The Day the Devil Went on Trial by Ian Pear begins with an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting where the Devil, who refers to himself as Frank, shares his story. What has led Frank to drink is the problem of Daniel, an insensitive developer who has evicted thousands of poor people to make way for luxury high-rises. After one of Daniel's victims kills him, he is sent down to Hell. However, Frank takes pity on him and sends him to Heaven as a spy. When the angels discover that Daniel has cheated on his heavenly “entrance exam” with Frank's help, they turn against him. Ultimately, the Archangel Michael persuades the others to send Daniel back down to Earth as a teacher of humanity. Even though Michael shows him examples of goodness, that plan also goes awry. The ensuing struggle over Daniel’s soul finally brings him before the dreaded Immortality Court of Judgement!

The Day the Devil Went on Trial operates on several levels – humorous, religious, and philosophical. Many readers will chuckle at the idea that heaven has a board of directors. They may also be intrigued by the concept of “heavy” discussions among such deceased notables as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, the biblical Abraham, Anne Frank, and Florence Nightingale. But if you go deeper into the conversation and pay attention to what they’re saying, they’re expressing eternal truths, such as: “Spirituality is what we feel. Theology is what we believe. But Religion is what we do.” The Archangel Michael quotes this phrase in the book, but in reality, it was coined by Rabbi Harold Kushner. As for Daniel, even though he starts as a bad guy, we find ourselves rooting for him to overcome his faults and achieve virtue. All in all, whether you’re a religious mystic, a fan of speculative fiction, or want to be entertained, you’ll enjoy The Day the Devil Went on Trial.

The Day the Devil Went on Trial by Ian Pear follows Frank, the Devil, who attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to admit that his drinking is impairing his management of Hell, an institution run through contracts and competition. Frank talks about his departure from Heaven, and a career that distorted his view to believing that moral behavior is driven by leverage. To advance Hell’s position, he recruits the deceased Daniel Lamb, claiming contractual ownership of Daniel’s soul. Frank sends Daniel into Heaven through fraud, asserting his right to reclaim Daniel at any time. When Daniel is exposed and returned to Earth for instruction, his conduct begins to change. Frank seeks enforcement of the contract, forcing Heaven and Hell into court to determine whether ownership survives transformation.

The Day the Devil Went on Trial is a fabulously audacious premise that Ian Pear offers with intelligence and wit. The writing style alternates scenes and settings, and, depending on who we are watching, there is a creative balance between satire and seriousness. I love that we are invited to consider how power, belief, and accountability operate across institutions, whether it is sacred or civic. The courtroom framework is well-done and walks us through what has transpired through organic testimony. I had a little bit of a chuckle at the invoking of none other than Mr. Clarence Darrow. Overall, it is clear that Pear’s imagination is expansive, and those who like thoughtful, entertaining theology—and this is theological fiction—will find that here. Very highly recommended.