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I have had the privilege to read couple of Paul’s text and without a doubt, he is one of the best writers that I have ever come across. I love his work, the way he writes and his stories!! I would definitely recommend his books to everyone!!
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First book I have read in a while and it managed to get me straight back into the magic of reading! Its all thanks to the not to say the least captivating stories, eye to details in descriptions and the character of the devil him self. A must feel good book for people who want to get into the christmas spirit!
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Set in the run-up to Christmas this atmospheric episodic tale is set in a wonderfully nostalgic London. The main character is a beautifully drawn Devil, but not as you might expect. Read it and you will see, you will not be disappointed.
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A riveting read. A real page-turner, atmospheric and thought-provoking. I thoroughly recommend it.
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For me, this time of year inevitably means whiling away a few happy hours reading (ideally curled up by a fire), getting lost in a winter’s tale. So, if you are like me and are also looking for some festive reading (or a gift to yourself), then this book is a great place to start.
Lovers of ‘the big smoke’ will appreciate the writing style, with references throughout that help to immerse the reader in a haunting version of London, which differs to the usual picture postcard narratives to which we are all accustomed.
This is a truly enjoyable tale full of intrigue, twists and turns (and I am pleased to say, a dash of the macabre…) that captures the magic of the festive season in a refreshing manner that won’t leave you disappointed – or with the usual sickly Christmas heartburn!
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A riveting read. A real page-turner, atmospheric and thought-provoking. I thoroughly recommend it.
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Set in the run-up to Christmas this atmospheric episodic tale is set in a wonderfully nostalgic London. The main character is a beautifully drawn Devil, but not as you might expect. Read it and you will see, you will not be disappointed.
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Very well written with an intriguing plot line. I like that it was more of a dark Christmas book, usually Christmas content is too cheery for me, I like a bit more dark stuff, to be honest. This is perfect for people like me, highly recommend it!
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This absorbing story has all the unexpected twists, emotions, and magical imaginations. Very satisfying read at a festive time.
It also has an educational value that deserves to be put on the family bookshelf for everyone to appreciate. Hope it will become a film one day.
P.s an Absolute home game for the Londoners! :-)
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Every once in a while, a book will come along that stands head and shoulders above the rest. A Festive Juxtaposition is such a book. It contains all the ingredients that make for a riveting read: the magic of Christmas, and everything that goes with it, a mystery that runs throughout the book - hence the term juxtaposition, and not forgetting the interesting snippets of history that fill its pages. It is a book that having read it once, leaves you with a feeling of gladness and well-being. Like all the classics it then becomes a book you will return to again and again. Excellent. Would love to see it made into a film etc.
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A very good read. The stories flow page after page. A very enjoyable theme. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to more. A Festive story that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
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Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I could not put it down and just had to keep reading.
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I was given the book as a Christmas present. I don't read much but I have finished it already; I couldn't put it down.
It is a lovely Winter season read and starting it I had predefined thoughts on the Devil, but reading this maybe I'll change my views. It is really a series of short stories and you immediately get into the problems and situations the characters are in - there but for the grace of God go I! It is thought-provoking and warm and yet slightly dark, but feels good at the same time.
Well worth a read.
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Sunday lunch will be late today, just finished this book, and I loved it
perhaps a screenplay.
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I enjoyed reading this book a few weeks ago and I keep coming back to it in my mind. Not to spoil it, for the reader, but the Devil really does have a sense of justice in the writing and his behavior is very different from what one might expect. The characters come to life on the page and in some moments I found myself feeling so emotional as I connected with each one. I laughed out loud, I felt sad, I was puzzled, I disagreed and I loved the way the writer allowed me to pause and reflect on each situation. In the past weeks, I have found myself thinking about how I feel about the Devil’s choice of actions and have questioned my responses to the storylines. This is a book like no other. It does not sit in any specific genre and I would not like to try to place it. I found the historic content intriguing and will try to seek out some of the places mentioned in the book. It certainly brought that historical part of London into a different perspective. I enjoyed the writer's immense use of unusual vocabulary, this did not distract me from the storyline but added to its complexity. I found myself looking up the meanings of some of the words here and there and gained a deeper understanding of the language used. To me, it was a thought-provoking enjoyable read that left me wanting to read more.
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I read this book after having it recommended by a friend. At first I wasn’t sure if it was my kind of read as I am normally into crime and romance novels, however I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The devil is not quite what you would expect of him, it shows people who feel they have no hope left in life, are able to turn their lives around with a little help, others choose reject the help and are a lost cause. A great read from a very good author and looking forward to his next novel.
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This book is very unique! A fantasy, deeply grounded by life realities.
The old saying ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover!’ is the very essence of the main character –
the protagonist of the novel – who is the ‘Devil’. He is on the loose during the Yuletide Season for a mission! I thought the Devil would do the cliché evil things! However, in this tale, expect the unexpected!
Sometimes, I laughed, smiled, and was in tinkering mode while reading the chapters and snippets of the book. There are familiar characters employed by the author that surely would amuse any reader. Truly, the author is a huge fan of Dante Alighieri’s ‘The Inferno’.
The book touches on the issues, concerns, and circumstances of the many facets of social ills as expressed by the snippets of the book such as poverty; homelessness; unemployment; criminality; and domestic and individual problems such as family misunderstanding; individual depression, transgression, addiction, and hopelessness.
However, each snippet of the book, also shows a heart of compassion, and kindness, how to be just, the act of retribution, and the faith of holding on to the light and the goodness within an individual which are potent enough to flicker change.
The author’s narratives are interlaced with mystery and in such a conversational manner making them interesting and easy to digest.
The book ends in such a light-hearted course. Thank you, author Paul Stanton! Indeed, this book is very relevant and a pleasurable read at any given time!
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I enjoyed this book something different. This would make a good Xmas drama on tv.
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This is the kind of book you are sorry to finish as it is a delight to read. I found it entertaining, imaginative, and thought-provoking throughout.
Apart from the intricate, page-turning storyline, there are also many fascinating insights into past and present London. You constantly want to find out more! I would highly recommend this book!
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A truly fantastic book, you must add it to your must read list!
The writing style and the story is truly in a class of its own with interesting twists and turns , and well developed characters.
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Festive Juxtaposition. It is an imaginative, intriguing and often comical page turner, following the ulterior motive of the protagonist, The Devil, throughout his visit to London. The story is both expressive and exciting, and I hope there will be many more like this published by Paul in the future! Undoubtedly worth a read.
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A Walk with the Devil ! And what an intriguing and exciting experience it is to be led on this journey by the authors’ skilled storytelling. This page turner keeps you guessing and fascinated by the revelations that unfold with every page that you eagerly turn ! A thoroughly enjoyable tale that is a true must read.
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I loved this book! The author writes about a part of London I know well and his descriptions were spot on. I knew exactly where he meant and could picture each new place perfectly. The whole idea of the devil being philanthropic on Christmas Eve is genius and, although of course one shouldn’t, I rather liked him! I was truly sorry when I finished the story and can only hope there’s another devil book coming along soon.
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A wonderful read with many a twist and turn throughout. I love a good book full of mystery and wonder and this certainly delivers! Highly recommend, looking forward to seeing more books in the future.
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David Applegate, author of the Boyhood of Kaede
An interesting tour of London disguised as a Christmas Story, suitable for any time of the year. It is many stories within one story, with a delightful twist. It is an entertaining and uplifting read. Highly recommended.
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I was initially drawn to A Festive Juxtaposition by its unusual title and the fact that it was obviously set over the festive season of Christmas. I loved the description of the Devil as he suddenly appears at Charing Cross Station on Christmas Eve. Everything from his impeccable grooming, charming manner, and quite debonair apparel is so unlike the usual description(s) of the Devil. The sights of twinkling lights and sounds of merry-making in the pubs, bars, and shops along the old streets of London on a wonderfully snowy Christmas Eve are also evocatively described. To add to the festive feel, snippets of historical detail about Old London and famous characters the Devil has met in years gone by are woven beautifully into the tale.
The book consists of a number of different stories, each featuring a particular character(s) with a problem to be addressed. And as the Devil himself says: ‘When you are in Hell, only the Devil can point the way out.’ The way he interacts with these unfortunate / ‘dispossessed’ people on this holy night made me smile. I particularly liked the confusion this highly unusual stranger causes in these people, and I chuckled at the way various appropriate items/gifts are pulled from inside his coat or behind his back
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The book kept me guessing until the end regarding the Devil’s intentions for many of the people he seeks out. If you want to know what those intentions are – and to know the meaning of ‘juxtaposition’ within the story – you will have to read the book
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A very well-written story with some lovely touches of humor.
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In a delightfully Dickensian modern novella, set on Christmas Eve in the heart of London, here is a new kind of Devil. Dapper, immaculate, and hell-bent on a secret mission that becomes clearer as the story progresses, this was a devil whose every action and utterance challenged my assumptions and brought a host of pleasing questions bubbling into my mind.
At first, all his encounters with the down-and-outs of London appear curiously benign – yet is it all a confidence trick? Is he luring them to some worse fate than the one they already suffer? Later one sees a ruthless side to his modus operandi, and a pattern begins to emerge. At first, he appears infinitely capable, powerful, able to summon any outcome or gift that he chooses, but later one begins to wonder: in this one evening of gifts and connection, is he merely living out his own personal purgatory, constrained and lonely?
Read simply as a Christmas story, the book is entertaining and touching; beautifully written, it draws the reader in with its kindly written narratives of troubled lives and its elegant devil. But beneath this – and always appropriate for the season – it is also a deep and satisfying exploration of forgiveness and redemption. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but its questions are gorgeous.
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There are many juxtapositions in this clever, intriguing Christmas story, but they are not the ones I expected. As I read the book, delighted by the characters, the action, the reversals of fortune, and the delicious references to a city I know only from books and films and histories, I was expecting the juxtaposition to be wealth and poverty, humility and arrogance, like Dickens’ Christmas Carol to which it will inevitably be compared. But despite its similarity in mood and tone and magic, this is a very original and different story, and it was only afterwards, weeks afterwards sometimes (it’s a book that keeps coming back into my mind), that I came to my own understanding of what was being juxtaposed. Forgiveness juxtaposed with damnation. Time running out juxtaposed with eternity. The devil we thought we knew, and the devil we didn’t. And most troubling of all, a forgiving Devil, juxtaposed with an unforgiving God.
That all sounds so serious though! Actually, it's a witty little book, it has lots of moments when one smiles, one or two when one steps back with a gasp and a few when one pumps one's fists in satisfaction. And the devil - smartly turned out in his astrakhan coat and his goatee beard - is to die for. Or perhaps to live for. You decide.
I was given a copy of this book, and I will repay the gift by giving copies to many friends at Christmas. It’s such a refreshing piece of writing, with a mysterious message to unpick and discover and ponder on. What a special find!
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Paul Stanton. It definitely had a different take on what I was expecting a book about the devil to be. I won't give anything away, but strongly suggest that you read it. would make a wonderful TV film for Christmas time. Five stars.
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A very interesting and captivating read.
A totally different spin on the devil which was super creative and awesome for Christmas.
If you think that's a weird and unique combination. Then you gotta read the book
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The perfect book for the winter season, but not only! This is one of the rare books that deeply intrigues the Reader from the very first sentence, inviting one to visit London during Christmas and dive into the world of an intriguing mystery. What is uniquely rare about this book is its beautiful, elegant language which reminds one of the Victorian novel, at the same time combining the elements of modernity with the past in an engaging, eloquent, and inviting way! This book will be a perfect Christmas gift, but not only! It will be a perfect gift for every Reader who values beautiful style, valuable content, and intriguing plot. I highly recommend it!
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Like a good many other people on here who have left a review, I was drawn to A Festive Juxtaposition initially by the title. once I had read the back cover I was then fully committed. What would the Devil want with the dispossessed at Christmas time I asked myself? Well, surely the answer was obvious; he would be going about collecting souls as was his usual habit. But nothing could be further from the truth. Others have commented here about the various juxtapositions that appear to layer this book, and I, having read it once, merely became cognizant of those that appeared obvious. It was only on the second reading did I fully comprehend just what the author was getting at; and when I finally understood it, the full realization hit me like a bolt from the blue. So glaringly obvious was it in fact I wondered why it was I hadn’t picked up on it during the first reading. Other reviewers have also remarked on the similarity to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but I beg to differ here. A Christmas Carol was ostensibly about a man finding redemption through adversity at Christmas time, and A Festive Juxtaposition is, to a similar degree, written in a Victorian, near Dickensian style, which allows all the characters contained therein to ‘come to life, but there the similarity ends. The book also has a wonderful depth to it which is brought about by allowing the main protagonist, the Devil, to become thoughtful every now and then; which sees him reflecting upon past memories, or merely considering the wonderful characters he has known in the past – Dr Johnson being a case in point. The book is also littered with enjoyable and interesting snippets of history pertaining to the capital, which adds to the overall breadth and dimension. In all a very satisfying and engrossing read. I believe this book has all the making of a classic and it would, in my opinion, be a crime if it failed to fulfill its full potential. Five stars all the way. I truly hope there is a sequel and a sequel to the sequel. Would indeed, as pointed out by others here, make a great Christmas TV film.
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London shines differently in this book! It has a main character that is unconventional. The tales are thought-provoking and inspiring - they sing the song of compassion, retribution, and kindness that can be heard in the air as the Christmas hours progress!
I love the wit and humor of the narratives. They are elegantly written and very lovely to listen to while reading aloud, Each tale ends on such a heartwarming note and an ease of spirit!
A wonderful book to become a film or mini-tv series to watch, enjoy, and be inspired by during Yuletide Season!
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Great read. Never expected the story to pan out the way that it did. Awesome. Buy it. Read it.
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I picked up this book on a friend's recommendation when I was on the lookout for something new to read. I'm absolutely delighted that I did because I've been utterly engrossed in this novel from the very start. Set against the backdrop of Christmas in London, the story takes readers on a remarkable journey alongside the Devil, complete with unexpected plot twists and turns. The book offers meticulous descriptions that ensure no aspect of the story remains unexplored, making it an ideal choice for your next Christmas reading adventure. I wholeheartedly endorse this book if you're seeking an engaging festive read!
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If you love London and Christmas then this is definitely worth picking up. Excellent historical knowledge of a City I thought i knew quite well but found this a useful educational tool. An interesting twist on the Devil character that is quite original and thought provoking. An enjoyable read with many connecting stories full of mystery and intrigue that will leave the reader wanting more. Look forward to the next instalment.
Paul C
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A stunningly beautifully written book that grabbed me from the outset. “The gentle snowflakes flurried, eddied and whirled, dancing in their oddly curious coruscation, before finally descending to earth where their individuality was lost amongst their earlier brethren” Wow- magical!
This is a book with a winter/seasonal theme that is truly enchanting, set on Christmas eve in the city of London. The main character is the Devil and he doesn’t behave quite as one would expect, I can't give too much away for fear of spoiling it. Each chapter Nick meets new people so is almost a story each time. This blew me away, I'll try and explain. There are subliminal messages in each story, and maybe ones that touch each reader- they certainly did me and then that ending… got it, wow! It's a story of hope and enlightenment, of being kind and how the little things can make a world of difference to someone. This has to be one of my books of the year. It's breathtakingly beautiful, in a way I can't explain until you’ve read it. A perfect winter read and a wonderful Christmas gift. Stunning doesn’t do this justice.
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Amazing books, easy to read and most importantly it's page turner. Author described everything in a very simple and interesting way, so far I really loved the book. Story and plot is superb, I'll recommend you all to read this underrated book.
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I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I had no idea what to expect when a devil appeared on Christmas Eve, but the stories captivated me from the very first page. The characters were well-developed, the plot was engaging, and the overall writing style was both elegant and accessible. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
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This book is a dark, Dickensian and charmingly dangerous series of linked short stories which is held together by the ultimate anti-hero of the Devil himself. The first line is fabulous and drew me into the whole enigmatic irony of this book. The action takes place entirely during Christmas Eve and the Devil is a droll and stylish figure whose thoughts and actions turn the seasonal magic upside down into something far more gripping.
The character of London itself is also a major part of the story - I loved revisiting areas of the city that are familiar to me and also learning some things I definitely didn't know. Each separate story focuses on a person (or a group of people) in need and how the Devil interacts with them, both in ultimately good and occasionally ultimately tragic ways. There's a clever use of time-play in the second half which adds to the short story format and shows how the Devil's input has changed society for the good over the course of history - which is a nice twist I really enjoyed. At the very end, we also get the chance to see how the people who have interacted with our anti-hero on this magical night of the year have changed as a result of their encounter, and that made for a very satisfying finale.
This book is steeped in the grime and glory of the city of London and also in the grime and glory of its people. It's odd, quirky, dangerous, dark and ultimately very uplifting. I loved it. Highly recommended.
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The Devil Arrives on Christmas Eve
I did not see this coming at all. Who would expect the devil to show up in London on Christmas Eve? Yet he arrives in the middle of London, exactly in the middle at one point, and he meets up with different people on a list only he knows. Each person has a unique story, and they end up chatting with the devil after first being suspicious. The devil offers unique and lengthy dialogue to each person, and he offers kindness, some accept his offer of redemption gladly, others do not. What happens to each is quite different. As the sun rises on Christmas Day, change is noted in different ways. That I leave for the reader to find out. In some ways, this story reminds me of the movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, in that people can be greedy to get their money from the bank, and others are depressed like George Bailey. The devil controls the dialogue, and his prose is long, and in some ways, repetitious. He tries to reach each person he visits, and the narrative makes the story move forth. One must read to find out what happens and to whom. Five stars.
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A book to add to your Christmas reads.
On a mission, the devil visits London Christmas Eve. He has a specific list of folks he wants to call on and his reasons for doing so may surprise you.
As we saunter through London with the devil, we meet the lost and the hopeless, the degenerate, and those that have knowingly sold their souls. We are also reminded that Lucifer was once an angel.
While we stroll, the author tosses us historical tidbits of the city that add a layer to the story. Then as Christmas Eve ends, so does this Christmas tale or so we think. But the author has one more surprise waiting for us before the story reaches its conclusion.
I found this read to be delightful. It held my attention from beginning to end. The voice was unique and gave a nontraditional twist to Satan.
If you are mining for a new book, this one’s a definite gem. I’ll be keeping a look out for more stories by this author in the future.
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On a mission, the devil visits London on Christmas Eve. He has a specific list of folks he wants to call on and his reasons for doing so may surprise you.
As we saunter through London with the devil, we meet the lost and the hopeless, the degenerate, and those who have knowingly sold their souls. We are also reminded that Lucifer was once an angel.
While we stroll, the author tosses us historical tidbits of the city that add a layer to the story. Then as Christmas Eve ends, so does this Christmas tale or so we think. But the author has one more surprise waiting for us before the story reaches its conclusion.
I found this read to be delightful. It held my attention from beginning to end. The voice was unique and gave a nontraditional twist to Satan.
If you are mining for a new book, this one’s a definite gem. I’ll be keeping a look out for more stories by this author in the future.
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Meet the Devil, a most unusual sort, and take a surprising, compassionate, and, at times, unsettling Christmas Eve trip through London. From Charing Cross Station and back again, the Devil has a set of tasks that he must accomplish before midnight. He has both the desire and the means. Paul R Stanton has written a Christmas story like no other. You’ll never look at the Devil the same again. The language, the tone, the weather, and the environment all make A Festive Juxtaposition an immersive experience. Stanton writes relatable characters that struggle with real human experiences and emotions. When a bit of magic touches their lives, they are forever changed. Or not. The choice is always theirs. With bits of wisdom and mystery, A Festive Juxtaposition engages the reader from beginning to end. I highly recommend this novel. It is a joy to read.
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I found A Festive Juxtaposition to be an excellent book. It's very well written. It's a story about how on Christmas Eve the devil is out in the streets of London meeting people. It's full of many short stories, that are full of twists and turns. It's a real page-turner.
Overall, it was an excellent book. I definitely recommend this book to readers this Christmas for a fun read! - 5 Stars
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A Festive Juxtaposition by Paul R. Stanton is a delightful and engaging Christmas story written with masterful and poetic prose. The author gives us a unique perspective through the eyes of the Devil himself, but not the traditional Devil one might expect. One who is more inclined to give the down-and-out a last chance at redemption to accept—or not. The descriptions are brilliant and I felt the bitter cold of the London chill and the plights of the downtrodden.
I was captivated by the prospect of the Devil acting as an eloquent and sophisticated Angel of Death who offers his “clients” a take-it-or-leave-it way out of their failed lives and a second chance to get things right. As the Devil points out in chapter one, “When you are in Hell only the Devil can point the way out.”
The narration is written brilliantly and will grab and hold your attention from page one until the final chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author and highly anticipate what he has in store for us in the future. This book is sure to become a classic tale and would translate well to film.
I don’t want to share spoilers or give away any of the splendid surprises in the book. All I can say is this book is a five-star-plus read and well worth your time and money.
I highly recommend A Festive Juxtaposition by Paul R. Stanton. It was a pure joy to read and extremely entertaining. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit by a warm fire with your favorite blanket because you are in for a treat and a book you won't put down.
