Recently, I was invited to review a relatively unknown book called An Evil, which was written by a relatively unknown author, Thomas Brittendahl. I read and review a lot of books that most people probably have never heard of, and of all the books I have reviewed so far, this one seemed at first glance to be the least impressive one of the bunch. However, after I finished the last page, I found myself singing a much different tune about An Evil.
The story centers around Paul Bellomy, an evangelical leader and the head pastor at Riverwood Church. In the beginning of the story, we learn what Paul's life is like: Everyone in the church loves him and his preaching, and his book sales netted him enough money to make him into a millionaire; he has a beautiful wife and eight children, and they all live in a house overlooking a lake.
Unfortunately, because Paul Bellomy is modeled after the typical postmodern, emergent church pastor, we can immediately spot his character flaws: He takes Bible verses out of context to make his message of love seem attractive, and he takes verses out of context when he tries to get his children to do what he wants. He pretends to be humble when his church attendees heap praise onto him, even though he secretly loves it, which causes him to be prideful.
The next day, things start to go horribly wrong, and an evil spirit possesses Paul's body, causing Paul to give away all his family's money to charity. Shortly after that, the evil spirit starts to torture and kill Paul's children in a manner similar to a slasher movie. Eventually, Paul's wife renounces her faith, and commits suicide. At the end, the evil spirit reveals that he was sent by God to test Paul's faith. In other words, An Evil is a modern day version of what happened to Job in the Old Testament. As someone who adheres to the Biblical worldview, we know that God tests people sometimes because of the conversation that God had with Satan in the book of Job:
Job 1:6-12: "One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, 'Where have you come from?'
Satan answered the Lord, 'From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.'
Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.'
'Does Job fear God for nothing?' Satan replied. 'Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.'
The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.'
Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord."
While it's a bit on the short side in terms of length, and the story feels a bit more on the "tell" side when it comes to the show-don't-tell methodology, An Evil is an incredibly dark and disturbing modern-day re-telling of the beginning of the book of Job, with a surprise twist that leaves you satisfied and marveling at Brittendahl's ability to make you want to turn the page to see what happens next.
Final Grade: A
To buy the book, click here.
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