There Are No Saints - Book Review

There Are No Saints

Author: Stephen Kanicki
Genre: Fiction - Humor
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Date Published: February 4, 2021
ISBN-10: 1684336430
ISBN-13: 9781684336432


Click here to read a sample

GoodReads Rating:
3.67

Book Review of :  There Are No Saints



there-are-no-saints.jpg

There Are No Saints by Stephen Kanicki is an engaging and subtly humorous tale set in the mid-1800s in Titusville, a tiny village in Pennsylvania. Like overgrown corn stalks, or macabre grand cathedrals, oil derricks sprouted from farmland. “oil… is the new religion of Titusville”. 
Told in the first person by Dexter James, the plot revolves around the gullibility of the uneducated population of this suddenly wealthy town. Men had struck an underground river of oil, causing thousands to rush to Titusville, hoping for instant wealth. The prospects of wealth attracted Dexter James, a self-proclaimed “demonologist extraordinaire.” 
Sometimes called an exorcist, Dexter preferred the term demonologist because it sounded more academic. He claimed to be well educated in his chosen field and prepared to “cast off demons, devils, spooks, spirits and evil minions.” Perhaps a charlatan or a snake-oil salesman, a slick con-artist or amateur psychiatrist, Dexter is ready to find his fortune through art performance combined with theology and psychology. He was searching the crowds of pedestrians for a possible client when he spotted her.  The belief that demons exist and can possess people is of course the stuff that makes great horror tales and Kanicki weaves a great story with his invading evil spirits. Does exorcism work or is it all due to the power of suggestion and psychology? If you believe you’re possessed, then an exorcism just might cure you. 
She had rounded hips that swayed as she sauntered, and “her chest practically spilled from her dress like rising dough from a pan.” Long golden curls piled and bounced on top of her head. Dexter attached himself to Leslie Reed, a woman who was not as she seemed. A paradox. An enigma or Dexter’s demon? 
Kanicki’s ability to involve the reader is evident in sensory imagery. Dexter’s lungs are caught by the muggy air, but a cooling breeze made the long journey bearable. He basked in the sight of the “flora and fauna” and the sounds of singing birds. The sun warmed his face as he drew in the smell of manure. 
The story’s plot of exorcism and morals is enhanced by the skillful characterization of Boo, a young, uneducated but intelligent twelve-year-old, and Glad, a minor demon who was stubborn but short on brains. Then there is Becky, a young polio victim, and Anna and others who may or may not have benefitted from the rites of exorcism and conflicts with the local parish priests. 
Told with humor, the novel is an entertaining peek into the climate of the past when sudden wealth and optimism created a materialistic mindset with declining morals and social problems. Alcoholism is on the rise as oil gushes into the sky. Gambling and prostitution cause alarm. Does Dexter make his fortune or find his calling? 


Reviewed by: Carole W

About Stephen Kanicki


kanicki-stephen.jpg

Stephen Kanicki enjoys thought-provoking, reality-based science fiction. His novel, The Seven Experiments, explores religious, spiritual and metaphysical themes woven into an imaginative and frightening narrative. Kanicki is a father, a teacher, and an award-winning photographer. When he's not writing, he likes to run and if his aging body can stand it, he would love to complete his third marathon.




Visit www.stephenkanicki.com for more information on Stephen Kanicki


Comments

No comments submitted.
Be the first to comment on this book.



Book Review Request
newsletter.png
writers-gift-store-sml.png
book_reviewers_wanted_sml.jpg


Instant Grammar Checker

AuthorsReading.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an affiliate, this website earns from qualifying purchases.

Book Reviews of Featured Books

never-stop-singing-to-me.jpg
Never Stop Singing to Me
daft-mejora-s-infinite-madness-(or-how-to-travel-near-america-with-friends).jpg
Daft Mejora's Infinite Madness (Or, How to Travel Near America with Friends)
spies-on-safari.jpg
Spies on Safari
grays-of-novart.jpg
Grays of Novart
the-world-needs-a-uniquely-happy-you..jpg
The World Needs a Uniquely Happy You.
june-17-1967---battle-of-xom-bo-ii.jpg
June 17, 1967 - Battle of Xom Bo II