'Up Jumps the Devil' by Michael Poore is a clever and original story that delves into the character of the Devil himself. The book follows the Devil, also known as John Scratch, through history as he interacts with various individuals, including General Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and a young band who sell their souls for fame. The narrative jumps around in time, mixing history, mythology, and fiction in a twisted and hilarious manner. Poore's writing style is described as funny, wry, sacrilegious, and occasionally moving, with a unique blend of history and inventive storytelling.

The plot of the book revolves around the Devil's interactions with humanity, his Faustian bargains, and his observations about the human condition in a celebrity-obsessed culture. The Devil's character is portrayed as complex and intriguing, with a focus on his relationships with both individuals and society over the centuries. The writing style of the book is noted for its ability to change readers' perspectives on the Devil, combining humor, cleverness, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and flawed, particularly John Scratch, whose relatable nature and interactions with others create an engaging dynamic.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its conversational tone, incorporating humor and relatable language that enhances the storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on John Scratch, the Devil, and his interactions with a band, blending themes of love and the human condition, set against a backdrop of historical events.

Setting:

The setting primarily revolves around 1960s America, enriched with historical contexts such as ancient Egypt and foundational events in U.S. history.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and dynamic, moving between contemporary narratives and historical flashbacks, keeping readers engaged.

The guests were always different, and always kind of the same. They might be rich or poor. They were always surprised by the lights and cameras. They always seemed a little scared of John Scratch, who...

Notes:

The novel is primarily about John Scratch, also known as the Devil.

It explores a Faustian bargain made just before the 1969 Woodstock music festival.

The narrative frequently shifts through time, reflecting on love and humanity's flaws.

John Scratch interacts with historical figures like General Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

The book features a love story between the Devil and a fellow angel.

Three band members sell their souls to the Devil for fame — with unexpected outcomes.

The Devil's desire is to improve humanity's world for his angelic love.

Themes of family and morality are woven throughout the story.

It humorously portrays the Devil in relatable situations, challenging typical perceptions.

The writing style is described as conversational and comedic, suitable for mature audiences.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings apply due to themes of morality, psychological elements, and references to dark humor involving human souls.

Has Romance?

The book contains a medium level of romance, particularly focusing on the devil's enduring love for an angel, which drives various plot points.

From The Publisher:

"The sustained comedy in this hilarious novel is equaled only by its heart, and the myriad ways there are for it to break. I love this book. Michael Poore writes like an angel."

-Daniel Wallace, author of Big Fish

John Scratch, the Devil himself, is the protagonist in this stunningly imaginative, sharp, funny, and tender novel, as he tricks, teases, and prods America to greatness in the hope of luring his lost love back down to Earth from Heaven. Up Pops the Devil is fiction with humor and heart, the kind of hilarious, off-beat, and original reading experience that fans of Chris Moore, Joe Hill, Chuck Palahniuk, and Jim Shepard would sell their souls for-a brilliant blending of the occult and the outrageous starring the anti-hero of anti-heroes, the one and only Prince of Darkness.

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Up Jumps the Devil

Michael Poore