Stan by Richard Wold

Ever since he survived a suicide attempt, New York artist Stan Foster has not been himself. Plagued by amnesia and a head full of visions of death and destruction that fuel his ever-more disturbing work, he claws his way through a life he doesn’t recognize in search of his true identity. What he finds leads him to believe he is Satan, spit out from the bowels of hell to live among the mortal inhabitants of earth. Is he delusional, or is there truth behind this troubling revelation?

One woman can help him find out. Enter Abigail: lapsed Catholic, lonely city dweller, and psychiatrist with a heart of gold. Meeting Stan makes her question everything she’s believed about faith and humanity for so long, but she must overcome her own troubled background to offer him the redemption he needs—and ultimately wants.

Stan is a really interesting high concept novel that hooks you in right from the start with Stan’s suicide attempt.  I found it really character driven and loved how it delved into human nature and particularly good vs evil. 

I did take issue with how Stan was introduced to the idea that he was really Satan.  I would have preferred if the author had taken the time to flesh out more hints to have the reader and Stan wondering more rather than spelling it out rather suddenly.  It felt a little bit too easy.   

That said I loved that the Author gave us a look at what would happen if Satan were one of us and really enjoyed the approach he took.

I found Stan to be exceptionally well written and thought out for a debut novel.  I am hoping for a follow-up novel that continues the story and maybe gives more background on Lilith and of course to find out what happens next to Stan!

The book is available now (“Stan” by Richard Wold; ISBN: 978-0-615-80592-4; $13.95; e-book and softcover; 5½” x 8½”; 280 pages).

 About the Author:

Richard Wold is a business owner and consultant. He currently lives in Gurnee, Illinois. Stan is his first novel.

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!