Nick Tosches' Dante thriller reviewed in artpress

In artpress, a review delves into Nick Tosches' novel 'La main de Dante,' released by Éditions Albin Michel. This thriller revolves around the unearthing of Dante's Divine Comedy manuscript within the Vatican, emphasizing its significant worth. The story weaves together various characters and plotlines, featuring Louie, a figure linked to the mafia, and Tosches, who pays tribute to Philip Roth. The book critiques the mediocrity of modern literature and the cynicism of major publishing, notably with the phrase, 'This is an AOL Time Warner product speaking to you.' Tosches, an admirer of Dante, employs a polyphonic style, with Dante appearing in scenes, including encounters with a Provençal Jew in Venice. Olivier Renault's review underscores themes of biblical interpretation and the necessity of surpassing mere knowledge.