Author Description

"The Life and Partially Coherent Times of Linus Cain" (1999) is David Edward Wagner's debut novel, a satirical exploration of spirituality and messianic cult mentality. Upon finding himself a cult leader and in possession of a ancient, powerful Word, Linus Cain has more than just the end of the world to contend with when he meets the 'virgin' mother named Alma Denirow. A rant of dark humor, dystopic zen aesthetics, and sparse writing, "Linus Cain" is a unique little book (43.000 words) with a message. Textured with profound poems from Linus' notebook, arguments between Linus and his stomach and brain, some serious soul-searching, and off-center stories of love, Linus Cain is an entertaining read with a modern anti-hero whose very humanness may prove either his greatest asset or his greatest weakness. Adult themes and language, drug use, sex, violence, spiritual oddities.