A review by jchimpius
The Aeneid by Virgil

4.0

Almost perfect. At times there are so many characters and it becomes difficult to follow. The story of Aeneas and his trip to Italy from books 1-6 is perfect in my opinion. Every book has a clear tone and direction with engaging characters and important reflections on Homeric/ Roman mythology. The story of Aeneas and Dido can be applied to free will and conversations of philosophy but also is a realistic telling of how a couple can end so tragically despite starting perfectly. Book six is the inspiration for Dante's Divine Comedy and it is excellent as an analysis of knowledge and I would not be surprised if Virgil took inspiration from Cicero's republic for this cosmic detachment. The final books seem unfinished and Virigl himself was never happy with the poem. Too many battle scenes happen without much purpose but the final battle is tremendous and ties the whole second half together with perhaps the best ending I have ever experienced in fiction.