Review: Funny Take on a Traditional Tale
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 24, 2014
The Proposition by Vardan Partamyan is a fantasy novella about Louis Cifer, a down-and-out habitual liar who makes a deal with the devil.Louis is having a typical day, sitting on the sidewalk and staring at his reflection in a cracked television screen. His indifferent one-eyed cat, who is worse for wear from a lifetime of losing catfights, accompanies the homeless man.Baalzebub steps up, and propositions the derelict with a run to the harbor. If Louis wins the race, the Devil will grant him one wish. Like any deal with the Devil, be sure to negotiate carefully. Louis’s run through personalized circles of hell are nothing compared to the evil twist waiting for him at the harbor.The Proposition is a wickedly funny take on a traditional tale. Louis is a wit that shows no awe for The Lord of Darkness. The homeless man’s circles of hell are surreal places. Some of his hells are populated with people who make you shake your head at their folly. Despite his irrelevancy, Louis shows wisdom in resisting his hells’ temptations. The outcome at the harbor was unexpected and set up throughout the story with a deft hand.The Proposition is a fun romp through hell, and a recommended read for fans who like besting the Devil at his own game. Be forewarned. The clever story has subtle puns and hilarious innuendoes. I read it twice to catch them all.