I was looking forward to reading this part of your series on the Divine Comedy. I checked my library today and I only have the volume that talks about Paradise, so I will have to look for the first volumes.
One thing I really, really like about your reviews is that you make it so simple and easy to explain that it doesn't really seem like you are talking about Dante's famous Divine Comedy.
From what you describe in your words, although there is suffering, this volume can be seen as hopeful for sinners seeking redemption from their sins and perhaps it can serve as encouragement to all of us who day by day and in spite of our sins, look for a light of hope in the midst of misery.
That's fantastic, I really appreciate you reading the content and commenting on it. I agree with your reflections on what he says about redemption, but as I mentioned, there seem to be some strong signs that some people there just "think" they can receive redemption or a pardon. But in reality they've been there forever, it's a bit confusing to explain without removing parts of the text.
I think I can understand it. Those people who "think" they can achieve redemption, do nothing to achieve it and therefore have been there forever.