Monday, July 8, 2013

The Demonologist

The Demonologist

Author: Andrew Pyper
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Lydia


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Possibly due to the fact that I read them in succession, Andrew Pyper's newest work, The Demonologist, was initially very reminiscent of Dan Brown's latest novel Inferno. From the very first page both characters are middle-aged male academics who travel to Italy where they uncover clues and puzzles linked to art (Brown’s novel) and literature (Pyper’s novel).

However, this is where the similarities end. Pyper’s novel details Professor David Ullman’s journey to Italy after encountering a strange woman with a mysterious message. Ullman is an expert in John Milton’s most famous work, Paradise Lost, and he is summoned to Italy to, in the words of the strange woman, “witness an event related to his academic field.” Once in Italy, however, horror ensues; after witnessing what appears to be a demonic possession, Ullman watches as his daughter jumps mysteriously to her death in the river below.

Ullman is heartbroken, and returns to the United States. However, he is convinced that the demonic possession he witnessed has somehow exerted its influence over him and his daughter, and may even be the cause of her suicide. Once he returns home Ullman follows clues across the country, many taken from Paradise Lost itself, ultimately unearthing answers to his daughter’s suicide and his own family’s secrets in a surprise ending that will shock you.

The Demonologist is a truly terrifying book, and the many twists and turns and thrills and chills make this book a fast-paced and delightful read. The subject matter is extremely interesting, and Pyper manages to weave demonic possession, devils, and classic literary texts into a coherent mystery. Pyper is also a very gifted writer who blends the sublime with the everyday, and manages to paint scenes and settings with superb ease. This book is for fans of Dan Brown who like their books scary.

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