Author Michael D'Antonio discusses "Mortal Sins,' his book about clergy and sex abuse

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael D'Antonio has written books on topics ranging from mosquitoes to golf to atomic bombs. His latest book, "Mortal Sins: Sex, Crime, and the Era of Catholic Scandal," examines the issue of sexual abuse and cover-ups in the Catholic Church. He took a break from his recent book tour to discuss the book's Minnesota connection, why writing is like fishing and the tattoo he'd get if he walked into a parlor today.

Q: "Mortal Sins" dives headlong into a topic that's offensive to some, painful to others and controversial to most. Why did you pick the topic of clergy abuse?

A: There always seems to be a time in our social affairs when it's finally OK to tell the truth; a time when even those who have inflicted grievous harm are ready to talk. The time was right. A book like "Mortal Sins" allows us to look at even the worst things and come out with hope for the future. Plus, I like to challenge myself and challenge the reader, and I think "Mortal Sins" does that.

Q: The clergy sex abuse scandal is a worldwide phenomenon, yet Minnesota seems to be at the epicenter of it all. Why?

A: Minnesotans are extremely nice and willing to trust — but upon betrayal will not be stopped. There's a collective interest in making things better here. There's a wonderful liberal and progressive streak; I think it's something in the soil. So it's not surprising that Jeff Anderson, the main protagonist in this book, is Minnesotan. He's a central figure in this historical drama. There's no cutting him out. In this field of law there's plenty of competition and jealousies among lawyers, yet not a single one contests Jeff is a pioneer.

Q: The book doesn't shy away from discussing Anderson's personal demons and addictions. Why does that play a central role in the book?

A: It's relevant because Jeff uses all of himself in his practice. When he's deposing someone who's committed a crime against children, and that person is denying, defending and deflecting, Jeff knows where that person is coming from because he too has denied, defended and deflected. On the other hand, his recovery, which is also portrayed in the book, allows him — and others — to realize these men didn't have to do what they did. There are things they could have done. There were ways out.

A: I spent countless hours with Jeff and his wife, Julie — who I also interviewed extensively for the book — and can say I've never met two people so willing to bare their souls and past. For people to talk about the darkest moments of their relationship, of their need for love and recovery — well, that usually happens only after someone has been trapped and has to come clean. They were forthright to the point I wanted to protect them.

Q: You've written books about atomic bombs, golfers, mosquitoes and clergy abuse. What's the glue that holds all of these topics together for you as a writer?

A: I'm fascinated by the progress of human development in both individuals and society. I think most people are striving to improve, and I love to tell those stories. In "Tin Cup Dreams," I found a guy that went from scavenging fruit in a dump to PGA tournament golfer. I started studying the little mosquito and found a world full of amazing characters and pioneers. As a writer, it's wonderful to get inside the lives of historical figures while they're still alive. It allows others to see that they, too, can be actors in history, that they can make a difference.

Q: Your book contains 26 pages of endnotes, a 50-book bibliography and scores of interviews. How do you mold such a vast amount of material into a book?

A: I start by casting a very wide net, hauling up everything inside, then examining it all. Then I throw out the shorties. You can start seeing what's important as you sort. I often plot out a book in scenes; it's something writers have inherited from filmmakers in our visual age. A movie starts playing in my head, and I start seeing people as characters that have certain experiences, they exit, the plot may change, and then they may pop up in a different scene.

A: I had nightmares about this, literally. My wife is a therapist and I jokingly tell people I'm in residential treatment. But I interviewed many survivors of abuse and discovered when we tell stories and talk to each other and listen there's a healing process that takes place — and it works in both directions.

Q: Finally, if you and I were to walk over to the tattoo parlor right now, what would you have inked on your forearm?

A: There are so many things in life to learn and do, and so many great causes to work toward, I think it would say "Don't Hesitate."

Spike Carlsen is a Stillwater-based writer.