Der Alte Mann und Mr. Smith

by Peter Ustinov

Gott und der Teufel sind wieder einmal auf der Erde und werden in irrwitzige Abenteuer verwickelt.
In einem Hotel in Washington steigen zwei äußerst skurrile Reisende ab: ein alter Mann, der seinen Namen hartnäckig mit G-O-T-T buchstabiert und ein leicht erregbarer Begleiter mit dem Decknamen Mr. Smith.
Ein mitreißender, vergnüglich-spöttischer Roman einer himmlischen Weltreise.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Fantasy, Roman, German Literature, Satire, British Literature

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE, was a English actor, writer and dramatist.

He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humorist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter.

A noted wit and raconteur, he was, for much of his career, a fixture on television talk shows and lecture circuits, as well as a respected intellectual and diplomat who, in addition to his various academic posts, served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and President of the World Federalist Movement.

Ustinov was the winner of numerous awards over his life, including Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well the recipient of governmental honours from, amongst others, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. He displayed a unique cultural versatility that has frequently earned him the accolade of a Renaissance Man.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for something light when I picked this satire. The theme of it seemed like fun – God decides that he wants to get back in touch with the Devil (who after all, was once an angel) and the two of them decide to visit Earth on a sort of tour of inspection. Judging from the events described it seems to have been written at the end of the 1980s. Initially they are supposed to travel incognito, hence the Devil gives his name as “Mr Smith”, but God has great difficulty with telling lies and so keeps announcing his identity to anyone who asks. God has also become rather forgetful over the ages, whilst the Devil is more dissolute than evil. There’s only one section where he behaves in demonic fashion, when he attacks some Chinese policemen who are arresting pro-democracy protestors. The relationship between God and the Devil is like that between a kindly old gentleman and his wayward teenage grandson. “You really are a wild, unprincipled little fellow” says God indulgently after the aforementioned incident in Beijing.

The first chapter of the book, where the unlikely pair try to book into a hotel in Washington, had me chortling throughout. I would say that the humour lessened somewhat as the book progressed, though there were always moments. Materialising in Moscow in the office of the First Secretary of the CPSU, the pair are given passes to the Party’s Annual Congress as delegates of the Chirvino-Paparak Autonomous Region. The First Secretary (obviously based on Gorbachev) tells them there is no such autonomous region, but that the Soviet Union is so vast there may as well be.

On the downside, the author seems to use the story as a way of expounding his own personal philosophy/view of life, which he does via conversations between God and the Devil. There’s nothing I found particularly offensive, but also nothing I found particularly interesting. Three stars for the laughs it gave me.

[Sofia Silverchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Υπέροχη παραβολή για τον Θεό και τον διάβολο. Πρέπει να το ξαναδιαβάσω.

[Elina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Θεός και Σατανάς έρχονται στη Γη....μετά ο καθένας ότι καταλαβαίνει!!!

[Corleen gallinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was one of THE most enjoyable books I have ever read. Helps I heard SIr Ustinov do a reading from the book and as such I had 'voices' for the Old Man and Mr. Smith. If you can find a copy you must read it!

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading slowly.

Possibly the only way it can be read. Ustinov has such a wonderfully creative touch with language; I highlighted so many sections and passages that soon I had to stop as the exercise became pointless.

Just wonderful.

[T4bsF (Call me Flo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Peter Ustinov being extremely accomplished at everything he touched, actor, dramatist, screen designer, author etc, etc (the list of his talents is endless), I was expecting a good read, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. The story is about God (the Old Man) and the Devil (Mr. Smith) deciding to become mortal on earth for a while, whilst becoming re-acquainted with each other and 'burying the hatchet'. The story was funny, thought-provoking, and interesting, bringing into the equation some concepts of how, perhaps, this pair would be treated during their stay. Not too sure what genre I would put it in, as it has so many strings to it's bow.

[Chris Cantor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about an elderly rather doddery God traveling the world with the Devil who is not as bad as you might think. Nice idea. They visit many of the major countries of the world where they have stereotypical/satirical observations that are somewhat funny, but there is no real plot or movement through the book. You could completely reorder the chapters and it would not make a huge difference.

[Teddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

um tja ze zijn simpelweg gay

[Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved it at the beginning for it was very funny, and the idea is nice, too, but then I kind of lost my interest.

[Anna Lyse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nach ”Three men on a bummel” schon wieder eine Reiseerzählung! Das war eigentlich nicht geplant. Zumindest wird diesmal wild über die ganze Welt vagabundiert. Da reisen also Gott und Satan zusammen, um zu sehen, wie die Menschheit sich so im Gesamten gehalten hat und vor allem, ob sie noch an Gott et al. glauben. Da ihnen das FBI aufgrund von Falschmünzerei auf den Fersen ist (und das über die ganze Welt verstreut, obwohl das FBI ja eigentlich nur binnenpolitisch tätig ist), bleibt ihnen nie viel Zeit, bevor sie sich wieder weiterbegeben müssen. Das führt zu Beginn zu einigen satirischen Lachern, wird aber zunehmend ermüdender.

Dass die Geschichte mehrheitlich als Gespräch wiedergegeben wird zwischen Gott und Satan, sowie der von ihnen besuchten Proponenten der Menschheit, soll wohl etwas Lokalkolorit beitragen, hat aber wenig Unterhaltungswert. Seitenweise werden pseudophilosophische Halbwahrheiten aufgewärmt, durchgekaut und erörtert. Lustig ist das in den seltensten Fällen und die Satire fällt flach.

Lachen ist Therapie, es lässt die Luft aus allem Feierlichen und Pompösen. Es ist meine höchstentwickelte Erfindung, meine vollendeste und raffinierteste Entdeckung, nur von der Liebe übertroffen. - Der Alte Mann 🤷‍♂️

Als Schauspieler gefällt mir Ustinov bedeutend besser.

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books I re-read at least twice a year. It explores human behaviour and morals seen through the eyes of God and the devil.
God and the devil meet up on earth to see what has become of God's creation, the human race. While they travel to different continents and meet a variety of people (including psychiatrists and the FBI), the devil starts to question the reasons God cast him out of heaven.
Even though the book is quite philosophical at times, it's still easy and entertaining to read. Imagine God and the devil arguing about human (and their own) behaviour while being chased by the FBI or exposing a fraudulent television-angelist and you know that this book has the potential to make you both laugh and think at the same time.

[Thibaut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally picked this book up out of nostalgia, and found I could not put it down. The concept is simple: God and the devil decide to visit Earth to see how humanity is doing. The pair travels around the world and gets into all kinds of trouble while discussing the countries they visit, and their commentary on morality, ethics and society - from a duo of immortal beings unfamiliar with the inner workings of human civilization - perfectly complements the lighthearted, comedic tone of the story. Their philosophical discussions made me think and rethink stuff about politics and religion, and that concept is really well implemented in my opinion.

[Aletha Tavares · Rating 5 out of 5]

very few know of Peter Ustinov as a writer- this book is absolutely brilliant & one could also set a play on this- the dialogues are fabulous- god & the devil descend to earth in 20th century & get locked up in jail nd then are on the run getting chased by the FBI, the Interpol and they land up in India and are recognised for who they are. It depicts how God is so out of date with things on earth & it is the devil, mr. smith, who has to keep getting GOD out of trouble.
Absolutely brilliant writing- so too with his other books- what a writer

[Chanel Earl]

I was too young to understand this book completely when I read it. I remember that I enjoyed it, but that I was shocked by it at the same time. I would like to read it again.

[Fred Peeters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironisch boek dat de gebreken van onze wereld op een soms ludieke manier aankaart. Het verhaal ,bestaat uit het bezoek van God en de duivel aan de aarde. Eerst komen ze terecht in de VS, waar God geld schept en daarom van valsmunterij beschuldigd wordt. Hij en de duivel worden opgepakt door de FBI maar ontsnappen door te dematerialiseren. . Deze geschiedenis geeft aanleiding tot kritiek op de Amerikanen: de FBI is dom (gelooft in een complot van de Sovjetunie) en inefficiënt, de president is alleen bezig met uiterlijk vertoon, de bevolking is in de ban van predikanten (religieuze charlatans) en afgestompt door televisie. God en de duivel 'reizen' daarna naar Rusland, gedomineerd door domme generaals, China, de dictatuur van een bejaardenhuis, Israel, verscheurd door conflicten tussen Arabieren, die het mand claimen omdat ze er al zo lang hebben gewoond, en joden, die vinden dat het land van hen is omdat de bijbel het zegt (actueel!), Japan, waar efficiency allesbepalend is ( beschrijving van pauzes en arbeidsduur) Tenslotte belanden ze in India op de Mount Everest, waar ze bij boeddhistische monniken erkenning en rust vinden. Doorheen het verhaal zien we ook dat God en de duvel steeds aardser worden: ze dematerialiseren trager, verplaatsen zich moeizamer, worden moe, krijgen honger. God en de duivel groeien ook steeds meer naar elkaar toe: God begint 'te liegen' en de duivel krijgt 'medeleven' en wordt minder sarcastisch;
Ustinov slaagt er in op een humoristische wijze de kritiek te geven op de wereld, het geloof, politieke en economische systemen. Enkele vb.: 'Televisie is één lange reclameboodschap voor mijn levensstijl' zegt de duivel. God toont nauwelijks belangstelling voor gebeurtenissen van de laatste tienduizend jaar; In dat geval is hij zeer geschikt voor een functie in onze regering. 'Hoe konden ze ontsnappen? Dat is dienstgeheim. We hebben zelfs het recht niet daarover da te denken (FBI) Dee meeste mannen en vrouwen, de grote meerderheid, imiteren elkaar, apen elkaars opvattingen, kledij en taalgebruik na. Voor zulke mensen is oorspronkelijkheid een obstakel voor sociale contacten. Het boek staat vol van zulke bedenkingen die het boeiend maken. Het leest bovendien zeer vlot. Dit alles maakt het een aanrader.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Ustinov goes to the top of the class for originality with this one. The concept on which this book is based is that the Old Man is God and Mr Smith is the Devil and they come back to earth so that God can check on his creation handiwork and how it has evolved. Unfortunately in New York the run foul of the FBI who keep pursuing them no matter where they go in the world. This results in escapades in London, Moscow, Israel, China, Japan and India. All very entertaining encounters with the local citizenry and as a result the book becomes very hard to put down. A very entertaining read which I thoroughly recommend.

[Chris Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this five stars, but I did find the pace of the story lagged too harshly at certain points. In saying that, it's a marvellous book for discerning agnostics! Peter is skilled at compelling storytelling with a mind that is seemingly pressed against the tracks of human nature. His insights are profound, and you'll find yourself looking up from the book in sheer enlightenment at times. At many other times you'll be laughing out loud. It's preposterous, verging on sacrilege, yet full of wisdom that even the most learned minds would appreciate.

[Samsalaqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Usinov: his movies, stage presence, voice and books and this one is no exception!
Hard to not hear his voice when reading his book.
Story is beautifully weird and although the book was released about thirty years ago, it's still very close to the current pulse and politically accurate.

People who feel a void after Good Omens might give this a go but be aware that Ustinov has a completely different style of storytelling!

[George Donigian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if?
What if Peter Ustinov wrote a fable concerning culture?
And mixed in politics, entertainment, the wilderness, and the FBIon a world tour to arrest the two protagonists?
And what if these two protagonists were God and Satan reconciled?
A fable it is, and sharply funny.
A fable published in 1990.
On point.
A fable.

[Lexi Bothamley-Dakin · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me though the book was deep and meaningful, I didn’t connect to it. I wasn’t excited to read it and each page kind of felt like a chore. Sad as I really wanted to love it. Also I felt like the plot did not go anywhere. Though in some areas there was suspense it didn’t have a successful conclusion.

[Mohammad Abazeed · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I get the idea behind the book, i really struggled to finish it and was leaving it for a while before going back to it again.. it felt dry to my me and seems God in this story is missing a lot of knowledge which doesn’t align with the image of “God” who knows everything.

Yes there are some funny bits, but the book didn’t really speak to me.

[Laura-Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book. Hadn't read anything ever by Ustinov before. Found it very funny in places but thought it was written much earlier than it was. Like reading fiction on and off between other works.

[Nicola Sivier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on the recommendation of a friend after another friend unknowingly wrote a short story with a similar theme.
The first half of the book is really enjoyable but it then slows down as the two characters just repeat what they have already been doing. Interesting though.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t finish. The ideas and attitudes were too dated and much of the book came across as both racist and homophobic, which was a shame. Eventually I just couldn’t keep going and gave up about 60% of the way through. A book that just hasn’t stood the test of time I’m afraid.

[Lorna Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read though some of the philosophical and political aspects got a bit hard going in places. The main characters are wonderfully brought to life by Peter Ustinov. Some of the more serious moments of the books brought tears to my eyes.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of this had me laughing out loud - v entertaining. I felt it got bogged down with philosophical argument in the middle. & I did struggle to reconcile my idea of God with the Old Man of the book - but, maybe I’m being too literal!

[PJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me lo vendieron como libro de humor desternillante y solo encontrado reflexiones y crítica. No está mal para quien busque esto último, hace reflexionar con algo de humor, pero muy leve.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read. hilarious book. drôle malgré le desespoir de la condition humaine, un livre à offrir à tout le monde !

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious

[F.Fard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 it deserves :)