Official Review: Mark Twain and the Devil

[Camille Turner]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mark Twain and the Devil" by WYN (pen-name for Irwin Shishko.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Mark Twain and the Devil by Wyn is a unique play told in three acts and starring the two famous figures from the title: the great American writer Mark Twain and Satan. The whole play takes place in Twain’s study, where the Devil visits him on three separate occasions. While his ultimate goal is to persuade Twain to spend eternity in Hell rather than Heaven, the two discuss a myriad of topics.

The crux of this play rests on the sharp and witty dialogue between the two main characters. Among the many subjects they discuss are Biblical topics, writing, politics, patriotism, and storytelling. Both consider what it means to lie and how one can recognize the truth. By the end of the play, the Devil has used many different tactics, including flattery and seduction, to try and convince Twain to choose to spend his afterlife in Hell.

One of the things I noticed and liked right off the bat was that Mark Twain’s personality and life shine through his dialogue. I enjoyed the historical and literary references to his books and personal life, including his political and social ideas. It’s clear that Wyn has a thorough grasp of this celebrated author known as the father of the Great American Novel. I also liked the many moments of humor littered throughout the text, which seemed even more appropriate because of Twain’s own mastery of the art of humor.

There were a handful of grammatical mistakes or typos, usually related to punctuation, that didn’t really detract from the play and could be easily corrected. For example, one line has an unnecessary parenthesis at the end where there should instead be end quotation marks. It reads, “Ya-wohl, mein host. As the saying saying goes, ‘Trinken Macht Frei)” (Loc 405). Another line contains a period where there should be a comma. It reads, “be it a he. she or it” (Loc 470). I did not think these few errors merited the loss of a star, however, because there were only several of them. As such, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about it, and even the occasional departure from the time period—the Devil has a cell phone even though it’s 1908—seems well placed and intentionally humorous. I believe Mark Twain and the Devil will appeal to readers who love Twain’s work and to those who enjoy plays centered on clever dialogue and characters who ever so often break the fourth wall. Those who don’t enjoy reading about iconic literary figures and sharp-tongued religious discussions need not bother.

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Mark Twain and the Devil
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Like Camille Turner's review? Post a comment saying so!

[DogoMulla]

This one looks quite interesting. I wouldn't mind asking the devil a few questions myself. Seems Wyn did the convo some justice going by your review - a good one at that.

[randompersonavility]

I think it'll be an exciting read specially those who fancy Mark Twain's writings. Also, I am in for witty dialoges. I can't wait to add this book on my bookshelve.

[Ann KENDI]

The book sounds interesting but outright fiction. This is because having a conversation with the devil is not exactly realistic.

[kandscreeley]

It sounds like the author has done quite a bit of research on Mark Twain; he must really like him a lot. It's intriguing, but I don't think it's something I would enjoy. I'm not very interested in conversations between Mark Twain in the devil, nonetheless in play format. Thanks, though.

[Camille Turner]

This one looks quite interesting. I wouldn't mind asking the devil a few questions myself. Seems Wyn did the convo some justice going by your review - a good one at that.

It was a very interesting read for sure. Thanks for reading and commenting!

[Camille Turner]

I think it'll be an exciting read specially those who fancy Mark Twain's writings. Also, I am in for witty dialoges. I can't wait to add this book on my bookshelve.

I enjoy witty dialogues as well. I hope you have fun reading the book! Thanks for commenting.

[Camille Turner]

It sounds like the author has done quite a bit of research on Mark Twain; he must really like him a lot. It's intriguing, but I don't think it's something I would enjoy. I'm not very interested in conversations between Mark Twain in the devil, nonetheless in play format. Thanks, though.

Yes, I believe he does. Fair enough! Thanks for reading and commenting.

[Chrystal Oaks]

This sounds like a play discussing some heavy topics in a comical format. I could read a little humor right now. Thanks for the informative review.

[Camille Turner]

This sounds like a play discussing some heavy topics in a comical format. I could read a little humor right now. Thanks for the informative review.

Yes, it definitely is. Thanks for reading and commenting!

[Skinnyblack]

I enjoyed the read I wouldn't mind asking the devil some questions myself

[Dawud Adaviruku]

This doesn't sounds like a book I will love to peruse. However, I'm glad that the book was an enjoyable read for you. Your review clearly shows that the author did a good research on Mark Twain. Thank you for this wonderful review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

What an interesting dialogue that must be! I love it when writers mix up "historical" (is the Devil historical? I really don't know) figures and get them interacting. I would love to have a chat with both the characters and I'm a total sucker for witty dialogue. Can't wait to read this book! Thank you!

[LinaMueller]

Looks like Faust from Goethe in many ways. I think I will give this book a try. Thank you so much for your review, Camille.