GODS OF GLENHAVEN

A family’s life is turned upside down when a group of gods moves into their suburban neighborhood in Statler’s comic novel.

High school guidance counselor Christian Orr is having a rough time: After finding out his attorney wife, Sloan Green, cheated on him with his daughter’s swim coach, he’s had to move into what the local teenagers call the “Divorced Dads Apartment Complex.” On top of that, Christian is struggling with an ongoing case of impotence, and every day he has to face the swim coach who ruined his life in the hallways at Glenhaven High, where they both work. When Christian welcomes new student Maron and his mom, Ari, he doesn’t think too much of it—even after Ari puts out a cigarette on her arm and the burn seems to disappear before his eyes. With Ari and Maron come other strange occurrences, including rain clouds that appear from nowhere and cheerleaders who suddenly attack football players. Ari’s ex-husband, a man called Dee, turns out to be none other than Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and song. Alternating between the perspectives of Christian, Sloan, and their 17-year-old daughter, Francesca, the story follows the dysfunctional family as they try to figure out why a group of gods has moved into their neighborhood and what they want from the Orrs, all while dealing with their own family drama. Though the novel is largely a comedy, Statler weaves in moments of complexity and heart that allow each character to have depth (“In dark moments, Christian realized that he resented Francesca for growing up”). The short chapters make for an easy read, and while the story starts somewhat slowly, it’s quick to gain momentum and maintain it. Readers be warned: The considerable amount of sexual humor won’t be for everyone, but those willing to get on board are sure to have a good time.

A raunchy and fun supernatural comedy with a surprising amount of heart.