Confronting Mephistopheles, a novel by Dennis Spiteri, was published in 2009. It is available for purchase ($25.00) through the author (see contact section on this site).

Confronting Mephistopheles is the story of an artist, Tony Seguna and his struggle in a world that for him has become devoid of light and love. We follow him from his beginnings in Malta, his early artistic influences and his migration to Austraia with his family.

His story covers a thirty year period from 1967 to 1997, during which two major events occur that radically change Tony's life. He is confronted by Beethoven's music which sets him on the never ending path of self-discovery. It is in the course of this search that he meets the beautiful German singer Waltraute Hellmann. It is their instinctive understanding of each other that binds their sensibilities into an extraordinary love union.

The story of Tony and Waltraute is told against the background of the turbulent years of the Whitlam Government during which Tony's political affiliations are shaped. It is a time of growth for both of them. Tragedy puts an end to this idyllic period.

1975, a defining moment in the history of the country, sees Tony throwing himself into the social turmoil. The political betrayal that takes place breaks any remaining bonds he has with Australia.

The ensuing years in Germany bring Tony artistic fame, but a bitter, secretive man has emerged. The anger engendered by his stolen life propels him further into a make-believe world that skirts insanity and total collapse.

In 1997 redemption comes in the form of two parcels he recieves on the same day. His rebirth begins.

Cover illustration: Woman Before The Setting Sun by Casper David Friedrich