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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. This is a new guestbook since the other one filled up - but you can still see it by clicking on the "view past messages" button at the bottom of the page.

(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 Wednesday, June 25th 2003 - 06:48:18 AM

NAME	Michael
COMMENTS	WOW! I just finished reading this book and I loved and cherished every minute of it. As a high school Literature teacher, I am constantly reading and I have not read a novel such as this in a long time. The writing was superb and the plot intricately constructed. I have read all three volumes of THE DIVINE COMEDY and this book helped me to understand it that much more. I look forward to reading more of your work.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Southern New Jersey
DATE	Tuesday, June 24th 2003 - 09:01:13 PM

NAME	Debbie
COMMENTS	I just finished the book today and welcome the opportunity to thank you. The historical and literary basis of the book really brought it to life. I have read parts of The Divine Comedy in the past. You have inspired me to revisit Dante's works in the future. Great job!
DATE	Friday, June 27th 2003 - 02:45:38 AM

NAME	john lubahn
COMMENTS	I love historical fiction and this is an exceptional work, I hope to read more from this promising young author. With spell check used more and more by authors, I have to ask whether on p.182 line 7, the word should be "congenital" instead of "congenial"?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	erie, pa
DATE	Sunday, June 29th 2003 - 09:33:10 PM

NAME	Edward Groos
COMMENTS	I minored in Italian, studied "The Divine Comedy" love to read mysteries, and am ejoying reading "The Dante Club" now very much.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	San Antonio, TX
DATE	Wednesday, July 2nd 2003 - 02:50:29 AM

NAME	Tom
COMMENTS	What a wonderful book. I picked it up on a lark and wound up finishing it in three days. Your prose is wonderful and the subject matter is is so rich I can't wait to reread it and pick out more. I've only read parts of Dante's Comedy and I intend to read the work in its whole. Now armed with some insights from your book, I can't wait to beging that adventure!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	New York
DATE	Saturday, July 12th 2003 - 11:04:17 AM

NAME	Barb Zywien
COMMENTS	Matthew, Congratulations on a fascinating first novel. If this is your first book, I'm already in line for the next one. I had the opportunity to meet with you in our Exeter Book Store in April 2003! I chose your novel for our book club. We meet this Friday for discussion so I printed a copy of discussion questions from the source. I'll let you know how the group reacts. It has been 20 years since I read Inferno. I might read it again.. I know I will read THE DANTE CLUB again. Great Web site. Good luck!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Exeter, NH
DATE	Tuesday, July 15th 2003 - 04:00:20 AM

NAME	dan
COMMENTS	Fantastic book and website. I especially like the "lost chapters" section. Any possible way to create an archive of previous lost chapters we may have missed, or plans to release an extended version of the novel with the missing sections?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	baltimore
DATE	Wednesday, July 16th 2003 - 09:41:11 AM

NAME	Gaby
COMMENTS	Hi. My dad is reading this book and he mentioned this to me: the article about the screwworm in the preface. You may wonder why this may jump out to us. It probably won't for most people. But it does for me. This is because the man who came up with the idea for sterilizing the male screwworm in order to eradicate the species is Edward Knipling. The reason why I know this is because one of my mom's mom's brothers is in fact Edward Knipling. How cool is that? Sincerely yours, Gaby
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	New York, USA
DATE	Saturday, July 19th 2003 - 01:22:49 AM

NAME	Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL	see "about the author"
URL	http://www.thedanteclub.com
COMMENTS	Thanks to everyone for your continued positive support and feedback. As always, it is a privilege to hear from readers and to have the opportunity to interact. A few specific responses: Michael and Edward, I'm always very happy to hear from readers of the Divine Comedy who find The Dante Club intriguing... Tom and Debbie, I'm just as thrilled to know that the novel might in part help motivate some who haven't read Dante before, or who have previously read parts, to pick up more of his Divine Comedy -- it's a challenge, of course, but I think well worth devoting time and thought. Barb, always great to hear from book club members! As you mention, this site has a book club guide page with suggested discussion topics and other material of potential interest to book clubs. I think book clubs are one of the brightest trends in reading in the last twenty years. Finally, Dan, thanks for your comment and question about the "Lost Chapter" page of this website. I'm so glad to know you've enjoyed it. I always like to see the inner workings behind a finished product (indeed, that's what sparked my interest in knowing what went into Longfellow's translation) which is where the idea came from. I had selected 12 lost chapters in total (the current one on the site is the 6th). Once we've gone through all 12, my thought is to have an archive with all 12 available to users. Thanks again for all your comments! I look forward to hearing more!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Cambridge, MA
DATE	Monday, July 21st 2003 - 03:10:07 AM

NAME	Andrew Farrer
COMMENTS	Dear Mr. Pearl, I just finished your novel and I must say that it was wonderful. Having attended the Brooks School and a classics major at Rollins College; this book was fantastic. Thank you. RASF
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Naples, FL
DATE	Monday, July 21st 2003 - 04:02:58 AM

NAME	T Michael Poxon
COMMENTS	A book review in the Philadelphia Inquirer alerted me to The Dante Club. Then, I saw it displayed on the "hot" table at Borders for a few days. So I waited for my chance to check it out of the Oak Lane Library here in Philadelphia. I am president of the Friends Group there. I was not disappointed. Having read many first novels, this is one of the best. Reading your analysis of Dante's Inferno gives me a better understanding of what teachers expect from, and what students are capable of, at our leading colleges. Would that all readers of best sellers were as equally demanding. Clearly you were infused with the history of New England while studying in Cambridge. And it was worthwhile. Two years ago our book club read four historical novels.(Cold Mountain, Corelli's Mandolin, The Price of a Child, The Dress Lodger) We were awarded a grant to cover the cost of the books and a discussion leader. One of the books we selected, The Price of a Child, was about Philadelphia and the underground railroad. It was later selected as The Book for the entire city to read last summer. The Dante Club fits nicely into the same niche, and had it been available, should have been chosen. The character of N. Rey, the mulatto detective, and the references to the underground railroad, are the kind of topics that would do well here in Philadelphia in a public book club discussion. Of course, your novel discusses much more. I have a shelf full of various translations of the Divine Comedy as well as some criticism and enjoyed your analysis at every level. Everyone is attempting to translate Dante from Italian these days(and readers enjoy the efforts). German is so passe at the moment. (The Albanian novels by Kadare are becoming popular here after first being translated into French). I expect that the old poetry books by Lowell and Holmes will be swept off the used book stores throughout Massachusetts this summer. Congradulations on a fine effort and may your novels exceed Michael Crichton's in every way.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Philadelphia,PA
DATE	Wednesday, July 23rd 2003 - 04:21:45 AM

NAME	costers bob
COMMENTS	dear matthew I am from Holland.When i was in the hospital i read your wonderfull book. I learned that it was your first novel.Congratulations.It is a marvelous story.I look forward for your next bob costers ijmuiden holland. the netherlands.
DATE	Thursday, July 24th 2003 - 01:21:54 AM

NAME	Robin Frederick
URL	http://www.robinfrederick.com/byron.html
COMMENTS	Dear Matthew, Your book is a marvel. What a wonderful convergence of gripping mystery plot, historical detail, literary insight, charming characters, and a beautiful writing style. I love the unexpected rub of history and fiction. It reminds me of another book I very much enjoyed: Umberto Eco's "the Name Of the Rose." This isn't just a remarkable first novel, it would be remarkable at ANY stage in an athor's career. I'd like to mention that I am a professional songwriter and recently I have been mixing historical literary references into some of my songs. If you're interested, you can hear "Sleeping In Byron's Bed" mp3 at www.robinfrederick.com/byron.html. Thank you again, Matthew, for your marvelous book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Los Angeles, CA
DATE	Friday, July 25th 2003 - 02:08:18 AM

NAME	Barbara Latham
COMMENTS	A fine blend of the historical and the fictive. Thank you so much for such beautiful and correct language usage. I'm interested in the phrase "not on my watch." It is used, I believe, by four separate characters in the novel.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Spartanubrg, SC
DATE	Friday, July 25th 2003 - 09:31:36 PM

NAME	Ric
COMMENTS	It was wonderful to read how "... my Authors...," as referred to by Fields, were celebrated and held in such esteem by the hold of society, whether richman or poorman. They certainly inspired one to be part of an evolving society! The guessing game was afoot early on and it, along with fantastic character development that sprung to life from page to page, made The Dante Club one of my favorite historical mysteries since the passing of Kate Ross, also from similar parts of New England. Thank you for a great work of art.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Surfside, FL
DATE	Monday, July 28th 2003 - 12:31:07 PM

NAME	Mark Krone
COMMENTS	Matthew, I am throughly enjoying The Dante Club. When I am with friends or at work, I keep thinking, "I want ot get back to the book!" I think you should sell buttons that read, "I'd rather be reading The Dante Club." Were you able to find diaries for Holmes (at Harvard Med School), Lowell, and Longfellow? Were any at the BPL? Thank you so much for the book. I am on p. 296 and our fearless literary sleuths are on Lucifer's trail. I don't know who Lucifer is yet!!! I'd write more but I'd really rather be reading The Dante Club. Mark
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Boston
DATE	Thursday, July 31st 2003 - 01:55:22 AM

NAME	Julie
COMMENTS	Matthew What a fascinating book. I so enjoyed your characterizations of the poets and their friendship. Can you tell us if Annie Fields's memoirs are published, and under what title? Many thanks for a truly wonderful read.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	MA
DATE	Wednesday, August 13th 2003 - 04:39:40 AM

NAME	Kathy
COMMENTS	I'm half-way through your book and I can't get enough! As I read it, I'm imagining which actors will play each part. Please tell me you've discussed a movie deal. I think Anthony Hopkins would make a believable Dr. Holmes. Any ideas about Longfellow? Thank you, Mr. Pearl!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Boston, MA
DATE	Wednesday, August 13th 2003 - 11:06:02 AM

NAME	Jeff Catalano
COMMENTS	Very cool. As a law student and Italophile, I'm inspired to not "lasciare ogni speranza" to eventually write something of my own. Looking forward to your sophomore effort..
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	D.C.
DATE	Thursday, August 14th 2003 - 06:48:54 AM

NAME	Pat Diamond
COMMENTS	Thanks for a clever,compelling,and thought provoking book.Signore Alighieri would be proud of you,if he were alive today-though I'd be careful-if you did much better,he might be jealous and put you in the Pit.....A real challenge for you would be to follow up with novels tied to to Purgatorio and Paradiso.Any plans? P.S. What's your favorite translation of "Inferno"?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	San Diego,Ca
DATE	Friday, August 22nd 2003 - 12:33:57 AM

NAME	Sara
COMMENTS	I just finished reading your novel. Excellent work, excellent idea! A great interpretation of Dante's "Inferno".I'm looking forward to your future work.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Toronto, Ontario
DATE	Saturday, August 23rd 2003 - 01:13:13 AM

NAME	julianne
COMMENTS	Mr. Pearl,what a wonderful novel...I have never read Dante's inferno,but even with that handicap in my own education I felt that your book was wonderful. I am a physician and I particularly enjoyed your characterization of Dr. Holmes. All of the characters were so well drawn,I felt that I had come to know them...I did not want the book to end! I am looking forward to your next novel. Take care.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Oceanview,nj
DATE	Sunday, August 24th 2003 - 01:31:47 AM

NAME	Ed Mack
COMMENTS	Great preface and intro to Longfellow's Inferno Saw The Dante Club on rack, up front, at UNLV's Bookstore--as national bestseller. Way to go. Which I'm going to do now.
DATE	Wednesday, August 27th 2003 - 12:24:57 AM

NAME	Becky Steffan
URL	http://www.aquinascatholicbooks.com
COMMENTS	Matthew, just finished the novel. A good read and a nice addition to our stores inventory. It is on the shelves right next the copies of Dante's Divine Comedy.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Washington
DATE	Wednesday, August 27th 2003 - 05:50:13 AM

NAME	Nichole
COMMENTS	Mr. Pearl- Congratulations on such an amazing first novel. I truly loved everything about it and I believe in giving recognition to those who do a tremendous job at anything. All I can say is "brilliant" and thank-you for creating sucuh a fine novel. I hope to read more of your work in the future!
DATE	Thursday, August 28th 2003 - 01:10:48 PM

NAME	C. Norwood
COMMENTS	I'm a classical musician, and tend to steer clear of poetry in languages I don't know;but your obvious great love for Dante and for people who translate him with an equal love has convinced me: I will get hold of the Longfellow and also start reading the Purgatorio/Merwin that I bought a year ago and never started. If you need to write another novel, I do hope you can stay with Dante or find someone else that lights up your writing as much. Like, how about if DWGriffith had tried to make a movie of "Inferno" and a scholar like you had been advising?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Rochester,NY
DATE	Monday, September 1st 2003 - 08:38:52 PM

NAME	Mary Lou
COMMENTS	I've just finished reading your book. Wow! I have always been a huge Longfellow fan and recently acquired an early copy of his translation. Then your book caught my eye. I couldn't put in down. I actually read your book first - now I'll go on to Dante. I truly believe that I will now enjoy "Inferno" even more. Thanks so much for a great book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Seattle-Boston
DATE	Thursday, September 4th 2003 - 10:53:18 AM

NAME	Mike Piacenza
COMMENTS	Excellent novel! I love historical fiction and couldn't put your book down. Congratulations on a most interesting, enlightening, and entertaining work.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Derby, CT
DATE	Friday, September 5th 2003 - 10:53:39 AM

NAME	Donna M. Smith
COMMENTS	I prithy thee, please accept my most heartfelt adoration, for no one has stirred me to such passion for literature since my first encounter with master Shakespeare.... I truly hope there shall be another work soon to come.... I have not yet finished the novel, only for the reason that I savor every line, and limit my indulgence to a few pages a day in order to make the pleasure last.... again... my truly heartfelt appreciation......
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Detroit, MI
DATE	Sunday, September 14th 2003 - 06:02:32 AM

NAME	John
COMMENTS	The Dante Club is the best book that I ever had to read for school. Great job
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Cleveland, OH
DATE	Tuesday, September 16th 2003 - 01:12:28 AM

NAME	Alyse Padgett
COMMENTS	Much praise for this novel! It has certainly been awhile since I have read such a captivating book. Although I have not yet finished the work, only very few things can pull me away from it. This novel is definitely a book to read multiple times. Bravo!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Dayton, OH
DATE	Wednesday, September 17th 2003 - 02:20:43 AM

NAME	Michelle Tatlock
COMMENTS	Congratulations Mr. Pearl on a superb book! I hope success continues to follow you thoughout your life and beyond; as it should all great writers!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
DATE	Sunday, September 28th 2003 - 11:36:35 AM

NAME	Brice Williams
COMMENTS	Just wanted to comment on how great The Dante Club is. I cringed when I found out about a required reading for college, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I've through it twice now, and when you came by the University of Dayton to speak, I was impressed even more. You're a very nice person and seem to really care about what you do. Because of this book, I've purchased your edition of Dantes Inferno and have become enveloped by his great work. Thank you for sparking such an interest.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Dayton, OH
DATE	Wednesday, October 1st 2003 - 03:04:52 AM

NAME	Tiina
COMMENTS	You're great! Yay, a challenging, old fashioned, wholesome book. More!
DATE	Thursday, October 2nd 2003 - 11:25:59 AM

NAME	Meagan Dial
COMMENTS	Mr. Pearl, I found your novel extremely fascinating. As soon as I bought it for college, I read the bookflap and started it right away. I am thoroughly impressed with your work. After hearing you speak twice at the University of Dayton (once in class and once at your formal talk), I became even more excited for the release of your next novel. You are very fun and interesting to listen to and I hope to meet you again sometime. Can't wait to read more!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Dayton, OH
DATE	Saturday, October 4th 2003 - 04:29:57 AM

NAME	sabrina pirri
COMMENTS	Sono una insegnante italiana di liceo. Grazie a questo bel libro ho imparato molto sulla ricezione di Dante negli Stati Uniti. La traduzione italiana � corretta.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Siena -Italy
DATE	Sunday, October 12th 2003 - 11:09:11 PM

NAME	Riva Enrico
COMMENTS	Bellissimo libro, avvincente, entusiamante, direi GENIALE, veramente complimenti! Rare volte un libro mi ha lascito che non conoscevo mi ha lascito cos� positivamente stupito! Spero che questo sia il primo di una lunga serie di lavori! Veramente complimenti Mr. Pearl.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Bergamo, Italy
DATE	Saturday, October 18th 2003 - 11:38:27 PM

NAME	Dean
COMMENTS	I completely enjoyed this book. It is one of the most intriguing I have ever read. After Reading The Inferno a few years ago I enjoyed the book even more. I am currently a Construction Management Major so coming from some one who is not trained in literature I hope you take alot of pride in writing such an ingenius novel.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Auburn, AL.
DATE	Tuesday, October 28th 2003 - 09:10:35 AM

NAME	Dan Lukens
COMMENTS	Thank you so much for writing this book! I am a junior in highschool and this was a required reading for my sister(a freshman in college at the Univeristy of Dayton) she sent it home one weekend after having it signed by you. I couldn't put it down until I finished it! Thank god for authors like you!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Ohio
DATE	Friday, October 31st 2003 - 03:31:50 AM

NAME	roberta
COMMENTS	Complimenti per la sua prima opera. Felice l'idea, interessante lo sviluppo, molto corretto e scritto benissimo. Sono gi� in attesa del suo prossimo lavoro.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Roma Italia
DATE	Sunday, November 2nd 2003 - 01:33:33 AM

NAME	Luca "Indro" Indraccolo
COMMENTS	Sono uno studente del quinto anno di Liceo Classico a Milano. Ogni settimana almeno per un'ora si studia la Divina Commedia di Dante, ma sarebbe bellissimo che le lezioni si svolgessero come le riunioni del circolo. Ho appena concluso la lettura del vostro romanzo: io italiano che conosco Dante e la sua Opera fin da bambino non credevo nella sua difficolt� di diffusione in America (sperando solo di quei tempi). Grazie per avermi aiutato a comprendere un po'di pi� il suo genio e il suo lascito ai posteri.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Cologno Monzese, Milano, Italia
DATE	Monday, November 10th 2003 - 12:14:34 AM

NAME	George Salay
COMMENTS	I'm only about two thirds of the way through, but wanted to congradgulate you on a wonderfully written book. Please be prolific but thoughtful.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Arizona
DATE	Thursday, December 4th 2003 - 09:23:26 AM

NAME	Jennifer
COMMENTS	What a fantastic book! Absolutely captivating! I have not had the chance to read The Divine Comedy, but very much intend to, especially now, knowing what a controversy there has been over Dante and his writings. Thank you, Mr. Pearl, for introducing me to the enchanting world of Dante Alighieri!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Minneapolis, MN, USA
DATE	Wednesday, December 17th 2003 - 07:40:47 PM

NAME	Stephen Pearl
COMMENTS	Hi, Haven't read your book as yet but saw your picture on the back cover and wondered if you are any relation to Morey Pearl, Simon Pearl or Rose Pearl-Levinson. Also, a Rose Pearl from Miami Beach. Just curious. Am looking forward to reading your book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Boston, MA
DATE	Tuesday, December 23rd 2003 - 02:15:43 AM

NAME	Patrick Henry
COMMENTS	Absolutely love the book! But I have one quibble: Would Holmes really have committed the solecism on page 102: "The police are investigating, to be sure, and they will find whomever is responsible without our interference!" Patrick Henry (Harvard '60), executive director, Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, Collegeville, Minnesota
DATE	Tuesday, December 30th 2003 - 11:34:04 PM

NAME	lori cowee
COMMENTS	Mr. Pearl, I picked up your book on a whim and couldn't put it down. At the risk of sounding redundant; thank you for creating such a special and memorable reading experince. Congratulations on such a wonderful first novel, am highly anticpating the second. Best of luck in all your future endeavors. Any chance you will be in my neck of the woods for a signing and/or lecture???
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	worcester,massachusetts
DATE	Tuesday, January 6th 2004 - 07:03:20 PM

NAME	Norman Simon, D.V.M.
COMMENTS	A great thriller! I enjoyed the story and the depiction of life in Boston post-bellum,especially the literary circle. Now I have to read the life of Dante. Thank you for the pleasure.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Southbury,Ct.
DATE	Sunday, January 11th 2004 - 08:24:37 AM

NAME	Sian Taylor
COMMENTS	Ive just started reading the book which is why i skipped all the signings in case anyone said anything about the plot but already Im captivated. Im a 15 year old student from England and love Dantes work and i think the book is excellant! I go to a public school and this sort of literature, along with dante isnt taught which i think is a mighty shame. Anything anyone could email about anything whether its dante or not would be most appreciated as coming across decent literature is hard in a town as small as mine. I noticed some of you were lit teachers. Can anyone recommend anything which is cosmo? Thanks anyway. Also, my PC is acting up so n wont let me send an email to the author does anyone know the address?
DATE	Thursday, January 15th 2004 - 04:16:17 AM

NAME	Sian
COMMENTS	Im 15 and go to school in England and this sort of literature is not taught at my school. I love dante and adored your book. Ive read it 3 times in the last 2 weeks. id like to email you personally but my PC wont show me the address. Does anyone know? CAn anyone recommend anyother literature i notice how a lot of you are teachers. Well done!!!! :-) OBTW- im sorry if ive posted this twice but i hate my computer as it likes to annoy me and erase things
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Queenie Casino
DATE	Thursday, January 15th 2004 - 04:25:34 AM

NAME	Chris
COMMENTS	Sir - it is with much pleasure that I read your recent book. Honed through your broad literary knowledge, it blended fact and fiction in a delicious manner. I do, however, note that after first 250 pages or so of spell-binding storytelling, the end of the novel seems rather anti-climatic as the narrative tension all but disappears and clumsy techniques are employed to draw conclusions. This is, of course, a shame, but I still dearly regard this as one of the best 10 books I have read last year. I eagerly look forward to your next work, I'm sure it will be as superb as your last.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	UK
DATE	Friday, January 23rd 2004 - 12:37:14 AM

NAME	Eugenio
COMMENTS	I will read the novel soon, I am Italian and studied Dante at school.
DATE	Friday, January 23rd 2004 - 10:34:34 PM

NAME	Nol van der Loop
COMMENTS	In all probability I'm not the first to ask, but I wonder which was first: the script for the David Fincher film "Se7en" or your book? If I say your book is unputdownable, I exaggerate slightly: I've just put it down (end of chapter VI) to mail you this question.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Asten, Holland
DATE	Tuesday, January 27th 2004 - 03:44:52 AM

NAME	Chris
COMMENTS	Review of 'The Dante Club' in latest edition of 'The Times literary Supplement'.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	UK
DATE	Friday, January 30th 2004 - 11:10:54 PM

NAME	Marni Orlove
COMMENTS	Congratulations Matt!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Boston, MA
DATE	Saturday, January 31st 2004 - 02:05:46 AM

NAME	jenny E.
COMMENTS	I just finished reading The Dante Club yesterday and I enjoyed it very much. I normally would'nt have chosen a book such as this, but in reading it I discovered that it is a very exceptional book and I wanted to congratulate Matthew Pearl on doing a wonderful job.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	estherville, ia
DATE	Monday, February 2nd 2004 - 11:41:15 PM

NAME	Yael Katz
COMMENTS	Good job! I just stayed up until 3 am last night to finish the novel. I'm currently doing my semester abroad in Florence. My apartment is not far from where they believe Dante's house was. It is amazing to walk down the streets where Dante once walked. I also saw his tomb in Ravenna. Your novel inspired me to read Dante's Divine Comedy. I just checked it out from the library today. Thank you! All the best, Yael
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Florence, Italy
DATE	Wednesday, February 4th 2004 - 08:39:21 PM

NAME	Tim
COMMENTS	There should be more books like this. I particularly loved the way the members of the Dante Club came to life and that we could see the human side of those 'gods' - Longfellow, Holmes, Lowell.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	MD
DATE	Thursday, February 12th 2004 - 08:52:01 AM

NAME	Lee
COMMENTS	Great book! Congratulations Mr. Pearl on a job well done.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Philadelphia, PA
DATE	Sunday, February 15th 2004 - 02:55:26 AM

NAME	Easty
COMMENTS	Absolutely quality book.I'm waiting for the film now,there's got to be one!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Manchester,England
DATE	Monday, February 16th 2004 - 08:58:43 AM

NAME	Rosemary
COMMENTS	A thoroughly meaty read! I enjoyed it thoroughly except the very tight binding in the English edition which was very awkward.I look forward to visiting Boston and walking the streets myself.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	England
DATE	Tuesday, February 17th 2004 - 03:32:47 AM

NAME	Charles Travis
URL	http://www.tcd.ie/Geography/PGpages/PG_CT.html
COMMENTS	Am enjoying the book immensely, and am having serendipitous moments concerning Dante and his compatriot Giambattista Vico (i.e. his influence on James Joyce and Samuel Beckett)in my own research. Thanks for the work, it provides an enjoyable and illuminating diversion, looking forward to the film!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Dublin, Ireland
DATE	Tuesday, February 17th 2004 - 04:13:54 PM

NAME	Michael Tucker
COMMENTS	One of the most exciting and erudite books I've read in a long time, made even better by the fact that I recently visited Boston and Cambridge and saw Longfellow's home. I hope there will be many a sequel to this fine volume. I, too, am planning to reread the whole of Dante's Divine Comedy, and I will do so in Longfellow's original translation of 1867. Thanks again for your scholarship and literary finesse! It is very much appreciated by me. I am in awe of your work!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Minnesota
DATE	Friday, February 20th 2004 - 05:03:41 AM

NAME	Micheal
URL	http://www.bardic.on.ca/ancient
COMMENTS	great site. i wish you great literary success. may all your days be happy ones. peace.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Canada
DATE	Sunday, February 22nd 2004 - 08:51:44 PM

NAME	Alice
COMMENTS	I'm an Italian girl and I study Dante at school...I first read "La Divina Commedia" when I was 8 years old and I loved it. And now, I love you book, Mr Pearl. I think it's SO wonderful...I love your way of writing (I'm not the first and the last who think that!), and I must thank you 'cause you let me know a side of America that is not very known in Italy...now I want to discovery everything about Longfellow and his Club. He (Longfellow) brought Italy in America and now you, with "The Dante Club", are bringing America in Italy! So, THANK YOU! Hope to read a new book soon!!!^^ PS:Sorry for my English but I thought it was nicer write in English^^
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Brescia, Italy
DATE	Monday, February 23rd 2004 - 02:28:25 AM

NAME	JD
COMMENTS	Reading the book at the moment. Its an excellent piece of work, the rare kind which persuades you to go out a read the original material. Looking forward to your next book
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	UK
DATE	Saturday, February 28th 2004 - 10:46:53 PM

NAME	Alyson
COMMENTS	This book is extremely interesting and though-provoking. I learned about the Divine Comedy in my English lit class in high school, and I have been meaning to read it when I have a chance. I also thought it was interesting that you went to law school, as I am currently a law student. Anyway, I'm sure the rest of the book will be fantastic.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Cleveland, OH
DATE	Monday, March 1st 2004 - 11:59:31 PM

NAME	Helen
COMMENTS	I loved this book! What a great first novel - I can't wait for the next.
DATE	Wednesday, March 3rd 2004 - 12:05:26 AM

NAME	RICHARD
COMMENTS	I HAVE JUST GOTTEN THE BOOK AND AM ABOUT TO BEGIN. MATTHEW DO YOU HAVE ANY ITALIAN ANCESTRY? JUST CURIOUS.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	YONKERS NY
DATE	Wednesday, March 3rd 2004 - 04:21:24 PM

NAME	Mike Ransick
COMMENTS	Just loved The Dante Club! My question is regarding the reference to Auburn NY on pg 88. I am from the Finger Lakes town of Auburn NY, but it's a pretty obscure litlle place-how did you chose Auburn as the place where Longfellow's lady friend hailed from?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Phoenix AZ
DATE	Thursday, March 4th 2004 - 03:29:28 AM

NAME	Dan Nott
COMMENTS	I haven't finished the novel yet, but am thoroughly enjoying it. Although I'm a literature graduate, I must confess to never having liked poetry, particularly the epic variety. However, this novel has fired an interest in such works. Your novel has been at once entertaining and educational, which I presume to imagine was your aim. It succeeds on all levels adn as such is a true inspiration to any would-be writer. I sincerely hope a second novel is in the offing. I think yourself and Jeffrey Eugenides are putting a few English writers to shame: just because we have a "Great Tradition", our writers should not presume their place and would do well to learn from the tautness and erudition you both display. I am put in mind of Collins or Conrad, who never used an unnecessary word and who could say in one page what most would take need ten to portray. If only yourself of Mr. Eugenides had written The Lord of the Rings!!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Somerset,England
DATE	Sunday, March 7th 2004 - 09:54:15 PM

NAME	Joanne Tenenbaum
COMMENTS	Matthew, thanks so much for a stunning reading experience. You brought Longfellow, Holmes, Lowell, and every other character in the book to vivid life for me. I learned so much about the Divine Comedy along the way that my interest in Dante's work was also renewed. So often best sellers are disappointing. This one was a delight.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Half Moon Bay, CA
DATE	Sunday, March 14th 2004 - 01:27:44 PM

NAME	.J.L. Owen
COMMENTS	Just finished The Dante Club this morning and loved every page. One of the best books I have read is some time.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	St. Petersburg, Fl
DATE	Friday, March 19th 2004 - 12:47:07 AM

NAME	ders and Eaters Book Club
COMMENTS	At the suggestion of my husband, we decided to switch this months selection for our book club from Doetoevsky's "The Adolescent" to yours. It was a great suggestion.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Manhasset, New York
DATE	Wednesday, March 24th 2004 - 01:09:57 AM

NAME	Sara
COMMENTS	WOW! I LOVED the Dante Club! So much that I could concentrate on anything, because it was on my mind constantly, and now that I finished it today, I miss it already! It truly is a work of art! Thank you!!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Sweden
DATE	Thursday, March 25th 2004 - 01:19:19 AM

NAME	Michael H. Minor
COMMENTS	What can I say about The Dante Club that hasn't been said before in this guestbook? Well, for one thing, I now have an understanding of Tennyson's "Ulysses" that I had not had before. (I have been teaching British literature to 12th graders for 15 years, but I have not done much with that poem because I wasn't sure I could handle it with a class, and I didn't want to turn anyone off of Tennyson.) So, thank you for a wonderful novel, a greater appreciation for the Fireside Poets, and the groundwork for my first lesson plan for "Ulysses."
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Istanbul, Turkey
DATE	Saturday, March 27th 2004 - 05:43:41 PM

NAME	Lena Lazari
COMMENTS	Excellent! Even if I didn't khow much about american literature (except fron Edgar Allan Poe) I believe that this book helped me a lot in learning. Furthermore I loved the thrilling plot. I am looking forward to reading your next book!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Athens, Greece
DATE	Sunday, March 28th 2004 - 12:47:14 AM

NAME	karen
URL	http://www.asylumnation.com/asylum/
COMMENTS	Hello Matthew.. Just wanted to tell you that I thought The Dante Club was a fantastic novel. I really look forward to your next work being published. My favourite novels tend to be those that allow me to learn some new things(that are factual) while still having the full imagination allowed to fiction. You truly have a firm grasp on that genre; and I congratulate you on that. Thanks for a wonderful reading experience.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	VA
DATE	Monday, March 29th 2004 - 01:22:08 AM

NAME	Giovanna
COMMENTS	I really enjoyed the book. Congratulations Mr Pearl!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Switzerland
DATE	Tuesday, March 30th 2004 - 06:19:55 PM

NAME	Brenda L. Balazs
COMMENTS	Just finished reading The Dante Club and I am a new "convert" and excited about reading the Divine Comedy. I am not a student in the conventional sense but intend to become a student of Dante hereon. I am so interested not just in the Inferno but in Purgatory and Paradise. Thank you for a fine novel and the new excitement you've instilled in me to learn more.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Toledo, Ohio
DATE	Wednesday, March 31st 2004 - 02:46:27 AM

NAME	Jan
COMMENTS	Matthew, I'm much impressed with your book and am curious about your education before Harvard. It would be terrific if you would include that info in your biographical sketch. I look forward to reading your imagination's adventures for many years to come.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Dallas, TX
DATE	Wednesday, March 31st 2004 - 08:41:16 AM

NAME	Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL	See "About the Author"
URL	http://www.thedanteclub.com
COMMENTS	Hi everyone! Thanks for all the wonderful posts. It's been a while since I posted here in part because I try to reply personally to individual posters as much as possible. But let me try to pick up on anything that might be of general interest... Richard (3/3) asked about any Italian ancestry on my part-- unfortunately not! But I have been to Italy to help promote the book back in December '03 and may be returning for a book festival in October '04 in Ravenna (where Dante died!)... To Michael Tucker (2/20/04) and Pat Diamond (8/22/03), no sequel planned, but I hope everyone will enjoy the follow-up book that I'm working on now! Make sure to sign up for the email-newsletter to hear the details down the road. I'm having fun with it! Rosemary (2/17/04), when you go to the Boston area, make sure to stop in at the Longfellow House for a tour!... Jan (3/31/04), my before college education -- I went to the same school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the University School of Nova Southeastern University (a mouthful I know) from kindergarden through all of high school. So I have many friends whom I've known since second grade or even kindergarden! It was a very "open" school, that is allowing you freedom, for better or worse, to pursue and develop your interests. Related to Mike Ransick's question (3/4/04), that woman from Auburn is indeed based on a woman who Longfellow more or less flirted with who was from Auburn. Though they never went anywhere, Longfellow had several shy almost-courtships, through letters mostly, after Fanny's death. He even gave one of 10 original editions of his Inferno translation to one of these women! Most people don't know, but you can also look at Elmwood, James Russell Lowell's estate, which if you look at a map of Cambridge is a few blocks down on Brattle street from the Longfellow House, on a side street called, of course, Elmwood Street. It's a private residence -- actually the residence of the Harvard President! -- so you can't go in, but it's beautiful to see!... To Mark Krone (7/31/03) and anyone else in the Boston area, you can find some original letters by Holmes in many of the major archives, like Boston Public and Harvard (open to any researcher) and it's great fun to see their actual handwriting, paper, etc. And to everyone who mentioned going out and reading Dante... Bravo! I think you'll enjoy getting into one of the great masterpieces. As always, many thanks for your support... Matthew
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Brooklyn, NY (for now)
DATE	Thursday, April 1st 2004 - 12:45:20 AM

NAME	Irene Wu
COMMENTS	Mr. Pearl, I found your book is very interesting, a mixture between history and science fiction. Great literature, as an asian myself I love art history, your book really opens up lots of new knowlegde for me. Will be waiting for your next book ^-^
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Jakarta, Indonesia
DATE	Thursday, April 1st 2004 - 03:59:22 PM

NAME	Leonard Geifman
COMMENTS	As a long-time jigsaw puzzle worker, I enjoyed looking at all the pieces and seeing how they fit together. Like working a puzzle again, reading your book will come together a little faster the second time around.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Bettendorf, Iowa
DATE	Friday, April 2nd 2004 - 03:12:53 AM

NAME	Katie Hansen
COMMENTS	Thank you. You are a silver tongued devil. I'm inspired. Was the Manning critic (reviews) from New Zealand just a co-incidence?
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	AnnArbor,MICHIGAN
DATE	Saturday, April 3rd 2004 - 09:01:21 AM

NAME	Amy Reitnouer
COMMENTS	I recently finished "The Dante Club" for a school project and was blown away by Mr. Pearl's literary power. I loved every page. I think the thing I appreciated most about the book was its ability to make these seemingly two-dimensional poets into three-dimensional characters. I can never read Longfellow the same way again! (oh, and I got a really good grade on the project!)
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Lebanon, PA
DATE	Sunday, April 4th 2004 - 11:49:49 AM

NAME	jem
COMMENTS	excellent. I have passed this delightful book on to many folks. Brilliant
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	san francisco,ca.
DATE	Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 07:23:38 AM

NAME	Robert Johnson
COMMENTS	I just finished the book today. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time. My friend recommended it to me and now I am forever in his debt for his excellent suggestion. Thank you for writing such an excellent book.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Stockton, CA
DATE	Friday, April 9th 2004 - 05:29:19 PM

NAME	Megan
COMMENTS	I am a freshman at UW-Madison, and I have fallen in love with Dante partly thanks to your book! We read Inferno in my Comparative Literature class last semester, and we are going to read it again this semester. In fact, I am going to write about your book and the Inferno for my final research paper! I have decided to major in Comparative Literature and I am considering taking Italian here, as well. I started reading your book for fun, but it is a book with so much more. I have learned so much about this period of history, as well as interesting tidbits about Dante and each of the characters. It's novels like this that make me glad I have decided to major in Comparative Literature. Looking forward for more to come! Thanks!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Madison, Wisconsin
DATE	Saturday, April 10th 2004 - 11:07:05 PM

NAME	Wadsworth
COMMENTS	Thank you for contributing such a fascintating historical novel. What a delight it was for me to delve into the history of an ancestor! Your vivid depictions of Cambridge and Boston lend credence to the tale. Living in the area allows me to imagine what it was like. More success to come - I am sure.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	norwood ma
DATE	Monday, April 12th 2004 - 08:49:19 AM

NAME	Lisa Lee Morgan
COMMENTS	I'm inspired to read Dante again and want to take a good course on it. Will look Dante up on the Teaching Company course lists. Also want to read more 19th c. poetry. The DC has inspired me in many different directions. Most thoughtful insights from the immersion into the complexities of daily and political issues of the C. War era by "nice" people in Boston. Thank you, Matthew Pearl!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Charlotte, NC
DATE	Monday, April 12th 2004 - 10:55:17 PM

NAME	Michael Wayne Allen
COMMENTS	Thanks very much for a look into post civil war Boston.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Baltimore, Maryland
DATE	Friday, April 16th 2004 - 07:41:10 AM

NAME	Thorbjorn Tomasson
COMMENTS	Dear Mr. Pearl. I would like to congratulate you on the immense success of your first novel and furthermore to extend my gratitude for the countless hours I have spent reading your highly entertaining and informative work. I am a graduate student in comparative literature and an ardent student of 19th. century American Literature and found your scholarly work to be inspiring as well as exciting. Salutations from Iceland. T. Tomasson
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Reykjavik Iceland.
DATE	Saturday, April 17th 2004 - 12:02:12 AM

NAME	Jean Dean
URL	http://www.WRVC.com
COMMENTS	Matthew, thank you so much for a tremendous on-air interview last week. "The Dante Club" is the most intriguing novel I have read in a long time. Please let me know when your new novel is released. I am anxious to talk with you again.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Huntington, WV
DATE	Tuesday, April 20th 2004 - 12:10:10 AM

NAME	Simona
COMMENTS	Grazie per questo libro, Mr Pearl: � avvincente, ispirato, bellissimo...Sto rileggendo Dante con un entusiasmo del tutto nuovo, con autentico piacere, finalmente!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Genova, Italia
DATE	Wednesday, April 21st 2004 - 07:58:38 PM

NAME	Robin
COMMENTS	Thank You!! Thank You!! Thank You!! Your book is a blessing for me. I have been searching for a book such as yours to peak my interest. What a wonderful historical novel. This book truly was a treat to read. I am rereading it at a slower pace, and look forward to rereading Dante, with this book as a companion. Again I thank you for gifting us with such an interesting read. I look forward to further works from you.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
DATE	Thursday, April 22nd 2004 - 02:58:22 AM

NAME	Vergil
COMMENTS	Mr. Pearl, you are the new Vergil for the 21st century. Just as I lead Dante through the Inferno, so too you are leading readers to Dante.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Roma
DATE	Thursday, April 22nd 2004 - 09:07:12 PM

NAME	Matthew Pearl
E-MAIL	see "About the Author"
URL	http://www.thedanteclub.com
COMMENTS	Once again, what a treat to have so many messages from different parts of the US and from around the world. And nice to hear from Vergil (even spelled the old fashioned Latinate way)! Only, I would think instead of Rome you'd be writing from Limbo? Well, maybe Beatrice finally did pull those strings and get you out of there.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Brooklyn, NY
DATE	Friday, April 23rd 2004 - 09:28:50 PM

NAME	joleen mckay
COMMENTS	I picked up Dante Club with hesitation because it was not my type of read. Thank you for opening my mind to a different genre of literature. When is your next novel by the way?? The Dante Club is excellent!!!
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	oshawa, ontario
DATE	Sunday, April 25th 2004 - 09:49:19 AM

NAME	Ric Faust
COMMENTS	Matthew, My family has been part of the South Shore, especially Quincy and Weymouth since 1620. I enjoyed the book immensely but especially the end where you go into the post traumatic stress of the Civil War soldiers. I had many family members in that war and this really brought home what it must have been like for them to return from a war that was never really won. I do think the historical note would have been better at the beginning almost as a preface as I was wondering throughout my reading what parts were accurate and what were fiction. Thanks for a great read.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Chelsea, MA
DATE	Monday, April 26th 2004 - 12:35:03 AM

NAME	Patrick Johnopolos
COMMENTS	I emjoy historical mysteries and this is the first one that I have found that gives a detailed account of the city and people of Boston in late 1865. Tha attitudes and memories of the Civil War veterans is almost worth the price alone. Thanks
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Springfield, Illinois
DATE	Monday, April 26th 2004 - 06:16:07 AM

NAME	Thomas Theakston
COMMENTS	I thought that "The Dante Club" was an outstanding blend of fact and fiction, pulled off marvelously by the quality of Pearl's prose. I hope he writes more.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	England
DATE	Monday, April 26th 2004 - 09:51:15 PM

NAME	Ed Thoele
COMMENTS	I thoroughly enjoyed your novel. I am also delighted to hear that Longfellow's translation will soon be back in print. I just wanted to remind you that it is already available in both plain text and HTML format from Project Gutenberg, as are the original Italian and translations by H. F. Cary and Charles Eliot Norton. Useful for quick searches. Project Gutenberg is at http://gutenberg.net.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	LaGrange, Illinois
DATE	Tuesday, April 27th 2004 - 02:53:45 AM

NAME	Anne O'Reilly
COMMENTS	I loved the book. Plan on reading Longfellow's translation asap.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Wilmington, MA, USA
DATE	Tuesday, April 27th 2004 - 09:56:41 PM

NAME	Joanne rasimas
COMMENTS	Mr. pearl. Thank you so much for your novel. I have never read Dante and I understand parts from your book. I will want to see the movie "What Dreams My Come" with Robin Williams again as his inferno is in there.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Pennsylvania
DATE	Wednesday, April 28th 2004 - 09:58:39 AM

NAME	Stan Castles
COMMENTS	A spectacular book. I am surprised it took me so long to get around to reading it. A grand mixture of fiction and fact.
CITY, STATE/PROVINCE	Texas
DATE	Thursday, April 29th 2004 - 03:46:49 AM

NAME	Lilly
COMMENTS	Just got your book as a present shall let you know how it goes.. must adm