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ARCHIVE PAGE FOUR...
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NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "About the Author"
URL http://www.matthewpearl.com

COMMENTS

 Thanks so much for stopping by my guestbook! This is a place where you can just let me know you've been by, or post comments or questions about The Dante Club. I really appreciate your support.

Please note, this is NOT a place for general discussions about Dante. For that, please go to the Dante Discussion Forum. Thanks for coming!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Tuesday, November 12th 2002 - 11:02:19 AM

NAME Susan Pearl

COMMENTS

 I am so proud to sign this guestbook!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE SW Ranches, FL
DATE Tuesday, November 19th 2002 - 08:37:29 AM

NAME Lucas Jacobson

COMMENTS

 Exciting stuff. My mom, Sally Harris, told me about the site. I'm looking forward to enjoying the fruits of your labors. Say Hi to your Dad for "Lucus" if you remember to. I used to be his slave/intern.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE St. Louis, MO
DATE Thursday, November 21st 2002 - 12:22:27 PM

NAME catherine quigley
URL http:// www.catherinequigley.com

COMMENTS

 Hey, cousin,
You're such a rock star, Matt! I am so proud:)
I hope to see you when you come back to lalaland....
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Los Angeles, CA
DATE Sunday, November 24th 2002 - 03:28:34 PM

NAME Chris Costello
URL http://www.costelloart.com

COMMENTS

 Hi Matthew,
Just ckecking out the Guestbook. Looks like a few of your fans have already been here. This should work great.

Good luck with it.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Watertown, MA
DATE Saturday, November 30th 2002 - 03:01:55 PM

NAME Molly Cooper

COMMENTS

 Matthew-
I'm very excited to read the book. Congratulations!
Molly
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Los Angeles, CA
DATE Tuesday, December 3rd 2002 - 10:28:21 PM

NAME Gene Koo
URL http://www.AdmissionCoach.com

COMMENTS

 Congratulations, Matt! Looking forward to seeing your book in stores and on my shelf.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Boston, MA
DATE Tuesday, December 3rd 2002 - 10:40:37 PM

NAME Nick Corman

COMMENTS

 Cool site! When the flash aniation started on the opening page, I thought "wow, the movie is already here!" :) Looking forward to reading the book...
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Tuesday, December 3rd 2002 - 11:17:14 PM

NAME Christian Dupont
URL http://www.dante.nd.edu/

COMMENTS

 The 'teaser' chapter in Dante Studies. Lunch in Cambridge. Now your wonderful Web site with more teasers. Can't wait to read the whole of the novel all this has been building up to! To your success - cheers!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Notre Dame, IN
DATE Tuesday, December 3rd 2002 - 11:18:34 PM

NAME Julie Park
URL http://tl.sancarlos.k12.ca.us

COMMENTS

 My sixth grade English students are as excited as I am for the book to come out. They can't believe that their teacher knows a real author! See you at Kepler's in February.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE San Francisco, CA
DATE Tuesday, December 3rd 2002 - 11:55:39 PM

NAME Micah Green
URL http://www.micahgreen.com

COMMENTS

 Too cool. This book is amazing. When will it be made into a film Matthew?!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE NY, NY
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 12:12:26 AM

NAME Patrick Duffy

COMMENTS

 Fantastic site! Can't wait to read the book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 01:04:38 AM

NAME michael c. keith
URL http://www.michaelckeith.com

COMMENTS

 Hey Matt,

Keep writing clever books like this one. You'll put us all to shame.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE boston
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 06:52:10 AM

NAME Cheryl Case-Diaz

COMMENTS

 Congrats Matt! I can't wait to read it!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Miami, FL
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 10:10:32 AM

NAME Caroline Sparrow

COMMENTS

 Dear Matthew,

I'm so glad the book is about to come out--you've put a lot of work into it and deserve all the success that will be coming to you (fingers crossed!).

The cover looks great and the website is very well done.

Best,
Caroline
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 10:12:29 AM

NAME Barbara Kaplan

COMMENTS

 Matthew,
I'm so proud of you!!!! Does this mean the cartoons I saved that you drew on notebook paper are worth something now??? Love to your family!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Ft.Lauderdale,Fl
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 11:03:33 AM

NAME Matt Parlow

COMMENTS

 Congrats, Matt! I am so proud of you and can't wait to read the book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Los Angeles, CA
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 12:25:34 PM

NAME Jeffrey Leichter MD

COMMENTS

 Can't wait to read the book!!!!!the website looks great too.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Boston, MA
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 12:52:23 PM

NAME Jenny Kozinn

COMMENTS

 Wow, I am so impressed. The Romaca girls have been hearing so much about The Dante Club and how hard you have worked. Can't wait to read it.
Love,
Jenny
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 08:25:35 PM

NAME Scott Weinger

COMMENTS

 Congratulations, Matt! I'm one of the lucky few who have had the opportunity to read the novel in advance of its publication, and it's incredible! May this be the first chapter of a long and distinguished career in the arts.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Los Angeles, CA
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 08:41:27 PM

NAME Dr. Cy Gruberg

COMMENTS

 I treasure the memories of your high school years and having
been privileged to be your college counselor...Am I proud? Words can not convey this. Your journey has just begun. Am eager to read the book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Weston, Fl
DATE Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 09:01:27 PM

NAME Linda Winrow

COMMENTS

 Matt, congratulations on this awesome accomplishment! I can hardly wait to read it! When are you coming to Florida to sign copies????? Scott once said that I learned him good; I guess I learned you good, too! All the best and continued success to you and your family!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Plantation, FL
DATE Thursday, December 5th 2002 - 09:39:44 AM

NAME Leigh Moyer

COMMENTS

 How exciting! I can't wait to read it! Hope to get to see you on your SF stop.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE San Francisco
DATE Thursday, December 5th 2002 - 01:37:48 PM

NAME Courtney Haas

COMMENTS

 Matthew,
Congratulations-- this is such an impressive accomplishment! Scott and I canīt wait to welcome you to LA when you pass through on your book tour. I wish you continued success!
Courtney
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Los Angeles, CA
DATE Thursday, December 5th 2002 - 08:38:31 PM

NAME Ian A. Pearl

COMMENTS

 A Long Message That Is Intended To Be Read From Beginning To End, By One & All...
Matt,
Arthur Conan Doyle past away some 72 years too early, as he would've no doubt been still writing / thrilling us with how Holmes' brilliant deductions came about, whilest ringing you up / e-mailing you for a bit of advice & proof reading here & there, & when secretly sufferring from writer's block from time to time would find himself re-reading your page turner of a book for a bit of divine inspiration, & no doubt asking for the privilege of adding a word or two to your book jacket before it went to the presses!
Since we no not what Doyle would have to say, your big brother, who's obviously always at a loss for words, hereby states... "Author Matthew Pearl proves the timeless adage 'The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword, by convincing us 'Words Can Bleed'-- Indeed!"
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE S.W Ranches, FL
DATE Friday, December 6th 2002 - 03:21:39 AM

NAME Margarita Jimenez Leon

COMMENTS

 Congratulations, Matt!! I can't wait to read your novel. Hey, do you need a Spanish translator? Let us know when you will be in this area, I certainly would love to have it autographed -- let's give Scott a break about that -- Love, Sra. Leon
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Pembroke Pines, FL
DATE Friday, December 6th 2002 - 08:19:47 AM

NAME Lynne Lambert

COMMENTS

 I'm pleased to add my name to the list of people who "knew you when" and are so proud of your great accomplishment in the "here and now." Let us know when you will be signing books in the Ft. Lauderdale area. I'll be in line.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Plantation, FL
DATE Saturday, December 7th 2002 - 09:32:40 PM

NAME Debbi Chait

COMMENTS

 Congratulations Matt! My friend and colleague, Sra. Leon, let me know about your book. I'm sure your family and friends are bursting with pride. You have whet my appetite and I, for one, can't wait to read what you've written!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Weston, Florida
DATE Monday, December 9th 2002 - 03:07:06 PM

NAME Susan Fauer

COMMENTS

 I received a proud note by email from Mrs. Leon, with whom I teach. I want to add my congratulations to hers. I always tell my students that I'll look for their books in Barnes & Noble. I can imagine how proud Mrs. Leon feels to have been a part of your journey. Kudos.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Weston
DATE Monday, December 9th 2002 - 04:35:30 PM

NAME Justine van Engen

COMMENTS

 I've never met you but my sister Layla and Julie go to law school together and Layla knew how much I had enjoyed my medieval poetic class at Georgetown. I look forward to reading your book and think that the Inferno is a fabulous departure point for a mystery. Throw in a little Lowell, a little Longfellow and you've got yourself a bona fide historical novel. I do have one question and I hope you will answer. How do you feel about the audio version? I'm sure the dramatic quality is superb but I'm more interested in your feelings on the phenomenon of an audio novel and the necessary abridgement which occurs in order to accomodate a major-publisher audio release. Do you have any control in the process or is that a separate event?

If your book tour comes to Washington DC, I will definitely come to hear you.

Thanks,
Justine van Engen
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Washington, DC
DATE Monday, December 9th 2002 - 06:55:57 PM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "About the Author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 Hi Justine, thanks for signing. Thanks, also, for your great question. I can only speak from my own experience with my audio book, which was extremely positive. As you say, in almost all cases the audio publisher must abridge -- otherwise the book would end up to be a dozen CDs or cassettes and cost eighty dollars! However, in my case, Simon & Schuster audio sent me their abridgement script and allowed me plenty of time to go over it and make any changes I wanted, as long as the word count stayed the same. I actually ended up writing some new material for the audio book to bridge scenes and explain character and plot elements that had been rearranged, and that was a fun opportunity. The weekend they were recording in New York, they even called me and asked me for the correct pronunciation of some two dozen words and names! (Unfortunately, I'm notoriously bad at pronouncing things, so I wasn't much help.) I personally don't see the audio book as a substitute for the printed novel, but rather as an adaptation -- just as a movie made from a play, or a play made from a book, or an opera made from a poem, it's a different form and format to convey the story. I'll be very interested to hear the unabridged audio, which I believe BBC Audio is doing for "The Dante Club," to hear whether it has to be narrated at a different pace and style. But if you have a chance, do listen to the audio excerpt on the website -- I think you'd enjoy it!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Tuesday, December 10th 2002 - 09:29:09 AM

NAME Hope Pearl

COMMENTS

 Matt, I'm so proud of you. We finally got somebody famous in our family!!!!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Great Neck, NY
DATE Tuesday, December 10th 2002 - 01:05:34 PM

NAME Susan Tannenbaum

COMMENTS

 Hi Matt! I can't believe my nephew has written a book as fantastic as this! Your web site is so great - makes me so anxious to read it! We'll be seeing you at the book signing in New York!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Great Neck, New York
DATE Tuesday, December 10th 2002 - 01:11:22 PM

NAME Hope Johnson Pearl

COMMENTS

 Congratulations Matt.
Love,
Grandma
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE NY
DATE Tuesday, December 10th 2002 - 01:19:27 PM

NAME Amy Zager

COMMENTS

 Matt,

I am thrilled for you! Looking forward to reading it. I always knew you'd be a success!

Amy
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Friday, December 13th 2002 - 06:51:17 PM

NAME Mindy Adamson (cousin)

COMMENTS

 Matthew,
So proud of you and can't wait to read it.
Hope to see you in Jan. in Boston!
Mazel Tov!
Mindy
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Longwood, FL
DATE Sunday, December 15th 2002 - 01:32:34 PM

NAME Derek D. Stutz

COMMENTS

 Matt,
I am so proud to say that my childhood buddy has hit the big time. My family and I always knew that you were one in a million. Congratulations on this and many more to come! If i knew how to read i would definately enjoy but until then I guess ill have to settle with lookng at all the pictures! LOL...I cant wait!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Las Vegas, NV
DATE Friday, December 20th 2002 - 03:43:45 AM

NAME Patti Posillico

COMMENTS

 The web site is absolutely awesome and makes you wish February 11th was yesterday. I always was and am very proud of you!
Congratulations!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Weston, Fl
DATE Friday, December 20th 2002 - 11:05:30 AM

NAME Sunny Denes Sharpe

COMMENTS

 Hi Matt, I e-mailed you too, but I wanted to join in public praise of your accomplishments. It's hard for me to put into words how impressed I am by your accomplishment. Let's just say that I am and that I wish you all the luck in the world with this book and everything else that you plan to do in your life. You should know that I still have those Christmas and Hannukah pins that you made in middle school...I bought them at the Bazaar in the "cafetornasium". Best wishes to you and your family.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Pompano Beach, Florida
DATE Sunday, December 22nd 2002 - 09:47:50 PM

NAME Suzanne Gluck

COMMENTS

 What a fabulous site! And of course I may (as your agent)
be a bit prejudiced, but I know everyone who buys The Dante
Club will be in for an amazing literary treat!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE NY, NY
DATE Monday, January 6th 2003 - 01:38:28 PM

NAME Maret Orliss

COMMENTS

 I host author events for Vroman's Bookstore, and was so excited to learn about the Dante Club when I discovered that Matthew would be here in February. I am looking forward to meeting you and to reading what seems to be a terrific book!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Pasadena, CA
DATE Tuesday, January 7th 2003 - 12:11:15 PM

NAME Ryan Poliakoff

COMMENTS

 Matt,

Who would have believed that such a nice guy would make his name on a hellish thriller? You can count on at least one sale--Marci and I can't wait to get a copy in hand. You'll have to sign it for us the next time you swing through town.

Here's to a successful start and a bright future.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Friday, January 10th 2003 - 08:07:33 PM

NAME Dale and Ralph Kistler

COMMENTS

 I think we met you once while you were visiting Patti and Joe in Santa Barbara. Patti told us about your web site. It's very impressive, not to mention your accomplishments. We look forward to reading your book. Congratulations on your success.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Santa Barbara, CA
DATE Monday, January 13th 2003 - 12:38:37 AM

NAME Ellen Kelson

COMMENTS

 Your father has been telling about this amazing project for years. I look forward to reading it. Best of luck to you. You've got one proud papa.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Sunday, January 26th 2003 - 07:32:10 PM

NAME Nancy

COMMENTS

 Im in the process of reading this fine novel/mystery..it opens with a murder, which takes one immediately into the book. Im studying Dante and how he has influenced the field of art and painting. I find the historical facts of the events at Harvard to be very intersting, Im finding facts I never have heard of before..as Ive been studying Dante with a friend who is helping me who lives in Florence, so I have gotten the Italian background ...this is a new venture for me..and one that is most rewarding. Reading the impact Dante made on the old Ivy league tradition is electrifying to say the least.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE connecticut
DATE Sunday, February 2nd 2003 - 05:36:27 AM

NAME daniele

COMMENTS

 proud to sign your guestbook
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Firenze, Italy
DATE Sunday, February 2nd 2003 - 05:41:11 AM

NAME Melissa MacKenzie

COMMENTS

 I am looking foward to reading your book. It sounds intriguting.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Ontario, Canada
DATE Monday, February 3rd 2003 - 12:24:24 PM

NAME Alexandra Robbins
URL http://www.secretsofthetomb.com

COMMENTS

 I love this book -- Absolutely Love It. I will buy it for friends and recommend it to everyone. The Dante Club is going to be a huge success and so are you, Matthew, without doubt. I haven't known you for long, but it seems to me that the upcoming literary praise about to be lavished on you couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I can't WAIT to read the next one! Kick some book tour butt! alex
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Washington, DC
DATE Tuesday, February 4th 2003 - 01:11:00 PM

NAME Todd Weinger

COMMENTS

 Matt,
It's a great privilege to call you my big brother's best friend. I look forward to a great read!
Congratulations,
Todd
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE LA, CA
DATE Tuesday, February 4th 2003 - 03:11:39 PM

NAME Franz Bautista

COMMENTS

 Eh...the book was just O-K.

I guess I should add that I'm just kidding and haven't picked up a copy just yet. But, I'm certainly looking forward to reading your great thriller! Matt, congratulations on all your present accomplishments, and I look forward to hearing about your future ones.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Los Angeles, CA
DATE Tuesday, February 4th 2003 - 07:34:36 PM

NAME Tim Cull
URL http://www.kroppel.net

COMMENTS

 We just bought 3 copies (some to give to friends). I can't wait to read them.

Congratulations!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Berkeley, CA
DATE Tuesday, February 4th 2003 - 08:30:39 PM

NAME Interested Reader

COMMENTS

 Matthew -- Congratulations! The book looks terrific! The website also mentions that you won the Dante Society prize for an essay you wrote on the Divine Comedy. Is that essay available for public consumption? Would you be willing to email it to interested readers? Good luck with TDC, and with future endeavors!
DATE Wednesday, February 5th 2003 - 09:56:54 AM

NAME Francine Zoppi

COMMENTS

 Dear Matt, Congradulations! I still have many of the characters you created for our awards night at U-School.
I loved the cover of your book , and can't wait to read it.
Best of Luck to you . Wishing you Health, Love, and a touch of prosperity.
Your art Teacher.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
DATE Thursday, February 6th 2003 - 09:33:12 AM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "about the author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 In response to "Interested Reader": thanks so much for your question. If there are readers who are interested in some of my scholarly writing on Dante, I'm happy to recommend two things. The first is my preface to the new Modern Library edition of Longfellow's translation of Inferno. This covers the biographical and cultural impetus behind the first American translation of the Comedy. You can find information on the Modern Library edition on my website. The second is the essay you mention which received the Dante Prize, a work on Emerson's place as a Dante scholar entitled "Colossal Cipher: Emerson as America’s Lost Dantean." If you have access to a good university (or some public) library, you can find this in "Dante Studies" which is a scholarly journal, the 1999 (v. 117) edition, pages 171-193. If you don't have access, please email me and I'll gladly email it to you in Microsoft Word or send a hard copy.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Wednesday, February 5th 2003 - 02:10:10 PM

NAME Stephanie Goldberg Kresch

COMMENTS

 Matt,
Congratulations! Can't wait to see you at the New York book signing. Just one questions-Can I buy the Cliff Notes?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Saturday, February 8th 2003 - 10:21:39 PM

NAME William T. Ford

COMMENTS

 Absolutely first rate. I stayed up until 3:00 AM
finishing it. How could you possibly top this?
Did they have razor blades (p.92) in 1865, or
'years earlier'?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Alaska
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 01:40:48 AM

NAME fabrizio

COMMENTS

 well, actually in italy it's not already translated but the alighieri is the our national poet so i'm curious.
sorry for my english.
I am always suspectous of the use that americans make of our culture...
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE italy
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 06:13:05 AM

NAME Marco Rosella
URL http://gr0ucho3.splinder.it

COMMENTS

 Hi Matthew, I'm an italian writer and I read about your book in Repubblica, the most italian newspaper. I wait qith passion that your book published in Italy: I love Dante and i'm of to know what a stranger teacher write about him. See you in your pages.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Pisa, Italy
DATE

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "About the Author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 In response to William: Thank you for your kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed the novel. In terms of razor blades, that term would have been first used around 1846. Although we might not have recognized them as such! The blades were held perpendicularly to the handle.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 08:12:52 AM

NAME Raffaele Facciola'

COMMENTS

 I just read in the Italian newspaper of your book the Dante Club, I will buy it as soon as possible. It is interesting to know how the American reader perceives Italian literature.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Ontario Canada,
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 10:22:29 AM

NAME Jacopo Granchi

COMMENTS

 Thank you.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Firenze, Italy
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 11:04:28 AM

NAME paola schettin

COMMENTS

 Hi matthew, just read some reviews, and I canīt wait, looking very much forward to reading it! are you coming to berlin to present it? if so, please let me know! "galeotto fu il libro e chi lo scrisse"
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE berlin, germany
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 04:02:00 PM

NAME Giuseppe Destito

COMMENTS

 HI Matt.
I can't wait to read your book. I read the Divina Commedia when I was in High school and I loved it, that's why I think I 'm going to love your book
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE San Diego, CA
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 07:32:40 PM

NAME Nancy Q. Keefe

COMMENTS

 Matthew: The book is terrific. I've been a Dante fan (not scholar) since my college course in Dante in (gulp) 1953-54. Since the mid-80s, I've been traveling to Italy, walking in his footsteps, following him around Florence, in exile and finally to the last resting place in Ravenna. And, as a native of Pittsfield, Mass., who had to memorize Longfellow in grammar school and went to high school on the site of his former home, I appreciate that part immensely. Nice going.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Larchmont, NY
DATE Monday, February 10th 2003 - 10:42:01 PM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "About the Author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 Thanks to all of you who posted in the last few days with enthusiasm and support for the novel! In response to Raffaele, the novel does explore how Americans view the literature of Dante -- though it is much less about how I personally view Dante, and much more how the "Dante Club," the first important Dante scholars in America, read and approach Dante. Since their time, of course, America has been continually fascinated with the great Florentine!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Tuesday, February 11th 2003 - 07:24:35 AM

NAME Brooke Cale

COMMENTS

 I had the distinct pleasure of listening to the wonderful Boyd Gaines read your novel via Audio CD. Bravo, Mr. Pearl!! I listen to audio books in the car during my commute to work each day, and I could not WAIT to return to my car each evening to finish the novel. You have done a great service to the literary lovers here. I shall anxiously await your next venture.....Brooke
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Denver, CO
DATE Tuesday, February 11th 2003 - 07:18:35 PM

NAME Simone Marchesi

COMMENTS

 Dear Matt, kudos for your book and the well-deserved success it is already winning in the US and abroad. I am really looking forward to reading the novel in its entirety. Thanks for your work of promoting Dante on this side of the Ocean.
Simone
DATE Wednesday, February 12th 2003 - 10:29:16 AM

NAME Alessandra

COMMENTS

 Hi Matthew,
I heard about your book on Italian TV. It sounds very interesting and hope there will be an italian version too. Until then, I will read it in English.
ciao!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE ITALY
DATE Thursday, February 13th 2003 - 02:46:02 AM

NAME Joan Tamkin

COMMENTS

 I am cousin Shannon's mother-in-law! Can't wait to see you at Dutton's in LA. Can't decided whether to read it NOW or wait to buy it that night! Congratulations from your Aunt-in-Law!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Los Angeles CA
DATE Thursday, February 13th 2003 - 09:14:54 PM

NAME Hugh Geoghegan

COMMENTS

 I hope you can come out the American Cultural Center in Alexandria, Egypt and do a "book evening." I am originally from Cambridge, a Harvard alum, and was told about you by Joyce Wasson, a writer and neighbor of yours. Looking forward to reading the book, best regards.
DATE Friday, February 14th 2003 - 05:47:19 AM

NAME Judy Bell

COMMENTS

 Great book, Matthew! Also think your website is tres cool. Thank you for your hard work in producing this brilliant and entertaining book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Sarasota, FL
DATE Friday, February 14th 2003 - 01:23:12 PM

NAME Ed Mack

COMMENTS

 The Dante Club--great style, but on p. 57 misstatement about Cant o 13--Not Harpies but black hounds make the crash and thrash of in the dark wood. Otherwise--keep up the enthusiasm for Dante--he's the man.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Forestburgh, NY
DATE Sunday, February 16th 2003 - 10:22:23 PM

NAME Christie Dalrymple

COMMENTS

 Dear Matt, I wanted to acknowledge in your guest book how proud I am of your accomplishment. I am sure that your novel will stimulate many adults to love reading as passionately as the "Harry Potter" novels have done for children. Keep on writing and teaching. There is no better mission in life. I am also impressed with your websites. They are excellent. Congratulations again. Your "old" media specialist.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Gainesville,Ga.
DATE Monday, February 17th 2003 - 07:07:12 AM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "about the author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 Hi Ed... thanks for your comment. Actually, the line you're referring to on p. 57 of the novel -- "Bestial harpies, faces and necks of women and bodies of birds, feet clawed and bellies bulging, crashed through the brush, feeding and tearing at every tree in their way" -- is indeed a reference to the Harpies. You're thinking of Inferno XIII line 114 "ch'ode le bestie, e le frasche stormire," which is a reference to the hounds, but in fact its description is part of a simile for the hunt of wild boars. The passage of p. 57 of the novel is describing the punishment of the Suicides by the Harpies -- which we actually don't "see" in Inferno, but rather only hear about second-hand. The hounds, it appears from all textual evidence, are part of the punishment mechanism for the Squanderers, not for the Suicides. Though we don't witness the Harpies in action in the canto, I would imagine they too crash through brush as they fly low to tear the trees and gnarled wood, although it's only a conjecture!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Sunday, February 16th 2003 - 02:08:07 PM

NAME Bliss Matteson

COMMENTS

 Matthew - I'm really enjoying the book. It's one of the few I've read recently that gives me many avenues to explore when I'm done. My question is how you came to name your detective Nicholas Rey?
Bliss Matteson
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Arlington MA
DATE Monday, February 17th 2003 - 09:55:31 AM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "about the author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 Hi Bliss. Thanks for your post and for your question. I actually named Nicholas Rey after Octave Rey, one of the first black policemen in America that we know about (in New Orleans, around 1867). In 1868, Octave Rey, a "mulatto" like Nicholas Rey, became the first black police captain.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Monday, February 17th 2003 - 09:56:07 AM

NAME Darcy

COMMENTS

 Bought the book today on recommendation of one of your past (?) students...it had better be good!! I am kidding, I look forward to starting it tonight.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Minneapolis, MN
DATE Monday, February 17th 2003 - 07:05:09 PM

NAME Ed Moslander

COMMENTS

 My wife (Cate) and I met you at an engagement party in New York the day of the marathon, and Cate got a copy of the book at the book party. I took it from her, started reading it, and couldn't stop. I just finished reading it last night. It was fantastic. Among other things I'll have to look into as a result, the book is sending me back to another read of the Comedy. Thanks and I wish you great success.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Tuesday, February 18th 2003 - 10:57:49 AM

NAME Bob Koza

COMMENTS

 I'm looking forward to getting a "signed" copy of your book
in Chicago next week! I hope the 2/24 date is still on,and you can shovel your way out from the East coast. :)
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Chicago,Il
DATE Thursday, February 20th 2003 - 01:27:53 AM

NAME Nina Lockwood

COMMENTS

 " nel Mezzo del cammin de the horrendous winter of 2003;I found myself reading a great book" The Dante Club" Is it
true that Longfellow translated Dante?First i heard of it.
I am a Dante "buff" and have just purchased "The Inferno"and " Purgatorio" translated by Robert and Jean Hollander of Princeton.This is the quintessential stuff;the Italian on one side of the page; the English on the other.
I recommend these volumes; and in turn; will reccommend your novel to them. Sincerely, Nina Lockwood. Rochester, New York
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE East Rochester.NY 14445
DATE Friday, February 21st 2003 - 11:37:48 PM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "About the Author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 Thanks to everyone who has posted and emailed in the last few days and weeks with positive feedback about the novel. There's nothing more rewarding than hearing from readers! I hope to see many of you as I travel from Chicago to Minneapolis to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Pasadena this week.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Saturday, February 22nd 2003 - 12:20:40 PM

NAME C.R. Padula

COMMENTS

 Matt,
Needless to say, a wonderful job. I can still hear the sound of horse drawn wagons, fishmongers, and of course, that certain cadence of speech as Holmes, Lowell, Field, and Longfellow converse. There is a particular section of Dante that has always resonated and of course I can't find my copy of the Comedy. In that section light reflecting from a mirror is likened to love. So your novel illuminates a time, place, and issues that are still relevant. Thank you for including Tennyson in the conversation. I have a lot of re-reading to do. I do hope you can make it to Maine. Longfellow would approve.

Take care
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Limington, Me
DATE Saturday, February 22nd 2003 - 04:43:59 PM

NAME Ed Mack

COMMENTS

 You define the members of the Dante Club, and stick to their personalities so artistically in narration and conversations. The reciting of Tennyson's poem as a vow to press forward was dramtically brilliant. I didn't like the use of "float" as translation of "vidi una insegna che girando correva tanto ratta, che d'ogni posa mi parea indegna; e dietra le venia si lunga tratta di gente..."; plus Fracesca's line--No greater pain that to remember happy times in misery--left out the misery, truncating the punch of the idea. But these are minor points, surpassed by the twists of the plot. I enjoyed the ending too. Please keep up your excellent style. Ed Mack
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Forestburgh, NY
DATE Saturday, February 22nd 2003 - 08:18:44 PM

NAME Heather

COMMENTS

 Hello, after reading the Book Page review, I recommended your novel for my book club's choice for April. We are looking forward to delving into the book and seeing what discussions that it will elicit.

CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Columbia, Mo
DATE Sunday, February 23rd 2003 - 02:25:23 PM

NAME Mirza A. Cifuentes

COMMENTS

 Hullo!

I work in a bookstore and was fortunate enough to get an advaced reader's copy of The Dante Club. I had never read Dante but I felt that I needed to pick up your book and read it. And that got me to thinking that I also needed to pick up Longfellow's version of Inferno. That led to buying a copy of Gustav Dore's wonderful plates. I can't wait for Purgatorio and Paradiso to come out next year (hopefully?).

I just got a few more chapters to go. I've spent all day today reading from your book, Inferno and looking at Dore's illustrations. Now all I need to do is learn Italian so I can read Dante's words.

Thank you for writing such a wonderful book and bringing a new and fascinating world that I had failed in the past to take notice of. Keep up the good work. You're a great writer.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Chicago, IL
DATE Sunday, February 23rd 2003 - 06:44:12 PM

NAME Greg McCoy

COMMENTS

 I just started the dante club, intrigued by your premise. I have a great interest in the Inferno, Dante's law of symbolic retribution, and it's application to society. Obviously, the film Se7en is intuitive (although it's more akin to Purgatorio then the Inferno), and brings these ideas to an effervescing fruition. Your book seems to blend the scholars with adventure. Great mind -- continue your craft.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Akron, Ohio
DATE Monday, February 24th 2003 - 09:48:32 AM

NAME Beth Kistler

COMMENTS

 Hi Matthew,
It was great seeing you at your book reading/signing in Menlo Park. You are a great speaker and seem very natural in front of your audience. I could tell that everyone was very taken and impressed with you. I'm just a little mad because you make the rest of us twenty-somethings look bad! I have heard about you for years from the Posilicos and am confident I will be hearing your name for years to come. Congratulations on all your success!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE San Francisco, CA
DATE Saturday, March 1st 2003 - 03:21:58 PM

NAME Laurie

COMMENTS

 Dear Mr. Pearl,

What a great book! I couldn't put it down. I am looking forward to reading your next novel.

I am presently reading Dorothy Sayer's translation of The Divine Comedy but have now also ordered Longfellow's Inferno. It should arrive this week. Will you also be publishing Purgatory and Paradise? I hope so!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Wisconsin
DATE Monday, March 3rd 2003 - 08:04:46 PM

NAME Alicia Davidson
URL http://www.4guests.com

COMMENTS

 Fantastic site.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE USA
DATE Tuesday, March 4th 2003 - 06:16:11 PM

NAME Diane Neal Emmons
DATE Wednesday, March 5th 2003 - 02:19:32 PM

NAME Mimi Barrison
URL http://www.barrison.net

COMMENTS

 I found out about "The Dante Club" in an issue of "Book Page" and I found it thoroughly entertaining as well as educational. I read "The Divine Comedy" as a college freshman 18 years ago, but your novel has sparked my interest an I would like to reread it. I have also gained a renewed interest in the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and James Russell Lowell. I hope to see more of your work in the future!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Long Island, NY
DATE Saturday, March 8th 2003 - 07:32:17 AM

NAME steve

COMMENTS

 Heard of the book from my Spanish teacher, Margarita Jimenez
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Weston, FL
DATE Monday, March 10th 2003 - 09:58:34 AM

NAME rue

COMMENTS

 very impressive.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE cincinnati, oh
DATE Monday, March 10th 2003 - 10:56:40 PM

NAME Clay Douglas Major
URL http://www.mosaic-novel.com

COMMENTS

 Mr. Pearl -
Reading TDC now and enjoying it immensely. Came here hoping to find photos of the Club members and wasn't disappointed: EXCELLENT SITE, wonderfully executed! I only wish your book tour would bring you here to D.C., I'd love to have you sign my copy of THE DANTE CLUB with my Visconti Inferno pen.
Again, thank you for your work, delightful website and best luck to you in the future. You have in me a loyal and respectful fan.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Washington, D.C.
DATE Thursday, March 13th 2003 - 12:12:18 PM

NAME Cynthia Drescher
URL http://www.geocities.com/arounddawrld

COMMENTS

 Mr. Pearl,
I was thrilled to purchase a signed copy of TDC from Borders in Chicago since I've been yearning to read it. I've read Dante's Divine Comedy several times over and also many accompanying guides and I am now anxious to begin your novel. Congratulations on receiving the Dante Prize, I hope it is my future as well as I continue my studies thoroughly intrigued by Alighieri's work. - Cynthia
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Chicago IL
DATE Wednesday, March 19th 2003 - 07:31:49 PM

NAME C.
URL http://n/a

COMMENTS

 Mathew Pearl,
I just wanted to say that I am in Grade 9 and for an English book report I chose yours because after looking at reviews it sounded good. I was amazed at how good it was. I was attached from the first word to the last. I just wanted to ask if you are planning to write any other books soon?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Canada
DATE Friday, March 21st 2003 - 07:01:00 PM

NAME Christopher Smith

COMMENTS

 The use of true historical figures in a work of fiction is always a risky proposition, but The Dante Club succeeded in its task as both fiction as well as a window into an often overlooked historical period.
I have recently read The Metaphysical Club in which Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. features prominently, and after reading The Dante Cub, I feel more of a connection to those poets and intellectuals of the 19th century.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Wilmington, MA
DATE Saturday, March 22nd 2003 - 11:18:12 AM

NAME Natalie Gerard

COMMENTS

 I am relatively new to Dante.. only reading Inferno last summer. i was stunned by the work and it has stuck with me. i read a review of your book in GQ of all places ( a friends mag) and knew i had to read it. i only know a few people that appreciate Inferno, but they have heard about your book.
I thank you for it.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE portland OR
DATE Saturday, March 22nd 2003 - 06:18:18 PM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "About the Author"
URL http://www.thedanteclub.com

COMMENTS

 Thanks to everyone for your comments and kind words! Promotion continues to be time consuming, so I haven't been able to post replies as frequently as I'd like.

Heather: thanks so much for recommending the book for your book club. Please do have a look at the Book Club Guide on the website, in case it's at all helpful. And do remember I'm happy to participate in any book club meetings via speakerphone for those clubs that like to do so!

Mirza & Laurie: in answer to your queries about the Longfellow edition... I'm hoping to convince Modern Library to put out Purgatory and Paradise as well. My idea is to publish those in conjunction with the paperback of The Dante Club. If they put up a fight I'll have to show them your guestbook posts.

CB: so glad the novel provided good material for your book report! In reply to your query about another novel, I am working on a second one. It's also a historical thriller set in 19th century America, using literary history as a starting point. However, it will be all different characters and many different settings. I'm not quite ready to give more details, however I'll share the details with my email list (sign up at the e-newsletter) of interested readers before making them public. I'm very excited about it!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Monday, March 24th 2003 - 08:35:33 AM

NAME Allison Castagna

COMMENTS

 Dear Mr. Pearl,
I just finished your book this past Friday and I absolutely loved it. You have a real gift for this and I am anxiously awaiting your next book. Good luck and enjoy your success.
Best regards,
Allison Castagna
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Pittsburgh, PA
DATE Monday, March 24th 2003 - 12:48:29 PM

NAME Joyce Ruiz

COMMENTS

 Am reading the book now and spending as much time pursuing information and following up on the historical characters in the novel. Can't wait to share with my 19 year old son.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Whittier, CA
DATE Monday, March 24th 2003 - 01:10:19 PM

NAME Joe Sakmyster

COMMENTS

 Thank you for an astonishing creation.The reading experience was enhanced by reading the Inferno (translation by Lawrence White), while viewing "Illustrations to Dante's Inferno" selected by Eugene Nassar
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York
DATE Thursday, March 27th 2003 - 07:19:28 AM

NAME Pat Dunn

COMMENTS

 I've just finished reading your book and enjoyed it very much. You did a tremendous amount of research for it and turned out a very engrossing novel. I remember being introduced to Dante's Inferno in high school, and being very impressed by the little I had read. Your novel gave me a fuller understanding of the original. Thank you!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Arvada, Colorado
DATE Friday, March 28th 2003 - 02:11:01 PM

NAME Ennio Paola
URL http://www.pathcom.com/~sigmuse/

COMMENTS

 Bravo! for all things Dante --

sempre avanti!
sempre Canto,
Ennio
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Pickering,On,Canada
DATE Saturday, March 29th 2003 - 02:28:15 PM

NAME Christopher York

COMMENTS

 I don't usually go in for thrillers, but the idea of Holmes, Lowell, and Longfellow running about Boston and Cambridge after a killer was just too compelling. I enjoyed it very much. I wonder if you plan any scholarly work? You have done quite a bit of research and seem to have a fondness for these writers, especially Longfellow. And Holmes is too little appreciated. I will look for your essay on Emerson and Dante. Thank you.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE MA
DATE Saturday, March 29th 2003 - 08:43:02 PM

NAME Bill Godshalk

COMMENTS

 The Dante Club is a delightful historical recreation -- and fun too. I like the sly reference to Cervantes. Both Dante and Don Quijote have trouble identifying windmills, though in different ways.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cincinnati OH 45229
DATE Thursday, April 3rd 2003 - 01:41:19 PM

NAME Nicole

COMMENTS

 Wonderful! I actually haven't finished it yet (I just bought it on Monday, after reading a review on the local newspaper), but so far it is simply great! I study at the University of Zurich: my major is English and my minor Italian. Your book is just a perfect mix of the two! I'll write to you again as soon as I will finish the book. Thank you
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Lugano, Switzerland
DATE Thursday, April 3rd 2003 - 01:58:31 PM

NAME Anne Fogleman

COMMENTS

 Because my classics bookclub read The Divine Comedy this winter, I knew I had to read your book. I've just finished it and found it enormously entertaining and thought-provoking. One questions remains: Was the business about the Harvard Corporation and the iron fist ruling the school based at all on fact?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Fayetteville, North Carolina
DATE Monday, April 7th 2003 - 10:59:30 PM

NAME drew novero

COMMENTS

 does anyone else find themselves rereading passages in order to ensure what events have just transpired? not a complaint, just written a bit different from mainstream novels (and even some not so mainstream) once again a fresh new approach, just takes some getting used to. good first effort with excellent historical refrence
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE tampa, fl
DATE Thursday, April 10th 2003 - 04:22:23 PM

NAME Kay Holmes

COMMENTS

 Just finished reading your book. It was marvelous, great story, characters,once I got past that first chapter with the maggots, I loved it. I grew up in Cambridge near Harvard Sq. so was really interesting for me, scenery wise. I recommended it to our book club and we will be reviewing it next month. I will be passing it on to many. Thank you for a wonderful read. Congratulations and will be waiting for your next one.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Mendon, Ma. 01756
DATE Friday, April 11th 2003 - 07:56:32 PM

NAME Klaus-Achim von Droisdorf
URL http://www.erexs.com/

COMMENTS

 Not bad! Not bad at all...
DATE Monday, April 14th 2003 - 05:19:19 AM

NAME Andrea Flannery
URL http://SeniorNet.org/books

COMMENTS

 Matthew: Kudos for providing me with a wonderful introduction to Dante. I've purchased your book along with a copy of Inferno to be discussed and dissected on SeniorNet.org/books.

Great website Chris.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Placida, Florida
DATE Monday, April 14th 2003 - 08:27:11 AM

NAME lysa

COMMENTS

 Matthew: I started the book the other day and just couldn't put it down. I am sad that I finished it and miss the characters already. Congratulations on writing such a great novel.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE ny, ny
DATE Monday, April 14th 2003 - 11:13:31 AM

NAME Mary Thumudo

COMMENTS

 A retired English teacher says thanks for bringing some "meat and potatoes" to my leisure reading and inspiring me to explore Dante further. Let's have more!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Pembroke, MA
DATE Monday, April 14th 2003 - 07:35:32 PM

NAME Ruth McCormick

COMMENTS

 I'll be studying your book with the Seniornet book group. I've loved it so far. Ruth
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Seattle, WA
DATE Saturday, April 19th 2003 - 08:46:16 PM

NAME G.M. Bud Bray

COMMENTS

 I have just this moment completed the reading of your enviable and praiseworthy historical fiction. My efforts at research continue for a manuscript centered on the Russian-American Company's circumnavigation, the first by a Russian vessel, 1803-1805, during which Leo Tolstoy's older cousin, "The American," is chronicled. Your writing, and the evident powerful intellect and deep scholarship it reflects, was engrossing and enlightening. I look forward to continuing as a member of your audience. Bravo!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Stuart, FL
DATE Monday, April 21st 2003 - 11:17:45 AM

NAME Dick Haley

COMMENTS

 Just a short note to Thank you for stopping by the Boston University store and signing your book..I haven't talk to anyone whos read your book and not have nice things to say about it. I image your getting tired from all the promotion for your book but if you're ever looking for a friendly, local bookstore we'd love to have you..Thanks again,and keep up the good work.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Boston,Ma
DATE Monday, April 21st 2003 - 10:30:29 PM

NAME BERNABE A. HERNANDEZ

COMMENTS

 A MAGNIFICENT COMPANION TO "THE METAPHYSICAL CLUB" IT SEEM THAT THE EARLY NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES A LIVING THROUGH THESE WORKS. THANK YOU
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
DATE Friday, April 25th 2003 - 10:50:17 AM

NAME Clara Sarmento

COMMENTS

 An incredible book, a great mistery novel, the perfect motivation for my students of literature and literary translation. While reading The Dante Club, we understand that literature, life (and death) can be so close, that reading, writing and translating are indeed passionate activities, true adventures. Words can bleed, breathe, gain life and give life. As a reader, teacher and translator: thank you so much! Looking forward to your next novel and to the translation of The Dante Club into Portuguese.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Porto, PORTUGAL
DATE Saturday, May 3rd 2003 - 01:24:26 PM

NAME Carole Fanning
URL http://www.radicalads.com

COMMENTS

 A consumate achievement - thank you Matthew Pearl.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE San Francisco, CA
DATE Monday, May 5th 2003 - 02:34:02 PM

NAME Craig Fleming

COMMENTS

 Thrilling work, Matthew. I read your novel with the same sense of delight and terror that propelled me through "Foucault's Pendulum" by Umberto Eco. I am an actor who will be involved in the stage adaptation of your work. And of course, I am an inconvertible fan of Dante.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Long Beach, CA
DATE Monday, May 5th 2003 - 03:25:28 PM

NAME Kim E. Simkins

COMMENTS

 I enjoyed your book and have already passed it on to a friend. It prompted me to re-read The Inferno. I also noted your acknowledgment to J. Chesley Mathews -- I took his Dante class at UC Santa Barbara about 30 years ago!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Santa Barbara, California
DATE Wednesday, May 7th 2003 - 03:32:36 PM

NAME Travis Heath

COMMENTS

 It was the end of March, and I had searched several bookstores looking for a book to take with me on vacation to Boston. My trip was to see my family, including my nephew of one week, but I hoped to get in some reading time, but no book truly caught my eye.

In Boston, I had just marvelled at the sense of history in that great city. Still looking for an enjoyable read, I came across The Dante Club; the book evoked the city's rich history and juxtaposed classic American poets in solving a series of murders somehow related to the contrapassos of Dante's Inferno. It was too intriguing to pass up!

Needless to say, over a month later (and alas, well after my vacation ended), I finished reading the book. It was very entertaining, engrossing in its dramatic development, heartening in its characterization, and rich in detail. For a first novel, I am in awe. Take a bow, Matthew!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Denver CO
DATE Thursday, May 8th 2003 - 12:48:15 AM

NAME Tracy Inziello

COMMENTS

 Hi Matthew,
Thank you for writing "The Dante Club".
I'm looking forward to you next book.
Keep up the great work.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Palm City,Florida
DATE Saturday, May 10th 2003 - 08:54:15 PM

NAME Milton J. Canotas

COMMENTS

 What a remarkable achievement for Matthew Pearl...a first-rate thriller made thoroughly, and sometimes comically, enjoyable in the form of the Fireside Poets and J.T. Fields...a fantastic premise brought to life with a beautiful style and flawless prose. A wonderful debut that has prompted me to re-read Inferno with a new sense of appreciation.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Manchester, NH
DATE Monday, May 12th 2003 - 01:59:50 PM

NAME R Emerson Elliott

COMMENTS

 Just finished. Reading Ciardi's edition concurrently. Will now have to read the new edition, and reread the Club. Will perhaps see some of you during walks about Harvard Square and Radcliffe.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Framingham, MA
DATE Saturday, May 17th 2003 - 04:51:40 PM

NAME Leona Dalton
URL http://www.4guests.com

COMMENTS

 very good
DATE Sunday, May 18th 2003 - 12:07:50 AM

NAME Jaime Berlanga

COMMENTS

 As a Dante fan.... I felt like it was time for such a dantean based novel to have submerged in our time. Thank you Matthew Pearl for your time. Truly....!!!!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE San Antonio,Tx
DATE Friday, May 23rd 2003 - 06:51:55 PM

NAME Diana

COMMENTS

 Thank You!! Wonderful book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Scituate, MA
DATE Monday, May 26th 2003 - 03:51:20 PM

NAME Nathan Otey

COMMENTS

 That was a really great book, especially after reading "Inferno" in english class...I'm probably the only 11-year old who's read that and "Inferno"....i really liked "The Dante Club"
DATE Monday, May 26th 2003 - 05:14:58 PM

NAME Jessica Lauren

COMMENTS

 Dear Mr. Pearl,
Thank you for the fasinating book. I picked it up at a whim at the bookstore I used to work at, it kept calling to me for some reason, then it sat in my trunk for about a month... then I read it! Wow, I am so mad that i didn't read it sooner. I took a little while to get into because i never read the Dante, i have a hard time with poetry, but you made me want to take anouther crack at it. You are VERY accomplished and talented (not to mention extemly cute..from the pic, on dust cover, no sorry you don't have a stalker)
I am sorry just wanted to say thank you and rambled on so,
THANK YOU!!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Simi Valley, ca
DATE Monday, June 2nd 2003 - 01:20:07 AM

NAME Joan Schiller

COMMENTS

 I selected "The dante Club" from the "new books" section at my local library never once guessing that this book about 4 old men living in Boston in 1865 would turn into the entertaining, enlightening, engrossing book that it has!
Congrads MP!
DATE Monday, June 2nd 2003 - 09:31:41 PM

NAME Anne Pici

COMMENTS

 The English Department looks foward to your visit in September. Having been nicely side-tracked into parts of Longfellow's Inferno and into Tennyson's "Ulysses," I'm only two murders deep into the novel, but 19th-century Boston and the members of the Dante Club are a good read so far.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE OH
DATE Monday, June 9th 2003 - 12:09:37 PM

NAME John Whitlock

COMMENTS

 My favorite combinations - literary, historical fiction, and mystery. Keep up the great work!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Jackson, MS
DATE Monday, June 9th 2003 - 02:08:03 PM

NAME Brenda Clay

COMMENTS

 All right, fine. I have a bone to pick with you, Mr. Pearl. I have spent the last six years bemoaning the fact that I chose to pursue an Italian major, with an emphasis on Dante. "Why oh why? How will I ever use this? What can one really accomplish with this?" Well, now instead of regret for what I chose to study, I am overcome with regret that I didn't do a better job. I am positively green with envy.

My Dante bust is looking down upon my downcast head, and I can hear the "tsk tsk...If only you could do what Signor Pearl has done."
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE St. Louis, MO
DATE Monday, June 9th 2003 - 10:05:45 PM

NAME Suanna Giblin

COMMENTS

 Dear Mr. Pearl,
I finished The Dante Club a few days ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. My books of choice are usually classics, historical fiction, or about Italy or Italians in some way or another; I rarely read mysteries, or new books, but when I heard your interview on MPR the subject of your new book caught my attention. I'm reading Dante (in Italian) right now, and loved the literary elements, as well as the entire idea of your novel. It was very original and I am very much looking forward to your next novel. And as there were about 9 people on hold for the book before me at the library, and several after, I don't think I will be the only one. :-)

Suanna
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Mariposa, CA
DATE Tuesday, June 10th 2003 - 04:01:35 PM

NAME Kelley Corbari

COMMENTS

 Great Book! The web of fact and fiction is intriguing and entangling. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading your next literary endeavor.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Baton Rouge, LA
DATE Monday, June 16th 2003 - 06:19:07 PM

NAME Kelvin Richardson

COMMENTS

 Finally - a terrific, edge of the seat thriller for the intellectual set! A true renaissance experience, I felt as if I was walking those Brahmin streets! Thanks for a great ride, will anxiously await what this fine mind has to offer!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Seattle, WA
DATE Friday, June 20th 2003 - 02:43:57 AM

NAME Gordon M. Pradl

COMMENTS

 Now that I am past page 100, the drama is finally beginning to intensify.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE New York, NY
DATE Saturday, June 21st 2003 - 06:12:02 PM

NAME Cecile Millman

COMMENTS

 Just finished reading your book. I couldn't put it down! As a reader with a BFA, my knowledge of the classics is sorely lacking, but you have inspired this "little old lady" who loves fantasy and period mysteries to delve a little deeper into the period and your "real" characters. I haven't been this excited by a book in quite a while. The atmosphere you created is totally engrossing. Thank you! I can't wait for your next novel; hopefully there is one planned.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Royal Palm Beach, FL
DATE Monday, June 23rd 2003 - 07:10:20 PM

NAME Christine Commeau

COMMENTS

 I was both elated and sad to arrive at the last page of this enthralling novel. I felt as if I became a part of the weekly meetings in Longfellow's study. I feel privileged to have gained insight into the minds and lives of this small group of scholars and am thankful to Matthew Pearl for letting his talent blossom into such a thrilling work of art! Toward the end of the book I just couldn't sleep at night trying to figure out who did it! Ah, but eventually daylight cleared up all that lamplight left doubtful. :=)
I am miffed over Mr. Pearl's hold on his lofty thoughts. I myself subscribe (unintentionally) to Dante's Pariadise, Canto I, 7 "For when our intellect is drawing close to its desire, it's paths are so profound that memory cannot follow where it goes." Ahhh, but Matthew Pearl has the sublime gift of being able to follow and harness his intellect. Marvelous!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Charlestown, R.I.
DATE Tuesday, June 24th 2003 - 11:18:51 AM

NAME Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL see "about the author"
URL http://www.matthewpearl.com

COMMENTS

 Thanks to all the wonderful comments posted in the last month or so. (Natan, I'm happy to have such a bright 11 year old like you on board!) Few parts of the publishing process are as rewarding as hearing such encouragement for my work from readers. I know this guestbook page has become very long and, in fact, the server says it has reached its capacity! So we're opening up a new one but this can still be read as an archive. Thanks again for taking the time to provide your comments.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE Cambridge, MA
DATE Wednesday, June 25th 2003 - 09:20:52 AM

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