The Day the Devil Went on Trial | A Novel

"The Day the Devil Went on Trial is inventive, funny, and full of charm; a novel that uses satire to explore the possibility of transformation even in the most unlikely characters. Ian Pear writes in a narrative style that blends humor, philosophical musings, and allegorical storytelling so masterfully that it’s as if Mark Twain were reincarnated. The best book I've read this year!" Reader's Favorite 5 Star Review

A Devil with a wedgie. A politician whose career is sponsored by a deodorant company. A khaki wearing, sneaker sporting god. A murdered businessman. A corrupt angel. Alcohol smuggling Nuns. A dying Russian literature professor. Holocaust refugees. A saintly German widow.

These are but a few of the fascinating characters one meets during the often humorous, intellectually stimulating, philosophically rousing, plot-twisting journey that is The Day the Devil went on Trial. Odd bedfellows to be sure, but each in his or her own way helps lead the reader to profound revelations on life, death and what it means to be a good person. With the absurdity of Vonnegut, the wisdom of Dostoevsky and the existential angst of Camus, this delightful morality tale follows the resurrected life of an unsuspecting -- and improbable -- human hero as he gathers eclectic wisdom for his mission to save the world. The remarkable story -- told in three parts: Heaven and Hell, Earth, and The Courtroom In Between -- concludes with a groundbreaking insight sure to transform the reader’s understanding of humanity.

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From the Introduction ...

Meet Frank. He's an alcoholic.

He also happens to be the Devil. And he has the red tights – perhaps a little too tight, as he often walks around with a wedgie – cape, horns and pitchfork to prove it. Of course, our story begins in California, where everyone has their own style, so one can understand why not every participant at the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting believed Frank was, in fact, the Devil. But he is.

At least for now.

However, if he doesn’t soon get control of his drinking, and more importantly, start attracting new souls to their joint enterprise, the Board of Directors of Hell (or in long form, Heaven Except with Limited Liability) are sure to fire him. Unfortunately, Heaven is making it difficult for him and has just selected one last – and incredibly unlikely - individual to visit Earth and save the world.

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Praise for The Day the Devil went on Trial

"An uplifting ... upbeat and encouraging tale." Kirkus

"A philosophical gem disguised as satire." Bitgog

"The most thought provoking book you will read all year." Better Auds

Praise for Ian Pear’s earlier works:

"Speaks to the heart and is delivered with joy." Former Soviet Dissident, Natan Sharansky

"A refreshing twist for an audience of modern sensibility ... brilliant ... charming ... sincere." The Jerusalem Post

"Ian Pear is not only an extraordinary storyteller; he also has an extraordinary story to tell." New York Times Best-Selling Author Joseph Telushkin

"A valuable insight … relevant to one's life, and a powerful call to action to ensure that such a life becomes relevant to the world around us." Former US Senator Joseph Lieberman

"Easily read and entertaining ... unceasingly optimistic and humanistic ...” Haaretz Newspaper