I Lucifer - Glen Duncan > Reviews (1)

This interesting little book follows a month in the life of Lucifer, Fallen Angel, Prince of Darkness, Bringer of Light, Ruler of Hell, Lord of the Flies, Father of Lies, Apostate Supreme, Tempter of Mankind, Old Serpent, Prince of This World, Seducer, Accuser, Tormentor, Blasphemer, and without doubt Best F**k in the Seen and Unseen Universe (ask Eve, that Minx).......or so he introduces himself.

Satan has been offered a chance to redeem himself. Whilst loitering up to no good in a chapel one day he is visited by Gabriel and told the the Big Man (who Satan reassures us does in fact look like an old man with a great big beard) is offering him the opportunity to live for a month in the body of writer Declan Gunn (the letters of which rearranged make Glen Duncan). If he manages to live a decent life and ye know remember to go to mass of Easter and Crimbo he'll get to go home.

Old Lucifer jumps at the opportunity and proud as he is indulges in self-indulgent tell all memoir of his month trial which unfolds his coming to grips with humanity and sensory perception. In a casual although admittedly "baroque" style he attempts in our inept language to describe the pleasures he takes in the pleasures of existence. In just smelling the smells of a mouldy old bathroom and in noticing every texture of the ground beneath his feet. Above all he can't believe that humanity as a race don't stop to appreciate 99 ice-creams more.

When I say he jumps at the opportunity I don't mean he's excited about the prospect of redemption and returning "home". Not at all. He assures us that provided John Milton with more than a little guidance in drafting paradise lost and truly believes it's better to rule in hell than serve in heaven. But it's earthly pleasure he jumps at and in predictable although enjoyable rock-star satan style he sets about having his demons flood Declan Gunn's bank account with money. From there he gets himself a room in the Ritz and embarks on a tirade of alcohol, drugs and weird sex with a thing for girls from the XXX-Quisite company.

He also starts to write a film about his fall from paradise and with funding provided by his new found rich elderly lover he becomes quite the celebrity figure.

In amongst all this Lucifer is, however, crippled with Declan Gunn's memories and feelings. His grief at the death of his mother haunts him as does the loss of his love Penelope from years previous. He starts to realize what it's like to be human and almost seems to get a taste for it.

He also provide through anecdotes from history great insights into his works and to the nature of pure evil. He talks about how it wasn't just the brutality of the Nazi regime that hurt God but it was the way they tried to civilize that brutality. He talks about how paedophilia is one of the greatest forms of his evil as the act itself only leads to further anguish and re-offending.

He is by and large and very bad egg but what's great about this book is that you start to really feel sorry for him.

He admits he's hurt about being kicked out of heaven and he has regrets. He admits that evil causes him pain as it does for all angels but he can't give up that pain because it would involve swallowing his pride and letting go of his freedom. It would involve losing control of his boys in hell and becoming a follower himself. Feelings that by in large we can all find ourselves in sympathy with.

Readability

I bought this book last Monday read it within 5 days which with work etc is impressive enough for me. It's not separated into distinct chapters but there are breaks in the tail every here and there. But it's written in such an enthralling style and is so casual that it's easy to pick up at any time and pick up with Lucifer's monologue. Near the end the angel Raphael picks up the pen to do the writing for Lucifer and is interrupted by the dark lord to be criticised for being "Too formal" and is told "Try not to sound like such a tight-arsed ponce"

Whilst I can't say I agree with a lot of reviews saying it's side splittingly funny it really is highly entertaining. Lucifer's outsider take on the everyday mundane aspects of human life and his devil-may-care playboy attitude are recalled with a fantastic insight which makes you see why Stella Duffy is quoted on the front cover of the book as saying:

'...Glen Duncan knows way too much and says it far too well..'

Glen Duncan is an author previously unknown to me and I think I would be tempted to read some more of his works although I can't say I find his other titles to sound too appealing: Weathercock and Death of an Ordinary Man .

Recommend

I would recommend this book. It's a fun light read. Not one I'd read over and over but definitely a keeper

Price

I tend to think that all books are over-priced and try to buy books second hand. But working around the corner from a Waterstones I am always tempted in and was allured by the cover of this book. It cost £7.99 and considering how quick it is to read I do think that's slightly over-priced and would advise others to try and borrow or find second-hand.

Other silly reviews

I had search of the old twitter for 'Lucifer Duncan' and found:

@Nicolatjqkg says: Need something to read in your post Crimbo dug? I, Lucifer by Glen Duncan is FRICKING Awesome. That's my book review. Just there.

Fair enough.

@beccy_duncan says: Ugh what the hell Lucifer, meow at my door so I let you in then u just sit on my laptop, naw

Probably not relevant.

Film

I hear that a film is going to be made of the book and I don't find it a very exciting prospect. This isn't an action packed book. It's great because of it's insight and because of Lucifer's style. I can't imagine a film at all.

_ Written by Phelim McC. Steal it. I dare ye _