"Naked in the Tub with Vera"

by A. Paul Bergen

The author’s first novel is a comedy with an edge, for beneath the surface of farce and hilarity serious philosophical, religious and social questions are raised for deliberation and debate. A perspective is proposed, and though the reader may or may not appreciate the view, cause for thought will ensue.

Mr. Bergen has written a unique, comic morality play in which the reader is treated to the author’s creative process throughout the development of the novel. Author’s comments, scattered randomly within the text, provide a view into both the author’s influence on the characters and also of the characters influence upon the author, as at one point he poignantly admits “even authors are not omnipotent.”

An irreverent, wicked little comedy about love, lust and religion in the small town of Masonville. From the masturbatory tub of the wealthy, aging and seemingly pious widow Vera Klaussen, devious plots are conceived manipulating the unsuspecting victims of her strange desires.

Caught in the web of her intrigue is an ensemble cast of wacky characters including a fearless, teenage witch; a bully she is determined to slay; a gay minister with a straight but kinky wife; a race car mechanic who knows a few things of his own about lust and manipulation; a voluptuous hair dresser who rides more than a red Cadillac; and the unforgettable Rev. Browner who likens himself unto the image of God.

From this indelible human circus, swirling in a stew of unexpected twists and turns emerges a status quo of strange, sexual couplings that vexes even the intents of the puppet mistress herself. Both the raveling and unraveling of this conundrum of events is to the reader’s delight.

“Join a very naked Vera in her tub and in so doing, discover the wildly wicked and wondrous characters of Masonville. You will need a clean towel when you emerge.”



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