Reviewed by Tara Kashif

THE Satanist is an engaging read for anyone interested in the social dynamics of multicultural societies as it elucidates the hierarchical divide of the races in modern-day Nigeria, the effect of unequal development on social relations, and the stark differences in the culture of these races. Sana Munir’s first novel also touches on class and gender inequalities and the issue of domestic violence, making it an emotional rollercoaster ride for the reader. The racial discourse provides the backdrop to the narrative of a dysfunctional family — a couple (Maryam and Hyder) and their only child (Harris). The title is used metaphorically for the evil that resides in human nature which explains the lack of detail that the author devotes to Satanism or Satan worship, thus not fulfilling the expectations of anyone who chooses this book for insight into this ideology and its practices.

The author’s ability to articulate every scene, every human emotion and the dynamics of human relationships engages the reader. Inversely, the writer can be discredited for putting more emphasis on beautifully worded writing rather than strengthening the storyline. The story is told from the perspectives of different characters allowing the reader to gain keen insight into the complexities of their nature. The characters are, however, conceived in shades of black and white with no visible hues of grey, thus contributing to the weak plot.

The most touching is the relationship of Maryam and her son Harris; the former experiencing domestic abuse and the latter dreaming of becoming her saviour. The emotional dynamics of the abuser and the abused are explored hauntingly.

Maryam and Hyder are parents who fail in their roles in the eyes of Harris. Maryam’s character of a mother who wants to maintain the façade of a happy marriage despite putting up with domestic violence for the sake of her son is one that is a depiction of women around the world experiencing the same. However, Maryam has her moments of strength, defying Hyder’s control over her.

Hyder’s character does true justice to the psychotic reasoning of the abuser by explaining, on his part, the reason for his cruelty towards his wife. He justifies his actions by convincing himself that he is forced by her to behave the way he does because she failed to worship him the way he “deserved”. This explanation also justifies his extramarital relationship with Vikki the Satanist which is what eventually leads him to experiment with Satanism in belief and practice. Satanism is explained by Vikki as not something which is sinister, but rather another religion which worships the villain of all other religions, or as the systematic theological exploration of the unexplored.

The innocence of childhood and the fact that racism, racial hatred and class divisions are learned adult behaviour are celebrated remarkably well in The Satanist. The novel shows great promise but loses itself in the myriad issues it attempts to grapple with, leaving the reader with a feeling of dissatisfaction due to none of the themes being dealt with in-depth.

The reviewer is a Karachi-based freelance writer and editor.

The Satanist

(NOVEL)

By Sana Munir

Partridge India

ISBN 978-1482847208

322pp.