How Dante Can Save Your Life

The Life-Changing Wisdom of History's Greatest Poem

By: Rod Dreher

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Following the death of his little sister and the publication of his New York Times best-selling memoir The Little Way of Ruthie Leming, Rod Dreher found himself living in the small community of Starhill, Louisiana, where he grew up. But instead of the fellowship he hoped to find, he discovered that fault lines within his family had deepened. Dreher spiraled into depression and a stress-related autoimmune disease. Doctors told Dreher that if he didn't find inner peace, he would destroy his health. Soon after, he came across The Divine Comedy in a bookstore and was enchanted by its first lines, which seemed to describe his own condition.

In the months that followed, Dante helped Dreher understand the mistakes and mistaken beliefs that had torn him down and showed him that he had the power to change his life. Dreher knows firsthand the solace and strength that can be found in Dante's great work and distills its wisdom for those who are lost in the dark wood of depression, struggling with failure (or success), wrestling with a crisis of faith, alienated from their families or communities, or otherwise enduring the sense of exile that is the human condition.

Inspiring, revelatory, and packed with penetrating spiritual, moral, and psychological insights, How Dante Can Save Your Life is a book for people, both religious and secular, who find themselves searching for meaning and healing. Dante told his patron that he wrote his poem to bring readers from misery to happiness. It worked for Rod Dreher.

Dante saved Rod Dreher's life. And in this audiobook, Dreher shows you how Dante can save yours.

©2015 Rod Dreher (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"As a well-written chronicle of choice between the 'success' of big cities and life in the far simpler world of old traditions and deep family ties..." ( Kirkus)

Lovely Personal Perspective

Personal stories with which I could identify. Good book for before or after reading Dante.

Thoughtful, though dogmatic

I suppose I should have expected a religious conversion considering the title, and I did bear witness to the author’s personal transformation. But i was not inspired to experience my own. Reading this, I felt as if I was in the presence of someone sobbing at my Father’s funeral; it was a curiosity but didn’t help me work through my own grief.

I struggled with his harsh judgment of others, especially his parents. Being a grandparent, I see his criticisms in a different light. Parents do the best they can and of course we all fall short. I would hope my own children cut me a bit of slack and take responsibility for their issues. I struggle to sort out my choices and the impact of my nuclear family; I a person in my own right.

I sped the book to 1.25 halfway through, just wanting to be done with it. I was tired of listening to the reader’s whining voice. Seriously! Grow up.

I would have liked more of the poem. I read this to introduce myself to “The Divine Comedy” from a fleshed out perspective. I did not expect the story to be about trading one black and white vision of the world for another. I am sorry if this sounds unfair. I am moving on to C.S. Lewis’s Novel, “Til We Have Faces”.

Insightful and intriguing

Loved it. Great practical advice and reminds us about all that matters: Father, Son & Holy Spirit!

From a teacher’s perspective

I was captivated by Rod Dreher’s story and inspiration. I have read The Divine Comedy only once before, but I look forward to reading it again, armed with Rod Dreher’s insights, with my students and their valuable insights.

Good insight

The author makes wonderful insights on his life and from Dante's works however he fails to connect the source of Dante's work to the Scriptures. He has a high view of Dante and a low view of Scripture and the power of the word of God. Overall I enjoyed the book not one must keep God's word as the true source of truth and beauty. Psalm 19 is a poem that points you to Christ is where true insight, beauty and transformative power is found. Thanks you for sharing your story Rod. I grew up in that part of the country and I identify with all that you have wrestled with in life.