering tips of the hat or vaguely disguised mockery to Asimov, L. Ron Hubbard, Robert A. Heinlein, A.E. van Vogt, etc. Carpenter as a character and his entire Infernoland theory is as much a comment on the cult of science fiction as it is a deconstruction of Christian Hell. A good deal of what we know about Carpenter we learn from how he describes his relationship with his fans. He feels like he's a more approachable, more open author than some of the more prestigious authors who are winning Hugos and, like Asimov, publishing far more in a year than he'll output in a lifetime. As Carpenter speculates about the fantastic mechanisms that must operate Infernoland, we get the idea that he clings to this theory long past its expiry not because he genuinely believes in it because it's all he has. He has spent so long being just a science fiction writer, with few if any other attachments, that science fiction is all he has left of any sense of "normal" (and Infernoland is certainly not normal).

Inferno is at times very much a piece of genre fiction, almost meta in the way Carpenter interjects with his interpretation of Hell. It has elements of both satire and seriousness in it, but in this instance they don't mesh satisfactorily. Part of me really liked it, but overall I feel . . . underwhelmed. This is a usually a sign that a book has lots of little good ideas (like Benito Mussolini as the guide to Hell) but never really coheres.(less)

like · see review

Jan 18, 2010 Terry rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let me first say that I have not read the original "Inferno" by Dante. So I can not compare the two books (which I think would be a mistake anyway). I also have to assume that the authors are referencing the original correctly. Having said all that, I really enjoyed this novel. I found once I got into the story, I could not put it down.

"Inferno" is a modern day viewing of the original "Inferno" by Dante. In this story the main character is a science fiction writer who dies by his own actions and...more

like · see review

Dec 31, 2008 Patrick Gibson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lasciate-ogne-speranza-voi-ch-intra, humorous, science-fiction

Dante Alighieri gets a makeover and his journey to hell is led by a science fiction writer named Carpentier whose fans let him accidently kill himself at a sci-fi convention. Carpentier, at first, has some ethical and practical questions about being dead—mainly how he is capable of thinking about being dead if he is dead. Before slipping off a window sill with a half emptied bottle of rum he mentions the name of God to his adoring fans. It’s this utterance that places him in limbo after his reck...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 09, 2008 Joshua rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Any one who wants to read a poor re-imagining of a classic

Shelves: sci-fi-and-fantasy

First published in 1976, Inferno is somewhat of a re-imagining of Dante's Inferno , but with a modern twist.

This is the story of Allen, a science fiction writer that was killed attending a sci-fi convention. He awakens in hell, finding a guide a la Virgil in the form of Benito Mussolini. They then imbark on a journey into the deapths of hell to its center, seeking an exit that may or may not exist.

Sounds interesting? I thought so too, but the premise is more interesting than the execution. I...more

like · see review

Aug 16, 2007 Thomas Pfaff rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: agnostics

This is sort of another Larry Niven book. Jerry Pournelle wrote it, Niven contributed somehow.

This book is about an imaginary trip through hell. My recollection is that a man, frozen in storage (his soul at least) is awakend by somebody. He remembers/finds out enough about Dante Allighieri's dream that he pursues the different levels of hell. Along the way he picks up a buddy who says they can find their way out of hell and ascent into heaven.

I thought it was humorous that Pournelle decided to h...more

like · see review

May 15, 2009 Eric rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Feb 15, 2011 S Jebbett rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is probably my favorite book of all time. Its about a famous sci fi author who is losing his fans, so he goes to a party, gets drunk, and falls out a (several story) window. He wakes up in a bottle, which ends up being the vestibule to hell, dante style. Larry Niven and Jeffery Pournelle give and take from dantes imagination, and add some sins and punishments of their own! If you already read this, check out 'Escape from Hell', by the same authors. Its the sequel done about 30 years later!

like · see review

Jan 30, 2010 Donna rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ditched

I would give this book "0" stars if the system allowed. I didn't even finish it (hence, the "ditched" tag), which is very rare for me.

I love sci-fi, I like the two authors, and I hated this book. It was about a sci-fi writer who, while pretending to be threatening to kill himself at a sci-fi/fantasy convention, actually falls out the window and dies. He wakes up in the "vestibule of hell" and has to find his way through.

So many writers have tried to re-do Dante's Inferno, or have stolen parts of...more

like · see review

Jul 28, 2012 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-i-read

So I have never read about Dante's Inferno before although I have heard of it. I feel like that would be serious with its content and this particular book is not. I kinda thought that once Allan enters hell that the story would become more graphic and that's not the case. The book in whole is kinda blah but I do like the revelation that Allan has at the end of the book. Im rating it a 3 because it was a quick and easy read and I also enjoyed the descriptions of each of hell layers.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Reissue of "Inferno" is "substantially different" from the original?	1	22	Feb 23, 2010 04:59pm
Comparing to the original	1	30	Apr 09, 2007 09:11am

combine
Other Editions (27)

More editions...

Genres

Fantasy

110 users

Science Fiction

93 users

Religion

16 users

Horror

14 users

Science Fiction Fantasy

9 users

Adventure

4 users

Humor

3 users

Classics

3 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

2 users

Science > Technology

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Larry Niven

Laurence van Cott Niven's best known work is Ringworld (Ringworld, #1) (1970), which received the Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards. His work is primarily hard science fiction, using big science concepts and theoretical physics. The creation of thoroughly worked-out alien species, which are very different from humans both physically and mentally, is recognized as one of Niven's main strengths...more Laurence van Cott Niven's best known work is Ringworld (Ringworld, #1) (1970), which received the Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards. His work is primarily hard science fiction, using big science concepts and theoretical physics. The creation of thoroughly worked-out alien species, which are very different from humans both physically and mentally, is recognized as one of Niven's main strengths.

Niven also often includes elements of detective fiction and adventure stories. His fantasy includes The Magic Goes Away series, which utilizes an exhaustible resource, called Mana, to make the magic a non-renewable resource.

Niven created an alien species, the Kzin, which were featured in a series of twelve collection books, the Man-Kzin Wars. He co-authored a number of novels with Jerry Pournelle. In fact, much of his writing since the 1970s has been in collaboration, particularly with Pournelle, Steven Barnes, Brenda Cooper, or Edward M. Lerner.

He briefly attended the California Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics (with a minor in psychology) from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, in 1962. He did a year of graduate work in mathematics at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has since lived in Los Angeles suburbs, including Chatsworth and Tarzana, as a full-time writer. He married Marilyn Joyce "Fuzzy Pink" Wisowaty, herself a well-known science fiction and Regency literature fan, on September 6, 1969.

In addition to his awards for Ringworld, Niven won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story for "Neutron Star" in 1967. He won the same award in 1972, for "Inconstant Moon", and in 1975 for "The Hole Man". In 1976, he won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette for "The Borderland of Sol".

Niven has written scripts for various science fiction television shows, including the original Land of the Lost series and Star Trek: The Animated Series, for which he adapted his early story "The Soft Weapon". He adapted his story "Inconstant Moon" for an episode of the television series The Outer Limits in 1996.

He has also written for the DC Comics character Green Lantern including in his stories hard science fiction concepts such as universal entropy and the redshift effect, which are unusual in comic books.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/larryn...

(less)

More about Larry Niven...

Books by Larry Niven

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Inferno

12 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

title link	preview: Inferno
avg rating	preview: Inferno Goodreads rating: 3.79 (2561 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/100369.Inferno?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1171467266l/100369.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/100369.Inferno?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Inferno by Larry Niven[/url]

Inferno (Inferno #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website