Aron Smith’s An Infernal Contract Brings Dark Comedy to the Page
The novella follows the journey of a salesman turned Hell’s bad luck manager, torn between his duty and a growing obsession.
Aberdeen-based poet, writer, and radio presenter, Aron Smith has recently released his novella, An Infernal Contract. It’s a dark and entertaining read that will certainly catch the eye of the POST community. While Smith penned this story a few years ago, this is the first time it has been made available as a physical release either via Lulu’s website or directly from the author at various spoken word events around Aberdeen.
The novella tells the darkly comedic tale of Trevor, a morally dubious salesman who meets an untimely death in a freak accident. Upon his arrival in Hell, he encounters Lucifer, who offers him a job managing the distribution of bad luck to the mortal world. Despite his less-than-savoury personality, Trevor quickly proves adept at his new role, taking pleasure in causing chaos and misery. However, his dark routine takes a turn when he becomes captivated by Lucy, a mortal librarian whose life he watches through Hell’s surveillance system.
Caught between his growing feelings for Lucy and his duty to spread misfortune, Trevor’s obsession spirals out of control, leading to dramatic consequences. The story explores themes of redemption, the destructive power of obsession, and the moral dilemmas that arise when personal desires clash with greater responsibilities.
What makes An Infernal Contract particularly intriguing is Smith’s ability to blend dark comedy with deep emotional conflict. As Trevor grapples with his new life in Hell, the story offers an insightful exploration of love, redemption, and the cost of unchecked impulses all while delivering an engaging and entertaining narrative.
For those interested in supporting local creativity, An Infernal Contract is available through the Lulu website, or directly from Aron Smith at his upcoming spoken word events. If you’re looking for something offbeat, thought-provoking, and full of dark humour, this novella is certainly worth a read.
For more details and to buy An Infernal Contract, visit the Lulu link here.
