The Damnation Game (novel)
| Company type | Publishing company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books |
The Damnation Game is a 1985 horror novel authored by English writer Clive Barker, representing his first venture into novel-length fiction. The book was released by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Synopsis
Marty Strauss, a compulsive gambler recently freed from incarceration, is employed as the personal protector of Joseph Whitehead, one of the globe's most affluent individuals. This position places Marty in peril as he becomes involved in otherworldly occurrences linked to Whitehead and Mamoulian, the entity with whom Whitehead forged a Faustian agreement during the Second World War. Mamoulian possesses abilities such as resurrecting the dead to enforce Whitehead's compliance with their contract. Following the loss of his spouse, former bodyguard, and his daughter Carys—who battles heroin addiction—Whitehead seeks a way out. Marty is determined to prevent Carys from falling victim to her father's perilous arrangement.
Reception
The critical reception of The Damnation Game was varied. Algis Budrys praised it as "a masterly novel," while Neil Gaiman referred to it as "the most literate and disturbing horror novel I have ever read." In contrast, Kirkus Reviews pointed out its lack of narrative discipline, noting that although the book's extravagances might appeal to some readers, they do not necessarily enhance Barker's literary standing.
Film adaptation
On 13 May 2001, Barker revealed intentions to develop a movie version, with John Heffernan attached as screenwriter, under the banners of Warner Bros. and Phoenix Pictures.