Cities of the Absurd: Strange Tales from the Dark Metropolis

by Kenneth Francis

REVIEWS

TESTIMONIALS

​ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kenneth Francis is the current Editor of Mind Matters and a Contributing Editor at New English Review. For the past 30 years, he has worked as an editor in various publications, as well as a university professor in journalism. He also holds an MA in Theology and is the author of The Little Book of God, Mind, Cosmos and Truth, The Terror of Existence: From Ecclesiastes to Theatre of the Absurd (with Theodore Dalrymple), and Neither Trumpets Nor Violins (with Theodore Dalrymple and Samuel Hux). His most recent books are Theology in Music: How Christian Themes Permeate Classic Songs, Theology in Film: How Christian Themes Permeate Classic Movies, and Cities of the Absurd: Strange Tales from the Dark Metropolis and Corridors of the Absurd: Sinister tales from the Deep Halls of Power and Dreams

OTHER CATHOLIC LITERARY WORKS

The Joyous, Consequential Life of Dr. Francisco Marquez

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“A delightful and laugh-out-loud journey through small-town life, The Joyous, Consequential Life of Dr. Francisco Marquez is both heartwarming and irreverent—a brilliant portrait of faith, humor, and humanity in all its quirky glory.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy and The Victim Soul in the Dark Night of Nosferatu

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Starrett was birthed and reared in Jackson, Mississippi. After receiving degrees from the University of Dallas, Adams State University and Spring Hill College, as well as spending a ten-year hiatus in Texas, he has returned home to continue his teaching career at his alma mater in Madison, Mississippi.

OTHER LITERARY WORKS

The Victim Soul in the Dark Night of Nosferatu

by Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP

This book is a ChatGPT-illustrated theological retelling of Nosferatu (1922), portraying Ellen as a Christ-like victim soul. As her husband, Hutter, departs for Orlok’s castle, she offers herself in prayer and fasting. Orlok’s arrival brings plague and terror, and Ellen, through self-sacrifice, lures him until dawn, destroying him with divine light. Her martyrdom redeems the town, emphasizing themes of faith, sacrifice, and triumph over evil.

Paperback: $14.95 | Audible: $5.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Redemptive suffering and the victim soul are pillars of Catholicism in the understanding of the cross. This belief and action in life distinguishes Catholicism from other religions like Buddhism (which focuses more on compassion and relinquishing attachment than suffering), as well as some Christian religions (which focus more on the resurrection than the cross). So, it’s important to get a story such as this in a book by Dr. Mahfood, using the original Nosferatu script, of redemptive suffering in a form that even young people can understand and to which they will be drawn. In this age, young adults and children are presented with overwhelming numbers of stories/movies/video games with horror themes focusing on violence for violence’s sake and retaliation. Instead, in a compelling fashion, this book, using the 1922 script of Nosferatu, integrates a horror story with the victim soul tenet of Catholicism. This book raises interesting issues. Since the story is from 1922, we can understand that it is a female who is the victim soul.  But one would wonder today how that could be misunderstood by those experiencing self-harm and harm from others (domestic violence, human trafficking) so rampant with particularly young adult females today. Even male victim souls often are seen as effeminate. Also, the story shows how even faithful men and husbands can be lured into evil for the sake of money and without discernment in Christ. The husband didn’t listen to his wife’s warnings. Dr. Mahfood’s presentation of this story summons others to continue creating stories in the horror genre that have Catholic themes.” – Dr. Angelyn Arden, author of “Empty Nest” and Other Stories, Figures in Orbits of Symphony, Center Camaraderie

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, is a distinguished scholar, educator, and member of the Dominican Order of Preachers. With an extensive academic background, he has earned multiple advanced degrees in fields such as English, philosophy, and theology. He is particularly known for his contributions to Catholic education and his leadership in promoting intellectual and spiritual growth.

Dr. Mahfood was the Vice President at Holy Apostles College and Seminary from 2013-2021, where he played a pivotal role in expanding online educational programs and fostering a global community of learners. As an advocate for accessible education, he has worked to integrate traditional Catholic teachings with innovative digital learning platforms.

In addition to his administrative work, Dr. Mahfood is an accomplished author, publishing works on theology, philosophy, technology, and literature. His writing reflects his passion for language and cultural history, aiming to inspire intellectual curiosity and appreciation for the richness of the English language.

A dynamic speaker and teacher, Dr. Mahfood is deeply committed to his vocation, blending academic excellence with his spiritual calling to serve as a Dominican. His work continues to inspire and educate people worldwide.

OTHER LITERARY WORKS

Clarisse, or The Folly of Caprice

This is a libretto inspired by Samuel Richardson’s novel Clarissa; or, The History of a Young Lady. Set in a fictionalized 18th-century backdrop, the work condenses Richardson’s sprawling narrative into a five-act operatic format, integrating themes of family conflict, romantic betrayal, and societal expectations. The protagonist, Clarisse Harlowe, navigates the turmoil of familial control, moral dilemmas, and the unwanted attentions of Ricardo Lovelace, a manipulative suitor.

Act One opens with Clarisse rejecting suitors amidst familial pressures and witnessing Lovelace’s shifting affections from her sister Francesca to herself. Subsequent acts explore escalating tensions, including Clarisse’s resistance to an arranged marriage with Signior Solmes, her escape with Lovelace, and his eventual betrayal through force. The narrative culminates in Act Five, where Clarisse’s despair leads her to seek resolution, resulting in her tragic demise.

The libretto, created in two weeks in the fall of 1992 as an academic project, reflects on the adaptation of literature to opera and explores the dramatic portrayal of power dynamics and individual agency. Mahfood also notes autobiographical elements and his artistic process, providing a lens on how classical literature informs modern creative expression. The work concludes by emphasizing the operatic blend of emotional depth and moral confrontation.

Paperback: $14.95 | Audible: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, is a distinguished scholar, educator, and member of the Dominican Order of Preachers. With an extensive academic background, he has earned multiple advanced degrees in fields such as English, philosophy, and theology. He is particularly known for his contributions to Catholic education and his leadership in promoting intellectual and spiritual growth.

Dr. Mahfood was the Vice President at Holy Apostles College and Seminary from 2013-2021, where he played a pivotal role in expanding online educational programs and fostering a global community of learners. As an advocate for accessible education, he has worked to integrate traditional Catholic teachings with innovative digital learning platforms.

In addition to his administrative work, Dr. Mahfood is an accomplished author, publishing works on theology, philosophy, technology, and literature. His writing reflects his passion for language and cultural history, aiming to inspire intellectual curiosity and appreciation for the richness of the English language.

A dynamic speaker and teacher, Dr. Mahfood is deeply committed to his vocation, blending academic excellence with his spiritual calling to serve as a Dominican. His work continues to inspire and educate people worldwide.

OTHER LITERARY WORKS

Maria’s Dynasty and Songs of her Family

by George Luvisi

TESTIMONIALS

“Compact and powerful!” – Ronda Chervin, PhD, author of Healing of Rejection with the Help of the Lord

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George Luvisi is a painter, writer, songwriter, and music businessman.

OTHER LITERARY WORKS