It took over a year, but I did it!
It was quite an undertaking- I leaned heavily on the appendix and followed a rabbit trail through all these other books! Maybe I’m a nerd- but I’ve had so much fun!
Good thing we studied Greek mythology and the constellations back when we homeschooled, because Dante references them A LOT. Good thing I read the Aeneid in college Latin, because Virgil is his travel guide. My favorite part has been studying the medieval cosmos (thank you C.S. Lewis + Baxter) and dabbling in early monastic writings (Dante meets and quotes the authors). I’ve plunged into practicing contemplative prayer and wow I don’t think I’ll ever go back.
Inferno is gruesome & terrifying. Purgatorio is fascinating & deeply impactful. Paradiso is majestic stunning & inspiring. And Gustave Dore’s engravings are perfect. I really feel like my brain and heart grew.