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The Divine Comedy

By: Dante Alighieri,Stephen Wyatt
Narrated by: Blake Ritson,John Hurt,David Warner,Hattie Morahan,Full Cast
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Summary

Blake Ritson, David Warner, Hattie Morahan and John Hurt star in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of Dante's epic poem.

Inferno: Thirty-five year old Dante finds himself in the middle of a dark wood, in extreme personal and spiritual crisis. Hope of rescue appears in the form of the venerable poet Virgil, now a shade himself, who offers to lead Dante on an odyssey through the afterlife, beginning in the terrifying depths of Hell.

Purgatorio: Dante is led up Mount Purgatory by his guide. They encounter numerous souls who have embarked on the same difficult journey - one that will eventually lead to their spiritual salvation.

Paradiso: Dante's journey comes to a glorious conclusion as he is led by Beatrice, through the spheres of Paradise and into the presence of God himself. As they ascend, they encounter a number of souls who have also achieved blessedness. Many years later, the older Dante reflects on the episodes from his life that have inspired his great poem.

©2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about The Divine Comedy

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Very good

I first listened to this when it was broadcast on the radio. It is very enjoyable and have listened to it many times. I would recommend it to anyone.

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12 people found this helpful

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Simply transcendant

Fully realised adaptations of stories in audiobook form are becoming a new form of entertainment for me and BBC Radio has done a splendid job once again with this abridged adaptation.
John Hurt’s narration adds a reverential and sagely aspect as an older Dante who bridges the gaps between the story’s narrative with his younger self told in flashbacks and the present in which he elaborates on the context of his life in exile, adding history to help ground the narrative. The sound design is spot on and each voice talent truly helps bring a visceral and real element to the story of Dante’s mythical journey through Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise. Truly immersive, from the sounds of the beasts and fires of hell to the full choir and soprano singers at the end when Dante ascends to Paradise and meets God.
Highly recommend at a good price or as a token purchase!

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6 people found this helpful

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Fantastic Read

The performances were amazing. Gives real insight into Christians and non-Christians. Really makes you think!

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6 people found this helpful

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Wonderful adaptation

I have not read the original and in sure that if I had, I would have reservations about what must have been huge cuts, but as an experience in its own right, this is superb. Rich in imagery but never intimidating. Very approachable. And navigates some of the moral certainties of dante which a modern reader might find challenging, with great finesse. Congratulations to all involved.

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The Devine Comedy

Wonderful story telling, I listened in conjunction with Gustave's Dore illustrations, again wonderful drawings bringing the whole story alive.

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Disappointing

Any additional comments?

This audio-book just did not do it for me. I know it's supposed to be a classic but I just found it ridiculous!

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Fantastic Dramatisation

Just to say how much I enjoyed this and I'm sure you will too! I'm just starting to read Comedia and this provides a vivid summary of the overall work. Marvelous, yes iI. seeking out lectures and reading commentary , etc etc but nothing can prepare you for the genius of what Dante attempted and achieved in this work .. this dramatisation is a worthy precursor to reading and studying the work and an emotional tour de force ! sit back and enjoy!

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Brilliant

Sad it was so short but very very good! The voice cast is fantastic and John Hurt is just brilliant

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Brilliantly read by all the actors!! Bravo!!

I’d highly recommend this book. I’ve been trying to read it for 20 years but have found it difficult. This audio version is amazing and really drags you into the story with wonderful actors, background noises and music.
The time passes so quickly

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Stunning

I’ve read the Divine Comedy, in translation, a number of times: it is an astounding work.
This dramatised version is wonderful for giving a sense of the whole and its deep layers of meaning.
Wholeheartedly recommended.

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