God Knows
First published 1984 · English · 372 pages
- Novels
- Fantasy
- Satire and humour
- Religion and spirituality
God Knows is a comic novel narrated by the Biblical King David, who is old and dying and looks back on his long life. Speaking in a wry, modern American voice, he recalls his rise from shepherd boy to king, his wars, his many wives, his family troubles and his complicated relationship with God. Heller uses the ancient story to joke about power, desire, ambition and faith, while also giving David real feeling. It is irreverent but not mocking for its own sake, and it shows Heller's gift for turning a familiar story into sharp, humane satire.
Quotes
Whether God is dead or not hardly matters, for we would use him no differently anyway.
The promises of maniacs, like those of women, are not safely relied upon.
I hate God and I hate life. And the closer I come to death, the more I hate life.
I think I may have been the first grown man in the world to fall truly, passionately, sexually, romantically and sentimentally in love. I practically invented it.