(2) JEREMY LEVEN –
SATAN: HIS PSYCHOTHERAPY & CURE BY THE UNFORTUNATE DR KASSLER J.S.P.S (1982)

“The truth of the matter is, I am not the Father of Evil…I am not a seducer. Or an accuser. Or a destroyer…But let me tell you something. You never hear of a vengeful Satan, a Satan of wrath, a Satan who brings on pestilence and famine. That’s the other fellow. You should keep this in mind”.

Somewhat loosely a fantasy, but the titular character is primarily a plot device for black comedy and satire – a black comedy of life itself and a satire of religion. A theological version of my top entry and as indelibly planted in my adolescent psyche.

The raunchy cover of the edition I borrowed to read in my youth but sadly not the cover of the edition I bought later

Although devilishly funny in its entirety, the highlight (and centerpiece) of the book is the seven psychotherapy sessions with hapless psychologist Kassler, agreed by the latter in a literal deal with the devil in exchange for Satan’s revelation of the Great Secret of Life.

I and my sense of religion were never the same after reading this book – and Satan forever changed for me from a supernatural figure of childhood Catholic fear to a more mythic figure of the human condition, as forlorn and lost as any of us.

POETRY (DRAMA)

No poetry ranking but Leven does earn a drama ranking as an actual screenwriter. Sadly, while his first novel Creator – also a great read – was adapted to a film, this one wasn’t. Which is a pity as it would have made a cracking film.

FANTASY & SF (COMEDY)

Given its plot and premise, this book could well be argued to be fantasy – as indeed could all three of his books. And it is one of the funniest books in my top ten.

RATING: 5 STARS*****
S-TIER (GOD-TIER)