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A review by rosseroo
The Devil In the Valley by Castle Freeman Jr.
5.0
I stumbled upon and absolutely loved Freeman's earlier slim novel, Go With Me, and so picked this up as soon as it came out. Set in those same Vermont hills, this is a clever and entertaining version of the "deal with the Devil" plot. Here we find cranky retired schoolteacher Langdon Taft, whose musings bring forth the Devil. Or rather, not the Devil, but his sales rep -- Dangerfield. Coming to town with his arrogant, slick-talking, big city ways, Dangerfield is a "closer" straight out of Glengarry Glen Ross.
Taft warily negotiates with Dangerfield, and ultimately signs on the line to have his wishes granted for seven months.However, contrary to expectations, Taft's desires are largely small-scale and for the benefit of others in the community. Each of these actions are their own memorable short story. Meanwhile, at a nearby nursing home, 98-year-old Calpurnia ekes out the final days of her life, keeping a careful eye on all that transpires. How she's connected to the story slowly becomes more evident, as it unravels to its deliciously satisfying conclusion.
Taft warily negotiates with Dangerfield, and ultimately signs on the line to have his wishes granted for seven months.However, contrary to expectations, Taft's desires are largely small-scale and for the benefit of others in the community. Each of these actions are their own memorable short story. Meanwhile, at a nearby nursing home, 98-year-old Calpurnia ekes out the final days of her life, keeping a careful eye on all that transpires. How she's connected to the story slowly becomes more evident, as it unravels to its deliciously satisfying conclusion.