Official Review: A Confession by William F. Aicher

[CataclysmicKnight]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Confession" by William F. Aicher.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Blending philosophy with fiction, A Confession by William F. Aicher is a novel about free will, choices and consequences. In A Confession an unnamed main character is speaking directly to you, the reader, as he relates different stories from his past and asks you to judge him. These situations are often relatable enough - a marriage gone wrong and facing therapy and alcohol counseling after a violent outburst, for example - and peppered with philosophical questions throughout.

The main character frequently points out thoughts that many of us have had from time to time, and some perhaps even more extreme. These are merely thoughts and the character is quick to point out he would never do such a thing, but it's very honest and open. It presses how much free will people truly have, and it's interesting that one of his main tenets for life is that everyone have their own freedom. This is why rape is so bad in his mind, for example, because while having that kind of power over someone is exciting to him it's also removing their free will.

As the main character talks a few main themes arise. Interestingly, along with freedom another of the points he repeats is that life is a curse. Not only is it a curse, he points out, it's a curse that is forced upon us, one we aren't free to accept or decline. What I really liked about all of this was how these opinions and beliefs were woven throughout his stories, used to explain how and why he did certain things. When he callously asked a religious woman about her beliefs until she ends up crying, for example, he truly believed he was doing a good thing. As the daughter of a preacher he felt those beliefs were forced on her early in life, and by questioning her and "breaking her down" she could rebuild herself with her own thoughts and opinions into something new. The fallacy of altruism is probably my favorite section, however, as it's both poignant and funny. He lists the best and worst methods for allowing others to see what a giving, great person you are, and he tackles the question of whether altruism is even possible very well.

The setup of this one is very interesting as well. The concept of reader as participant in the book, actively listening, offered food and drink and asked to judge the main character is done rather well. As the story goes on, this becomes the best part of the book, but I would be spoiling things if I shared how.

When I first dove into A Confession I was a little disappointed because it didn't feel like the book I was promised. As I continued on, however, it turned into an exceptional read. The main character is neither hero nor villain, he's relatable but also makes choices I'd never be able to and seems to contradict himself at times but is able to explain himself nearly every time. The other characters in the book are just as strong, and his ability to utilize them for debate is fantastic. Part of the book's twist was predictable but it was done so well I didn't care, and there were even more twists than I could have expected. As such, I'm happy to rate A Confession 4 out of 4 stars. Because of some of the subject matter I can't recommend it to anyone under 18, but I don't think teenagers and kids would be interested anyway. For anyone who loves philosophy and thinking, however, this is definitely one to pick up.

******
A Confession
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like CataclysmicKnight's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kandscreeley]

This definitely sounds like something a little bit outside of the norm. Sounds very intriguing though! Thanks for the review.

[Joy Boudreau]

Thank you for reviewing this book. I think I will pass on it, because I have so many of my own philosophical ponderings all the time. I definitely don't seek out books that will provide me additional questions like that

[gali]

Interesting concept! Looks like the author holds some original ideas about freedom, life and other philosophical queries. Not my cup of tea, but I am glad you enjoyed it.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you for such an informative review! I'm not sure if this is for me, but I like how the author incorporates many relatable issues in this read. It's always good to read a book that makes you think! Congratulations to the author for receiving such a positive review!

[James Craft]

This looks very relatable and I think it sounds quite compelling. Thanks for sharing this!

[Harsh99]

I think it's pretty ordinary and I don't think I'll complete the book.

[cranej80]

Thank you for a very meaningful review. I am excited to get started reading this book. I am really interesting in seeing how the author help the reader feel like they are a participate in the book.

[Insomniac07]

Sounds like a nice complicated philosophical read. It's not a book for me right now but downloaded it anyway. Good job on the review.

[Amagine]

I like that you said that the main character is someone who is neither a hero or a bad guy. He is just an ordinary, relatable man who is thinking about the things he did in his life and wanting to be judged because of them. It sounds like an interesting read.

[Strangerthanfiction]

Great review. This sounds like quite the intriguing and complex philosophical read. It definitely sounds like a non-light read, but compelling. I love twists in any story and am looking forward to checking this one out. Thanks so much for sharing.

[skalicia]

This doesn't sound like your typical book. But the set up sounds very intriguing. Will have to make sure I read it.

[Christina O Phillips]

As a person of habit, sometimes I get stuck in reading the same ol' things: supernatural, cozy mysteries, or urban fantasies. I like other things and topics, but I don't always search for them to read.

Reading the description of this book, seeing "Am I a good person?" on the cover, and your review which said that the book combines philosophy with fiction (I loved philosophy classes when I was in college) and talks about free will, well, all these added up to make me very interested in the book.

I have about 12 books that I am currently reading, but I will definitely be reading this one soon.

Thanks for your review and the warning about the slow beginning.

[hailvilla18]

Thanks for the comprehensive review! I think William F. Aicher's A Confession sounds very interesting to read. I am intrigued with the character's philosophy, opinions, and ideas. I also like the idea that the reader is a participant in the book by judging the main character.

[Eldamel]

Looking forward to checking this book out because of the idea of being open with our thoughts. The whole I thought it but would never do it is the most intriguing - Don't we all have those thoughts? Also the idea of being the listener and judge is intriguing.