Review of “Interview with a Sinner” by M.M. White

Score 85/100 (8.5 out of 10)

Interview with a Sinner by M. M. White follows Hollace, a professional mourner who is hired to attend funerals and feign grief for the deceased. The story begins with Hollace attending the funeral of a particularly disliked old woman, where she encounters an older Asian woman named Marigold. Marigold claims to be an omnipotent being, similar to a goddess, who has taken a human form to study the universe and potentially create her own. She asks Hollace to act as her guide for a week-long interview to understand humanity.

The book tackles numerous themes, including the commercialization of mourning, the struggle between good and evil, and the hidden darkness within human beings. One of the most unsettling aspects is Hollace's confession of her pedophilic urges, which she claims she has never acted upon. This element forces readers to confront the uncomfortable reality of internal moral struggles and the distinction between having dark desires and acting on them.

One of the things we really picked up on is how this book really challenges the concept of reality versus artificiality. It seems to pose the question: What makes reality REALITY? What makes right RIGHT and wrong WRONG? Are these things just products our cultures and societies?
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Another prominent symbol in the book is the cyst on Aiken's back, which he believes to be his conjoined twin and the antichrist. This grotesque manifestation serves as a metaphor for internalized evil and the burden of carrying one's sins and moral corruption.

The narrative structure of the book is unique yet disjointed. The plot is episodic, with each chapter introducing new characters and increasingly disturbing scenarios. This structure allows the book to explore various aspects of human behavior and societal issues, albeit in a fragmented manner.

Something we noticed is that nothing seems real. The plot almost seems too ridiculous and absurd to be plausible. Things are happening, but they don't seem to be happening to real people. This feeling is exacerbated by the fact that film and media play a big part in this book, posing the question: Is all of this really happening or is this like Club X: Zombie in the Fridge? In other words, are we watching a fake reality TV show or on another film set?

Perhaps the most implausible thing that happens in this book (and that's saying a lot) is that a bunch of Satanists actually come to believe that Aiken's cyst is the antichrist and the person they're supposed to be worshiping. This is absolutely bizarre and absurd. We think even actual Satanists would agree.

It's really difficult to make connections with any of these characters or the world in this book. Again, the world or the universe of this book just don't seem real or grounded in any kind of reality. Very few of these characters seem to have any kind of common sense, rationale, or logic. Take Onslow for example... who the heck operates on their own brain?! Who?! It doesn't take a rocket science or a brain surgeon to point out how dangerous and idiotic that is.

Secondly, why in the blue heck would Seton go through all of this—hiring someone to mourn for him at his hypothetical funeral that's yet to happen—just to spite someone? How many people do you know who would do all that before committing suicide? Who would do that?

Thirdly, how is Aiken so convinced that his cyst/tumor/conjoined twin is the antichrist? What is the logic or rationale behind that? There is no logic or rationale behind that. It's like with Onslow's self-help surgery—it's pure insanity and idiocy.

These aren't relatable characters in the slightest. And they live in a world that seems paper-thin, two-dimensional, and held together by duct tape.

The book oscillates between dark comedy and extreme fiction, creating a sense of tonal whiplash. This can be jarring for readers as it mixes grotesque and shocking content with satirical and humorous undertones. The writing is provocative, aiming to push readers out of their comfort zones and challenge their perceptions of morality and decency.

Interview with a Sinner is not a book for the faint of heart. Its provocative content and shocking themes are designed to elicit strong emotional responses and provoke deep reflection on the nature of humanity and morality. While the disjointed structure and disturbing subject matter may be off-putting to some, the book offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

For those interested in dark comedies and extreme fiction, Interview with a Sinner provides a salacious and absurd journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The references to pedophilia and the depiction of the antichrist as a tumor on Aiken's body are meant to be shocking and provocative. The story blends dark comedy with extreme fiction, aiming to challenge readers' sensibilities and provoke strong reactions. We found this to be incredibly bizarre and uncomfortable. Be warned that at least one scene in this book describes sexual activity with a minor and several scenes describe the central character feeling “wet” or “damp between the legs” in the presence of minors. This can be off-putting to many readers as it was to us. The book's aim is to push boundaries and explore taboo subjects.


If you are up for a book like that, you are free to check it out on Amazon.