Yes. The original story of Pinocchio has some elements that can be considered quite dark and verge on horror. For example, Pinocchio faces many perils and punishments that are rather severe, like being turned into a donkey which is a really cruel and somewhat terrifying transformation.
I'm not sure specifically what 'akin new novel' is about as the term is rather ambiguous. It could be the name of a newly released novel, but without more context it's hard to say.
Rebirth from a dead end was synonymous with rebirth from despair, rebirth from despair, rebirth from death, rebirth from nirvana, rebirth from cocoon, and rebirth from nirvana.
Splendid was similar to resplendent, gorgeous, magnificent, wonderful, brilliant, glorious, gorgeous, bright, beautiful, rich, gorgeous, gorgeous, brilliant, and so on.