CAN SATAN RESCUE ME?

Kamm (Over the Edge, 2013) mines the historical roots of misogyny in this Satan-narrated novel.

Kate Briarstone is a beautiful presidential candidate who seeks to conquer violence toward women throughout the world. Her closest ally in the fight is her beloved husband, known as “Beelzy,” who, unbeknownst to the electorate, is Satan in human form. He’s not the Satan of biblical literature, however, but rather a compassionate, regretful and completely sex-obsessed devil whose “reputation has been tarnished far too long.” In this novel, he describes his role in the creation of Eve, his witnessing the births of Isaac and Jesus, and his arguments with the “bent and gnomish” “pleasure killer” St. Paul. He goes on to detail his involvement in everything from Ancient Greece’s orgies to Voltaire’s authorship of Candide to modern-day therapy sessions with savage male chauvinists. This version of Satan, like the novel itself, is very funny and often brilliant. Kamm probes and scorns hypocrisy and hatred with a biting humor that elicits awkward laughter, as many of his targets hit close to home. The novel nimbly jumps across time periods and different prose styles (as in Kate’s interviews with television talk show hosts named Charlie Tulip and Barry Queen). It also tackles issues across the sociopolitical spectrum with a polished ease. Kamm’s critiques of organized religion, however, sometimes veer toward atheistic proselytizing, even as they bristle with energy. This novel isn’t recommended for anyone who’s ever used the word “blasphemous” with sincerity; it’s filled with statements that may shock those who have even a slight religious bent. Its graphic descriptions of sex may elicit grimaces from squeamish readers, and some men may object to the nearly ubiquitous depiction of males as spiteful simpletons. In this tale, piety is not a virtue, and God is not benevolent.

A deft, entertaining religious satire recommended for members of the atheistic choir.