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.

Pages: 199 | ASIN : B0D5DKXFBL