Interview with a Sinner

by M.M. White

For Hollace, it becomes an awkward encounter when an older woman introduces herself as a newly autonomous goddess, ready to create an entire universe that will rival our own. But first, this supposed goddess would like to interview Hollace for seven days on her take on the world, humanity and free will as a whole. Naturally Hollace deems this woman delusional or a strange liar, but has nothing better to do than humor her with this unorthodox interview. Taking the goddess on a weeklong tour through her life is complicated when they become ensnared in the affairs of dangerous snuff filmmakers and murderous cultists. Despite Hollace's best efforts to showcase the best of mankind to the goddess, only the vilest taboos keep riddling what was supposed to be an uneventful week. Prepare for an interview dripping in blood, acid and frog guts throughout the hilariously obscene exchange between a seemingly goodhearted girl and a woman pondering if she should wipe out our existence to replace with her own creation. For those in thirst of dark comedies and extreme fiction, this interview has enough salacious, foul and outright absurd twists and turns to quench the most parched.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

Reviews

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book with its frenetic energy and dark humor was a delight to read. I was surprised by its ability to stay in 'the bit' and keep the readers engaged. It very easily could have been the type of plot that gets stale after a while, but M. M. White did a wonderful job keeping pace with their characters.

I deeply appreciated the juxtaposition of an almost satirical interview-style dynamic between a buffoonish but well-meaning human and a goddess, and the almost philosophical ponderings throughout. While witty and macabre, this book also had many moments of deep contemplation—I was not expecting the cerebral aspect of this book to hit so effectively.

Perfect for folks who love the supernatural, a good thinker, and a bit of a laugh.

[Moná · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the bible has mentioned within its texts, we are all born sinners. So, one of the first things that comes to mind when the word sinner tossed into a book is how horrible their sins are. As you continue to read, you're left wondering, that there has to be an important reason behind all of this, and it is.

In "Interview With a Sinner," author M. M. White introduces the readers to the protagonist, Hollace, a colorful individual because they are a professional mourner for clients. There is a business for people who aren't well-liked, to hire someone to put on a mourning performance of the year when they die. Just on her luck, Hollace met an elderly Asian woman and gave the name Marigold, an omnipotent being. No one would have expected things to take a turn as Marigold was fulfilling a self-granted assignment to shadow a mere human to gather information on how to form her universe, as competition against God's creations. This union of following Hollace around has encouraged Marigold to view the way humans live and has made numerous notes on how she would do things differently with her universe and people. So much occurs and it is best advised to maintain focus for comprehension. One thing to expect by reading this story is that there is never a dull moment. The adventures Hollace is roped into and bringing Marigold along are full of action because of the people they involve themselves with. Two great supportive characters are Nash and Casper, the panhandlers on Gilford's Gushers. Marigold has learned a ton of things about her universe, just has to find out what she decides to do.

I enjoyed my reading experience from reading this book, as it was an eye-opener. No one would ever think that our current world needed to be wiped away and a new one to form. Unfortunately, it makes plenty of sense since some people are causing a hindrance for others. The author paid close attention to the details and added the omnipotent element in competition with God, making the storyline more interesting. Hollace's character was different and not what you would expect from a sinner. The type admits to their darkest secrets and fully owns it, knowing it is wrong. I definitely can respect the honesty of Hollace's character because she does not act on her intrusive thoughts. I would recommend this book to others as there is always something happening and it does put plenty into perspective.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interview With a Sinner by M.M. White presents a compelling narrative that intertwines the life of Hollace, a professional mourner, with the curious quest of Marigold, a diminutive demi-goddess seeking to build her own civilization. Hollace's job involves mourning at the graves of the unloved, a task she performs with detached professionalism. Her routine is disrupted when Marigold approaches her with an extraordinary proposition: to be the human subject of her research on creating a new civilization, with the aim of avoiding plagiarism from God's own work. This encounter marks the beginning of a week filled with bizarre and unpredictable events for Hollace and an educational journey for Marigold.

M.M. White’s novel starts with an intriguing premise that quickly spirals into a whirlwind of chaos by the second chapter, maintaining a tone of unrelenting unpredictability throughout. The rapid introduction of characters from Hollace’s world, including some less savory individuals, sets a frantic pace. The narrative is peppered with absurd and disturbing encounters, contributing to the book's overall sense of madness. Amidst the chaos, Marigold conducts interviews with Hollace and her acquaintances, delving into profound discussions on topics such as existence, free will, and morality. These conversations are among the highlights of the novel, offering thought-provoking insights into spirituality and the human condition. While Marigold's role as an observer rather than an active participant in many instances does not detract from her mission, it adds an interesting layer to the narrative. This book is not for the faint-hearted. It is crude and provocative, featuring controversial and disturbing elements such as snuff films, discarded infants, illicit sexual encounters, and a sentient tumor worshiped by a cult. These elements are recurrent and form key parts of the plot, challenging the reader's comfort zones. Marigold witnesses a broad spectrum of human behavior, where characters often do the right things for the wrong reasons, or vice versa, revealing glimpses of their inherent decency amidst the depravity.

Ultimately, the novel escalates to a bizarre and unexpected conclusion, leaving the characters profoundly changed. Despite its raw and unsettling content, Interview With a Sinner provides a unique exploration of human nature and spirituality, making it a thought-provoking read for those who can handle its more extreme aspects.

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractals of a (new) Shattered Genesis

M.M. White’s Interview with a Sinner embarks on an audacious exploration of human nature, centred around Hollace, a professional mourner, and Marigold, a self-proclaimed demi-goddess on a quest to create a universe in her image. Initially, Hollace’s encounter with Marigold seems like a fleeting absurdity, yet it swiftly spirals into a week-long odyssey through the darkest fringes of society. Marigold’s project of interviewing Hollace and her acquaintances is framed as research for crafting a new civilization, aiming to avoid the perceived failings of God’s original creation. This unconventional premise serves as the backbone for a narrative rife with surreal provocations.

White masterfully shifts from philosophical inquiry to grotesque action, with Marigold’s observations interwoven into Hollace’s chaotic and unpredictable journey. From dealings with dangerous filmmakers to brushes with murderous cultists, the novel challenges moral boundaries and societal norms. Amidst these unfolding calamities, it delves into discussions of free will, the human condition, and the brevity of existence, positioning Marigold as a detached, yet intellectually invested, witness. While the novel pushes against the boundaries of taste with its graphic content—ranging from snuff films to a Cronbergian sentient tumour worshipped by a cult—these elements, though controversial, are pivotal to the plot’s exploration of human decency amid depravity.

In the end, Interview with a Sinner does not shy away from its raw, often unsettling material, leaving its characters and readers transformed. Through its volatile blend of dark humour, philosophical musings, and disturbing imagery, White presents a story that demands reflection on humanity’s frailties and potential. For readers able to withstand its extreme and grotesque elements, the novel offers a unique, if challenging, commentary on humanity's highest of the lowest.

[Gavin Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview with a Sinner by M.M. White is an entertaining and humorous novel that also offers a relatable message. Hollace gets cornered during her ‘crying at funeral’ day job by a mysterious woman. This curious woman, who goes by the given name Marigold, then offers Hollace a new occupation. Hollace is given the extremely important, and unbelievable, opportunity to represent humanity during a weeklong interview with a living god. While Hollace tries her best, she finds that humanity is not as clean as she would like. Hollace must find a way to prove humanity is worth preserving or risk all of the world to mass extinction at the hands of a god.
Interview with a Sinner is an absurdist comedy, which might alienate some readers. However, the novel’s tone is honestly one of the best parts of reading it. It’s gruesome and a bit demented, but the tone is what makes the novel an interesting reading experience unlike any other. If you are a reader that actively avoids some the darker kinds of humor, the novel simply isn’t for you. It includes, smut, gore, and murder in its eccentric narrative. So, consider this a warning or invitation depending on who you are as a reader.
However, the book isn’t just a romp through depravity. At its soul, it’s about a woman who has given up on humanity finding a reason to save it. It’s an adventure that will make the reader recognize the darker parts of society and navigate to what matters. Hollace isn’t a representation of the best parts of society. And that’s why she is so fascinating follow as a character. She is modern humanity as it is – not as it wishes it was.
Overall, M.M. White did a terrific job at showing the darker side of humanity in an exciting way. This novel is perfect for A Confederacy of Dunces fans. It’s dark, entertaining, but at its heart, Interview with a Sinner is an exploration of modern society.

[Book Nerdection · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview with a Sinner is an extreme fiction novel with an absolutely absurd storyline—which is what makes it so entertaining. That said, the book still discusses a few real-life problems and situations, adding an element of realism.

Hollace is an extremely likable main character, as she is relatable and kind-hearted. The goddess offers a lot of comedic relief, which makes her a very enjoyable character as well. One of my favorite features of the book is how well the characters develop throughout the story. It feels as though they are both discovering the meaning of ‘humanity’ together.

Written by M. M. White, there is so much to appreciate about his writing style and story-telling ability. The Author manages to include a whole bunch of plot twists and cliffhangers without it becoming overwhelming for the reader. However, it sometimes feels as though the story progresses a bit quickly.

You will struggle to put the book down, which is always the sign of a good book. There is so much to appreciate, including good character arcs and an intriguing storyline, making it a binge-worthy novel.

If you are looking for a dark comedy novel, Interview with a Sinner might be the perfect book for you.

Reviewed by Thalia

[Dylan Kinloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

White's attention to detail and imaginative storytelling are evident throughout the novel. The concept of an omnipotent being studying humanity to create a new universe adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the storyline. This celestial element raises thought-provoking questions about creation, morality, and the possibility of a better world.

Hollace, as the protagonist, is a refreshingly honest character. She acknowledges her flaws and mistakes, making her a relatable and endearing figure. Her willingness to confront her shortcomings and strive for betterment adds authenticity to her character arc. Hollace's journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and personal growth.

"Interview With a Sinner" is a captivating read that seamlessly blends action, introspection, and philosophical inquiry. White's writing keeps readers engaged, with never a dull moment as Hollace and Marigold navigate their extraordinary partnership. The novel's exploration of human nature, combined with its unique premise, makes it a standout in contemporary fiction.

Overall, "Interview With a Sinner" is an eye-opener that challenges readers to reflect on the world we live in and the potential for creating something new and better. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and entertaining read that offers a fresh perspective on life, death, and everything in between.

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GOOD, CHEEK-PROPPED-ON-YOUR-PALM READ

Ever heard of, “when a woman decides to revenge even the d*vil sits down to take notes?” Gender-specific and vengeful analogies aside. Now, read up about cross-gender cruelties alongside other human vices and the hapless victims; only that the supernatural being here is an objective goddess, taking the measure of her mortal subjects.

This is the thematic context of the July 2024, 199-page book Interview with a Sinner by M. M. White. The satirical, 35-chapter book stands out for its black humor and has a first-person narrative. Its protagonist is Hollace “Holly”, an agnostic brunette who works as a professional mourner. She teams up with goddess-in-training Marigold whose quest is to get first-hand information—in seven days; from Sunday to Saturday—on human nature.

As fate would have it, Hollace's line of work ushers Marigold into the dark underbelly of human thoughts and actions. By and by, the reader is tempted to agree with Marigold’s decision to destroy the present universe and to replace it with her own custom-made universe.

The book's gory descriptions of people at their worst and the yucky sections will prompt cheek-propped-on-your-palm musings.

From emotional blackmail by professional beggars and mourners-for-hire to illicit films and weird fantasies to liberalism and sadism to zealotry and deification, Interview with a Sinner aptly captures the perpetrator's mindset and the victim's plight.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

M.M. White's intriguing and original book "Interview With a Sinner" takes readers on a wild ride into the hectic life of a professional mourner Hollace. When she meets Marigold, a self-described demi-goddess with ambitions to found her own society, her ordinary life is turned upside down. The story is a swirl of strange happenings, intellectual debates, and uncomfortable meetings that put conventional ideas about mankind and morality to the test.
The book deftly strikes a balance between levity and profundity by contrasting Marigold's investigations into human nature with the harsh realities that Hollace must deal with, such as meetings with disconcerting people and uncomfortable circumstances. The growth of the characters—especially Hollace as she makes her way through Marigold's existential experiment—adds a fascinating and relatable element.In the end, the content offers as a provocative examination of what it means to be human, even though it may be contentious and perhaps unsettling due to issues like illegal activity and moral ambiguity. For readers who enjoy dark comedy and extreme fiction, M.M. White's writing style is captivating, with intelligently constructed story twists and interesting character journeys."Interview With a Sinner" is an engrossing and unforgettable read for those who appreciate books that push boundaries and examine the complexity of human nature via a dark comedy perspective.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What caught my interest in Interview with a Sinner by M. M. White was the summary. Hollace, whose job it is to be a professional mourner, is being interviewed by an elderly lady claiming to be a goddess. This said goddess is thinking of creating her own world to rival God's world and wants to interview Hollace to get the gist of what she wants for her own world. However, things take a crazy turn as Hollace does her best to show the elderly woman around for a week.

The thing that I liked about this novel was how we first meet Hollace. In my opinion, it's very unusual but interesting at the same time. Hollace is quite the character, especially when you keep reading. Not to mention the other characters that we meet along the way that have a connection with Hollace. Even though this was an interesting read, there were some things that didn't sit well with me. For one, the pacing of the story was a bit fast. I felt like I was giving so much information at once that I literally had to pause my reading and digest what I had read. The second and final thing would be the ending. Now I know this is a dark comedy; however, there were so many unanswered questions that I was quite disappointed in how it ended. Overall, M. M. White did an excellent job of creating a story that was unique and interesting. I recommend this story for readers who have a very dark sense of humor and who don't mind getting to know more about sinners. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall Interview with a Sinner is well written. The vocabulary alone often led me to search for a dictionary, as if the author was looking for the most complicated synonyms for simple words. The verbiage felt very unreal, as people don't usually use such words when talking and it was particularly surprising with this group of characters...maybe there was some irony there.

This book is intense and very graphic, both in events that happen and the level of corruptness for the characters. It was basically surprise after surprise with each chapter as the week long interview between Hollace and Marigold plays out. It was a very interesting week for Hollace that was outside the realm of normalcy. I found I didn't find any of the characters likable...though you do feel invested in the story and how it would all play out. The ending was as I expected.

If you read this, just know that the scenes and content are fairly graphic, and a lot of the subject matter disturbing. It is a unique read, just wasn't a favorite of mine and I struggled a bit to finish it, despite it's short length and fairly short chapters.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Award winner White delves into the macabre and absurd side of humanity in "Interview with a Sinner." Professional mourner Hollace, finds her world turned upside down when she is approached by an old woman while at her client's funeral. The old woman named Marigold, claims to be a goddess who wishes to create her own universe, similar to ours. Marigold wishes to learn more about humanity, so Hollace reluctantly agrees to allow the goddess to interview her, as Marigold follows her for seven days. The following week is a roller coaster of strange events with a colorful cast of side characters as Hollace tries to prove that humanity is worth saving. White shows the dark side of humanity through surprisingly graphic and gory scenes, which may be unsettling for some readers. The writing at times feels superfluous and readers will find themselves reaching for a dictionary. Improper tagging makes the dialogue difficult to follow, along with a distracting number of grammatical errors. It's unclear if this is done on purpose or if the novel is simply in need of another round of edits. "Interview with a Sinner" is not for everyone but will definitely entertain the right audience.

[Hiren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that the climax is way too unpredictable and can go against the intuition of many readers. Most of the characters in the story have many dark shades to them, although some of their virtues are also highlighted in certain places.

The emotions and acts presented can be grossly disturbing for a lot of people. It is not meant for children at all. Even some of the vocabulary used is beyond that of high school level. Many controversial and sensitive topics have been touched upon.

The story needs to be read sequentially and most chapters end with a good punch. The chapters by themselves are pretty short. There are even concepts that would appeal to enthusiasts of philosophy and psychology.

The title couldn't have been more appropriate for the story. It is very difficult to point out any certain character as the protagonist. Confessions, reflections and betrayal can be easily found in many places. I would have liked it better if there was less stereotyping in the traits of the characters.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview with a Sinner by MM White features a fantastic duo: An agnostic professional mourner named Hollace and an omnipotent being, whimsically named Marigold, who shadows her in her quest to learn more about God’s creation.

This book may not be for everyone with its irreverent take on topics like death and God, as well as some of the rather serious subject matter it playfully tackles, but I quite liked it. White’s book is full of humor wit and their writing style is direct yet descriptive and detailed. There’s a colorful cast of side characters, many of which show us different views to life as their deaths approach.

Hollace slowly grew on me as character. She was introduced as somewhat of a disrespectful person only concerned with making money off people’s deaths, but over time, we see a more human side to her. I enjoyed watching her interactions with the various characters, like Izan- a character who also did not like her attitude at the offset.

The book is an enjoyable read that was not like anything I’d read before.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview with a Sinner by M.M. White is a bold and darkly comedic exploration of humanity’s virtues and vices. Hollace, a seemingly ordinary woman, is thrust into a bizarre and chaotic week when an older woman claiming to be a newly autonomous goddess requests her perspective on humanity. What begins as a surreal interview quickly spirals into a dangerous odyssey involving snuff filmmakers, murderous cultists, and moral quandaries.

As Hollace attempts to present humanity’s better side, the week becomes a grotesque comedy of errors, dripping with absurdity, violence, and shocking twists. The goddess's contemplation of whether to annihilate humanity adds a provocative existential edge to this story of bizarre encounters and moral introspection.

Perfect for fans of extreme fiction and dark humor, this 199-page novel challenges readers with its irreverent tone and vivid, grotesque imagery. White delivers a twisted, thought-provoking satire that’s equal parts unsettling and entertaining.

[Neicy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unusal

The writing style and pacing were solid, but the content is where the story lost me. The protagonist, Hollace, is a professional mourner hired by near-death clients who wish to stage elaborate theatrical performances at their funerals, hoping to appear well-loved and deeply missed. At one of her gigs, she encounters an ‘Asian Goddess’ who wants to interview her as part of creating a new world. What follows is a series of events that seem included solely for shock value, culminating in a satirical ending. While I understand that satire often mocks serious subjects, I struggled to grasp the underlying purpose here. Typically, satire drives home a lesson or delivers a powerful message, but that was unclear to me. Perhaps I missed it. Ultimately, I would recommend this book only if you enjoy very dark, depraved comedy that mocks religion, life, and death—strictly for entertainment purposes.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was confused by the first few chapters when determining the plot. In reality, why would you humor her and follow her lead when a stranger tells you that she is a goddess and she’ll give you a tour of the world from her perspective? I could piece the puzzle together. But, as I read on in the book, it became exciting. As a strong Reader, I always have the determination to finish a book if I start it, but there are many others who, if the third chapter does not hook them, would put the book down and move on. I could see the dark humor the author was trying to convey, and I loved all the twists and turns incorporated into it.

The characters were entertaining, and the climax, theme, and language were engaging. However, the longevity of interest needs work. For these reasons, I am awarding this book three stars.

[Sharon Hendricks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could only get through the first few pages of this book. The author was all over the place with their tenses. For example, in chapter 3 they use present tense in the word turning and then in another paragraph used past tense in the word argued.

Another thing that I noticed was they would have a paragraph started with dialogue. For instance, in chapter 2 - “Hold on,” straining for comprehension…

This is not well written. It should say “Hold on,” I say, straining for comprehension.

I apologize, I can’t finish the book. I recommend the writer have an editor look at it. The premise started out interesting and I was looking forward to reading it. But unfortunately I can’t finish it.

[Adrien Weinhoffer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely ever rate a book with one star, but this one was irredeemable.
Firstly, there is no depth or development for any of the characters. They all act too similarly with no uniqueness to them besides the supposed goddess.
The sentences, especially at the beginning of a chapter were so jarring and felt almost incomplete. Not to mention the author had a love for using overcomplicated words, making this book even more awkward to read.
The plot is seriously all over the place, characters just show up and involve themselves for no apparent reason. There's so much jumping around in locations without any explanation most of the time. Not to mention there are so many things the main characters get away with virtually no reactions from the general public. It's like a world outside of the main characters is non existent, making this story even more dull
Lastly, I'm appalled by the author's choice to consider the main character's "desires" dark humor or satire. It is seriously disturbing and not something you should be making light of.
Please, save your money! This book isn't worth it.

[Donna Emperador · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very unusual

Interview with a Sinner takes readers on a journey from the fringe of society into the depths of human depravity. Although the main character, Hollace, has her own sinful nature, she usually manages to put the needs of others first. However, as the story progresses, the reader is left wondering, " Is it worth it?"

Throughout the book, the author provokes readers to question their beliefs about human interactions, death, and the afterlife.

This book provides interesting reading, but I don't recommend it for those with a weak stomach. Some scenes are horrific and may be too vulgar for some.

[Chidinma Anozie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started reading Interview with a sinner by M.M.White, I was not sure what to expect but this book is a bit extreme for me.
I kept wondering why Hollace felt the need to try and save everyone and then I realised she might be trying to make up for her own sins

I started off the first few pages waiting for the hook of the book but it got increasingly weirder, with a number of insane twists and scenes. Some parts of the book are a bit too vulgar and horrifying. As I read on, I kept asking myself, "Why is this happening?"

The characters are not really likeable and it was really hard to connect with any of them. 

[Paul Enoh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interview with a Sinner by MM White follows Hollace, an uninspiring professional mourner over the course of seven days as she meets and gets shadowed by an omnipotent God-like being looking for pointers on how to start her own universe. (Crazy, I know!)

The concept of this book was refreshing. I haven't read a book with such a unique premise in a while. Hollace should not be as likable as she is, but something about her nonchalant attitude and he way she doesn't take herself seriously is just cool. Like someone you could sit down and have a beer with.

All in all, its an interesting read with a set of colorfully made characters.

[Ed Malaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview With A Sinner is definitely a fun read with a really unique story and lots of fun dialogue that can get outrageous in a few spots. I could tell it was going to be something unusual within the first few paragraphs, and it kept me turning the pages just to see what would happen next. I even found myself laughing out loud at some of the craziness, like auditioning people to drink broken glass on purpose so they wouldn’t be surprised and ruin a good take.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a friend of the unusual and is looking for a unique story told in a unique way.

[Kelly McDonough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual dark comedy. Imaginative storytelling is the hallmark of this book. I credit M.M. White with having the ability to write a genuinely unique plot with interesting character journeys. The story-line makes one ponder the possibilities of a better world while exploring topics of darkness such as cults and snuff to name a few. It is a totally one-of-a-kind with captivating story twists. However, it is definitely meant for those who relate well to dark humor. Otherwise, readers will be disappointed.

[Melodie Coulter-Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book- Hollace has a strong voice that I wasn't sure I vibed with. But the action picked up immediately and then I found myself enjoying her particular way of speaking, especially as she encounters Marigold and continues to work with her.

This was a shocking book- definitely not for the queasy and faint of heart. But if this is for you, strap in for horror, humor, gore, and a TWIST at the end.

[Akhil · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a very interesting read with an exceptionally unusual character dynamic. I could hardly follow along. There is so much absurdity that it just doesn’t work somehow. It’s just too hard to get with the author’s program, so to speak, so I gave up and did not finish it.

The writing itself is also not well done. Many sentences need to be written better. If a lot more planning had gone into this, it’s possible it could have been enjoyable.

[Bookcritic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book very difficult to finish, so I didn’t finish it. When an author has a lot of ideas, they can only be pulled off well if they are clearly communicated to the reader. This just wasn’t the case.

If it were thoroughly redone, I’d happily take a glance at it. But until then, it’s not for me.

[Alex DeLeuze · Rating 3 out of 5]

A riotous raunch through a day in the life of an agnostic cynic, “Interview with a Sinner” follows Hollace as she tumbles through a chaotic week with a demigoddess at her side.

Hollace is a professional mourner carrying out a job when she is approached by Marigold, an older woman who claims to be a goddess conducting research into humanity as she constructs a blueprint for her own world. She proposes to follow Hollace for a week, conducting an “interview” to decide the best way to go about creating a new universe. Hollace, unsure if she is speaking to a deluded weirdo or a goddess made flesh, hedges her bets and agrees.

The duo are approached by an ensemble of Hollace’s friends and acquaintances, including professional panhandlers, snuff film actors with lofty cinematic aspirations and a megalomaniac with the antichrist in his shoulder. Between gory fight scenes, abandoned school buildings and cult infested swamps, this group contemplates the nature of God, selfhood and free will. Characters pause mid-crime to wax poetic on how Marigold should structure her new world, proclaiming that she should be a dictator or a benevolent figure, a world destroyer or a silent observer. These moments of serious metaphysical analysis are underscored by brutality and obscenity so brazen they become comical.

The chapters balance these moments of gross humor with heartfelt and genuine reflections on life. Bizarre violence and revolting moments are juxtaposed against heartbreaking sincerity in a way that keeps the story spinning on its axis like a tilt a whirl, emphasizing the hilarity of the story’s humorous moments and the sincerity of its more serious beats. Hollace and her friends are a group of criminals, heretics and irredeemable losers, but every one of them is valuable and loved. They are a group of misfits come together to support each other in their respective times of need, and in those moments they are shining examples of humanity.

Extreme and outrageous, scandalous and macabre, the adventures Hollace undergoes are not for the weak of heart. Over the course of a week, she and her friends peer into the worst, most disgusting parts of human society and behavior, all while being watched by an all knowing goddess. They wander abandoned ruins, fall into swamps of sewage and watch multiple snuff films. They commit unforgivable atrocities, spit in the face of God and get naked in the public pool of a hotel. Along the way Marigold assuredly learns many things about humanity, though we can only hope she forgets them just as fast.

[Emily Portman · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF (59%)

No one, I repeat, NO ONE wants to read about a main character who is a self-confessed paedophile. No one wants sexual scenes involving children. Are you serious?! Disgusting descriptions. Makes me really, seriously worry about this author. Jesus christ.

Aside from the above, there are ZERO likeable characters and such a random plot that doesn't flow. I think my face was screwed up in confusion for the 59% of the book I somehow read.

Please for the love of GOD, steer clear of this.