Carmichael's Dog

Carmichael, a crabby science fiction writer, is possessed by hundreds of demons who occupy his mind and body, goading him to acts of envy, pride, lust and anger. His forgiving wife Nicole doesn't suspect that her philandering husband is infested with fiends. Nor does Carmichael himself, although he owes his intolerant fits and inspired novels to the beings cavorting within him. Only his perceptive dog, Furfante, whom Nicole bought as a temporary replacement for their college-bound son Davy, realizes that Carmichael is possessed. When the dog proves himself a talented quadruped exorcist, the demons conspire to plant murderous impulses in Carmichael so that he'll kill Furfante. Narrated by Odvart, clownish demon of sloth, this ribald fantasy is a disarming allegory on the modern egocentric personality. Its convoluted, oblique humor will certainly not appeal to every taste, but Koster (author of the Tinieblas Trilogy) sprinkles this clever romp with literary allusions and wicked commentary on family politics, the redeeming powers of love and art, the self-pity of middle age and the waywardness of a damned human race. (Sept.)