Hellbent - Softcover

Anthony McGowan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099482134 ISBN 13: 9780099482130

Publisher: Definitions, 2006

Synopsis

Sent to Hell for typical teenage misdemeanours, Conor is surprised to find that it's not all pitchforks and leaping flames. But an eternity in a fusty cave full of philosophy books and obscure classical music is actually worse. Then Conor realizes that his personal version of Hell might be someone else's idea of Heaven - and vice versa. He sets out on a filthy, funny and forbidden journey to search for his opposite number, accompanied by his repulsive pet dog, a depressed cross-dressing Viking and a stumpy devil called Clarence. What he sees is disgusting and what he discovers is shocking, but oddly enough Conor learns a hell of a lot about life - now that he's dead!

About this title

About the Author:

Anthony McGowan was born in Manchester in 1965. Educated at a Catholic comprehensive, some of his school experiences inform his writing now. Before turning to writing full time, Anthony has worked as a nightclub bouncer, an Open University philosophy tutor, a cinema critic and a speechwriter in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. He had his first novel for adults, Stag Hunt, published by Hodder in March 2004. He is married to Rebecca Campbell, a fashion designer and novelist, and they have two small children.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7 Up—When 16-year-old Conor O'Neill dies after being hit by an ice-cream truck, he finds himself in Hell, accompanied by his dog Scrote, who is now able to speak. They are watched over and tormented by a devil named Clarence, which, of course, will raise (and then dash) the hopes of It's a Wonderful Life fans. There's no doubt that the author has a way with words, and there's even some nifty philosophy thrown into the mix. But the scatology and sociopathology that pervade this book necessitate putting it in the you-must-be-kidding column. McGowan is an author to watch, but this effort is over-the-top.—Nancy Brown, Fox Lane High School, Bedford, NY
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About this edition

• Publisher: Definitions
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0099482134
• ISBN 13: 9780099482130
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 246