Spellbinder

Spellbinder is one of the best written works by Robbins. Written in 1984, the book wears a typical style of writing which only Robbins can deliver. The story is about the "Preacher", a medical vet who took retirement after the Vietnam War, and starts the Church, where sex and drugs are common among the young disciples and him. He in fact grows marijuana to raise funds for the Church. All this remains low profile until a multi-millionaire businessman of Texas notices him and offer him his land and other resources. In return he takes the broadcasting rights of his services. The "Preacher" fights to maintain balance between money and God. This novel touches a very delicate subject, which some people may find totally unacceptable, but it's not hard to relate many religious groups of today with the story. With your open mind and eyes, you might agree with Harold Robbins.

Spellbinder is one of Robbins' most explosive and powerful novels if not the most eplosive one. It's hero is "Preacher" - a Vietnam vet, California hippie young man who preaches the word of God in a small commune. His faith becomes a tangible asset when he is chosen by a Texas billionaire to lead a new campaign of religious revivalism that uses money, TV and the best media money can buy to spread the word of God (and make a lot of money). The book is like a backstage pass to corporate-driven TV evangelism, the "other" major money-making entertainment industry in US. Its ending is exquisite (and a valid parabole on Jesus), but its biggest strength lies in the details. Robbins did a lot of research on American TV evangelism, and paints here such a realistic picture with all those details, that one really wonders: wasn't this, by any chace... a true story ?

Interesting look at hype and fraud associated with modern religious cults. Tackles morality issues well and has a satisfying ending.