The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

In 1989, Officer David Bateman forces Sam out of his vehicle and demands Sam refer to him as “Officer.” He is physically imposing from his military service and is physically aggressive, insisting Sam will fix his daughter’s eyes with no further questions about what happened. Sam is worried since he had a few beers, but David forgoes a sobriety test, instead knocking Sam to the ground with his billy club before leaving. Sam goes home and tends to his wounds, feeling ashamed: “I felt like that seven-year-old boy again, the one forced to lie about my beating, calling it a bike accident” (182). Realizing the gravity of the situation with Daniela, Sam feels helpless. He calls Eva, but another man answers the phone. Sam can hear her curse.

In 1971, Sam and Ernie begin at Saint Joe’s High School, where Ernie quickly becomes a star athlete. Sam makes the ninth-grade basketball team and uses his red eyes to intimidate his opponents, earning him the nickname “Hell.” On Sam’s 16th birthday, Max and Madeline take him out for a steak dinner, but he rushes through his meal as he is too excited about the possibility of getting a car.