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5.0 out of 5 stars
Another View, Jan 30 2001
The partial list of Authors who have put their talents to this tale include giants in literature, J.W. Goethe, Christopher Marlowe, and Thomas Mann. "Mefisto" is John Banville's entry into this legend and into the company of those who have interpreted it. This story of "Faust" can be read in prose form like, "Mefisto", or as a play by Goethe. I enjoyed this version, as the message remains the same, the challenge to the Author is to make it relevant to now, and to make it his or her own. For any who have read another Author's version the changes required to make the tale more contemporary cannot be simple and make the version worthy. This is not about changing period costume and taking the work from The Medieval, to the Renaissance, to the 20th century.I think this legend is particularly valid today although any contemporary reader of another century would say the same. The difference is the lines we stand at, and the lines we cross because we can, with little regard for whether we should, are very real. Superstition still exists. Recall the recent millennial change and all that was feared and did not happen, all the apocalyptic prophesies that never were. "Mefisto" is, as it has been, about crossing a line, what bargain must be made, what compromises negotiated, and with consequences vicious in their finality. Two scientists this past weekend were featured in a prominent newspaper saying they are moving forward with cloning a human. Others claim the cloning has taken place already. What deal have they made metaphorically speaking, and with whom? This legend like a select few of others of its kind is always valid, always worth reading. Even if you read the oldest written version it is possible to substitute a situation that exists today. And this is how it should be as this is about the human condition and one of its fundamental flaws. Always has been with us, always will be. The enjoyment here devolves from an extremely talented man of thought who can then place on paper the wicked and wickedly funny players like Felix that entertain, teach, and horrify. Mr. Banville gets inside your head if you let him, and, "Mefisto", is a carnivorous guest. So enter his world where nighttime becomes downtime, and bandages are made from aluminum foil. And here it is not just the red or blue pill, but how you receive it, tablet, powder, liquid, or perhaps with a syringe assist?
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