Book Review: DEALS WITH THE DEVIL, DIALOGUES WITH DEATH

 

DEALS WITH THE DEVIL, DIALOGUES WITH DEATH is the fifth volume in writer Frank Dello Stritto's Historical Monster Fiction series. All five books feature characters from various classic films and TV shows taking part in and existing alongside real life historical events, an idea that is ingeniously and creatively accomplished by the author. 

This time around Dello Stritto covers numerous cinematic and television presentations of the Devil and physical manifestations of Death. An unnamed young American male is working on the passenger ship General Slocum when it catches fire and sinks on June 15, 1904. The man appears to have drowned, but he's given a second chance, due to a mysterious figure who calls himself Cadwallader. The man's "deal" with this fellow gives him immortality and indestructibility. For about the next hundred years, the reader follows the man's strange experiences. 

The man cannot die, but in a way he can't actually live either. Instead of making the most out of his prolonged status, the man constantly winds up involved in one famous disaster after another, all the while remaining alone and mostly cut off from the rest of humanity. The man continues to encounter the Devil in various guises, but he also has many meetings with different representations of Death, since his true appointment with the Grim Reaper was back in 1904, and his tab is still waiting to be collected. 

DEALS WITH DEVIL, DIALOGUES WITH DEATH is a fascinating read, but it's also somewhat darker than the author's other books in the series. A number of weighty factors are measured throughout, such as the meaning of life and death, what it is to really live, and whether the choices we make are our own, or that of some higher power. Despite all these important questions, the book isn't a depressing slog--it's a fast moving tale that makes the reader wonder what the main character will experience next. 

History and movie geeks will both enjoy DEALS WITH DEVIL, as the author once again impressively ties in actual famous events with numerous fictional film and TV characters, along with their dialogue and actions from the productions they appeared in. Dello Stritto favorites such as Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and even Abbott & Costello get cameo roles. Fans of THE TWILIGHT ZONE will adore this volume, since many of its episodes are referred to. The book's magnificent cover art is by George Chastain, and it's clean, concise design is by Rick Brower. (The volume is published by Cult Movie Press.) 

I'm a huge fan of the entire Historical Monster Fiction series, so much so that whenever I finish reading the latest entry I can't wait for the next one. The "Strittoverse", in my opinion, is far more entertaining and interesting than most blockbuster films and trending TV shows of the present day. If you have a taste for world history and classic genre storytelling, Frank Dello Stritto's DEALS WITH DEVIL, DIALOGUES WITH DEATH is perfect summer reading.