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Monthly arts and media column

The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher is a first-time novel from American screenwriter Rob Stennett. It has been welcomed as the sort of satire that evangelicals need, a kind that is written by a devoted believer who is keen to reveal the weaknesses of modern Christians.

Eleanor Margesson

You could even call it an updated version of The Screwtape Letters. You think you are reading about a deep threat that comes to Christians from their enemies but gradually realise that the Christians themselves may be the problem. The concept is instantly intriguing and full of comic potential. A non-churchgoer realises that Christians love buying houses from Christian estate agents and so puts a fish symbol on his adverts with fantastic results. Having realised that he is able to pull off this deception, he broadens his scope and convinces his wife to join him as he plants a church in small town Oklahoma. There he becomes Pastor Ryan, the church leader who promotes kindness and community. Will the congregation realise that he is not actually a Christian at all?