kayfenn6's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
motherhorror's review
4.0
Wow! I'm so glad I paid to get the limited, signed edition from Cemetery Dance for this book! I enjoyed this one immensely so I'm proud to have this special book in my horror collection.
And this one is HORROR, full stop!
Malerman is not dancing the line or skirting the edges, he's square in the middle of traditional horror. ON THIS, THE DAY OF THE PIG is a Creature/Monster/Animal horror story about an unusual pig.
Where Wilbur was "some pig" and an asset to his family farm in CHARLOTTE'S WEB, Pearl the Pig is an absolute terror.
Pearl is a large, male pig with telekinetic power and a "bad eye" which is actually his "good eye". You'll see.
One day, an unfortunate incident on the family farm starts a vicious chain of events. It's quite literally an unfathomable nightmare. I read this entire book gripping the edges. I could feel my eyes widening in shock and awe. I had no idea how Malerman was able to induce so much fear from a story about an evil pig, but he managed it alright! Seriously, I read Chapter 27 last night before bed and I was pretty unnerved. Does your reader brain ever get fixated on one scary sentence and you find that your eyes will pour over the words again and again? It's almost like the scarier the sentence, the more infatuated I am with it.
There were some very disturbing images Malerman described with some very precise details. They sorta stuck in my head as I turned out the light. I love those creepy book feelings that linger long after you've set the book down!
I do have a couple nagging, little details I need to highlight though because they are worth mentioning and for the sake of other readers, I must tell you:
I have this pet peeve with invented slang words and phrases. They're so annoying! Remember in UNBURY CAROL, Malerman used the phrase, "Hell's Heaven!" and
"Pig Sh*t" quite a bit and we all mentioned it in our reviews?? He did it AGAIN! Hahah
This time the words are "Jebus" "Pukin" and "nuckin futz". But they weren't used as often in dialog as they were in UNBURY. So nothing to get too excited about but it's one of those things where you're either going to get bugged by it or you're not and they kind of bug me. It's just because they're so made up and unusual, they stick out like sore thumbs.
However, something else I found unusual was a literary device that Malerman uses that's very unique to him and they are these "stream of consciousness" style inner monologues that I love! Some readers may encounter them and have difficulty with them because they're so different, but I really love the way the characters talk to themselves in their brain and weird thoughts pop in and out--it feels like how our real brains work with all these thought segments overlapping and interrupting each other.
Really cool.
Lastly, the end was a little weird for me. I'm not entirely sure if I missed something or not but I loved all the chaos and craziness in the last handful of chapters. This one was really compelling, scary and original.
Highly recommend.
And this one is HORROR, full stop!
Malerman is not dancing the line or skirting the edges, he's square in the middle of traditional horror. ON THIS, THE DAY OF THE PIG is a Creature/Monster/Animal horror story about an unusual pig.
Where Wilbur was "some pig" and an asset to his family farm in CHARLOTTE'S WEB, Pearl the Pig is an absolute terror.
Pearl is a large, male pig with telekinetic power and a "bad eye" which is actually his "good eye". You'll see.
One day, an unfortunate incident on the family farm starts a vicious chain of events. It's quite literally an unfathomable nightmare. I read this entire book gripping the edges. I could feel my eyes widening in shock and awe. I had no idea how Malerman was able to induce so much fear from a story about an evil pig, but he managed it alright! Seriously, I read Chapter 27 last night before bed and I was pretty unnerved. Does your reader brain ever get fixated on one scary sentence and you find that your eyes will pour over the words again and again? It's almost like the scarier the sentence, the more infatuated I am with it.
There were some very disturbing images Malerman described with some very precise details. They sorta stuck in my head as I turned out the light. I love those creepy book feelings that linger long after you've set the book down!
I do have a couple nagging, little details I need to highlight though because they are worth mentioning and for the sake of other readers, I must tell you:
I have this pet peeve with invented slang words and phrases. They're so annoying! Remember in UNBURY CAROL, Malerman used the phrase, "Hell's Heaven!" and
"Pig Sh*t" quite a bit and we all mentioned it in our reviews?? He did it AGAIN! Hahah
This time the words are "Jebus" "Pukin" and "nuckin futz". But they weren't used as often in dialog as they were in UNBURY. So nothing to get too excited about but it's one of those things where you're either going to get bugged by it or you're not and they kind of bug me. It's just because they're so made up and unusual, they stick out like sore thumbs.
However, something else I found unusual was a literary device that Malerman uses that's very unique to him and they are these "stream of consciousness" style inner monologues that I love! Some readers may encounter them and have difficulty with them because they're so different, but I really love the way the characters talk to themselves in their brain and weird thoughts pop in and out--it feels like how our real brains work with all these thought segments overlapping and interrupting each other.
Really cool.
Lastly, the end was a little weird for me. I'm not entirely sure if I missed something or not but I loved all the chaos and craziness in the last handful of chapters. This one was really compelling, scary and original.
Highly recommend.
maxstark's review
4.0
I finished reading this book for over a year now and I couldn’t seem to write a decent review for this book. I just simply couldn’t seem to get the right words to express myself. Being, to this date (June 2020) a Cemetery Dance limited hardcover edition, you probably won’t be able to get it. But it will probably be available on paperback someday. If that happens, please don’t hesitate to buy it and give it a try.
Pearl is a cute (well, not so much really) little pig. He likes to sit at the top of his pen and watch the world goes by from there. He also likes to hear what other people think. But what he likes the most is to make people SING.
Oh, and, did I forget to tell you that Pearl has psychic abilities?
Well he does and he uses those abilities to learn telepathically all that he can learn. Mostly by the owner of the farm. And when I say that he likes to make people sing, is that he can control other people into doing whatever he wants.
That’s all I’m going to say about the novel cause, as most of the good novels you will want to go in knowing nothing more.
The premise of the novel is very original and interesting but sadly it is not a perfect novel.
First I have to acknowledge that I have fun reading it, and it kept me wondering where was it leading me. And how is this story is going to end? But unfortunately this is where my main problem resides as well. I could never understood Pearl. I didn’t feel him grow as their story moved forward. And it’s never clear what does he really wants, well in fact he seems to want nothing, and that gave me a bittersweet feel by the ending of the story. What the hell does Pearl want?
But what I really didn’t like of this story is a chapter where a police officer is thinking about a young teenage girl and how he had masturbated thinking of her. I felt it wasn’t justified in the novel, therefore it was pointless and out of place. But hey! That’s probably just me.
Despite all of the things I have mentioned and other few things that may not have any kind of sense at all. (Yes I know, it’s a novel about a talking pig. What did I expected?) It has the feel of a B-type horror movie and who doesn’t enjoy those movies? I think this is a signature of Josh. He can hang a woman from a window from her umbilical cord and, at least for me, it’s OK.
This is the second novel I read of Malerman, the first one being Bird Box which I loved, comparing these two novels, he stays true to his writing style. He writes short chapters which gives the sensation of a fast pacing. I like having books like this sometimes cause they’re perfect for when you’re in a hurry or you only want to read a few pages before going to sleep. Although he is so good that he can get you hooked and wanting for “just a few more pages”.
To sum this up I think you need to give this book a chance. It can be gory, it’s definitively enterteining and if you’re a horror fan I think you will enjoy it.
I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of his book. I will be forever grateful for his kindness.
Just some fun facts:
All through the novel I couldn’t help to think about Carrie White. I amused myself thinking if Carrie reincarnated into Pearl only more bitchier than ever. I mean... Could you blame her?
In 1945 George Orwell published Animal Farm but in Mexico the title in Spanish is Rebellion At The Farm. I haven’t read Orwell’s novel but the book’s name that was given in my country resonated in my head all through the entire novel, cause it fits perfectly.
Pearl is a cute (well, not so much really) little pig. He likes to sit at the top of his pen and watch the world goes by from there. He also likes to hear what other people think. But what he likes the most is to make people SING.
Oh, and, did I forget to tell you that Pearl has psychic abilities?
Well he does and he uses those abilities to learn telepathically all that he can learn. Mostly by the owner of the farm. And when I say that he likes to make people sing, is that he can control other people into doing whatever he wants.
That’s all I’m going to say about the novel cause, as most of the good novels you will want to go in knowing nothing more.
The premise of the novel is very original and interesting but sadly it is not a perfect novel.
First I have to acknowledge that I have fun reading it, and it kept me wondering where was it leading me. And how is this story is going to end? But unfortunately this is where my main problem resides as well. I could never understood Pearl. I didn’t feel him grow as their story moved forward. And it’s never clear what does he really wants, well in fact he seems to want nothing, and that gave me a bittersweet feel by the ending of the story. What the hell does Pearl want?
But what I really didn’t like of this story is a chapter where a police officer is thinking about a young teenage girl and how he had masturbated thinking of her. I felt it wasn’t justified in the novel, therefore it was pointless and out of place. But hey! That’s probably just me.
Despite all of the things I have mentioned and other few things that may not have any kind of sense at all. (Yes I know, it’s a novel about a talking pig. What did I expected?) It has the feel of a B-type horror movie and who doesn’t enjoy those movies? I think this is a signature of Josh. He can hang a woman from a window from her umbilical cord and, at least for me, it’s OK.
This is the second novel I read of Malerman, the first one being Bird Box which I loved, comparing these two novels, he stays true to his writing style. He writes short chapters which gives the sensation of a fast pacing. I like having books like this sometimes cause they’re perfect for when you’re in a hurry or you only want to read a few pages before going to sleep. Although he is so good that he can get you hooked and wanting for “just a few more pages”.
To sum this up I think you need to give this book a chance. It can be gory, it’s definitively enterteining and if you’re a horror fan I think you will enjoy it.
I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of his book. I will be forever grateful for his kindness.
Just some fun facts:
All through the novel I couldn’t help to think about Carrie White. I amused myself thinking if Carrie reincarnated into Pearl only more bitchier than ever. I mean... Could you blame her?
In 1945 George Orwell published Animal Farm but in Mexico the title in Spanish is Rebellion At The Farm. I haven’t read Orwell’s novel but the book’s name that was given in my country resonated in my head all through the entire novel, cause it fits perfectly.
charmandareads's review
4.0
I could NOT put this book down. I have a fair bit of farm experience, and I have never liked pigs. I've always found them gross, scary, and my least favorite animal. I know that they will eat anything, ANYTHING (see options for body disposals).
All of that being said, I hate pigs. This book did not make me like them any more, and the story is absolutely haunting. Right out if the gate, it is gripping and gory.
On This, The Day of the Pig is primarily about the family of Walter Kopple, a farmer in Chowder, MI. On Kopple's farm resides Pearl the pig, who makes everyone that comes near the farm feel quite uneasy. We get a great taste of Pearl's power within the first few pages, and it only grows as the story progresses, causing more devastation and horror.
I think that this is an original tale, although I did get some "Carrie" vibes. My only major complaint is the use of words like "gonna" and "wanna" outside of dialogue. I find it off-putting and, for me, makes the writing appears juvenile. I felt that the plot became a little unraveled towards the end, and that there may have been too many elements involved. However, I truly enjoyed reading this novel and am very glad I picked it up.
All of that being said, I hate pigs. This book did not make me like them any more, and the story is absolutely haunting. Right out if the gate, it is gripping and gory.
On This, The Day of the Pig is primarily about the family of Walter Kopple, a farmer in Chowder, MI. On Kopple's farm resides Pearl the pig, who makes everyone that comes near the farm feel quite uneasy. We get a great taste of Pearl's power within the first few pages, and it only grows as the story progresses, causing more devastation and horror.
I think that this is an original tale, although I did get some "Carrie" vibes. My only major complaint is the use of words like "gonna" and "wanna" outside of dialogue. I find it off-putting and, for me, makes the writing appears juvenile. I felt that the plot became a little unraveled towards the end, and that there may have been too many elements involved. However, I truly enjoyed reading this novel and am very glad I picked it up.
bookertsfarm's review
4.0
So there's probably a reason I shouldn't read horror books featuring animals. I almost always end up feeling sorry for the animal, even if they are sick/evil/obsessed and subsequently end up not caring who they kill or maim, good or bad. Then I look like a heartless individual who doesn't value human life and well, perhaps I'm just overthinking the whole thing. Let's be honest, my friends know I like animals better than people anyway. So on with the review.
So Pearl the pig lives on Old Farmer Kopple's farm. Pearl has been around a long time and he is the primary reason Walt's daughter ran off and married some idiot just to get away. Lots of people in town have heard stories about and may even fear the telepathic pig. And Pearl definitely isn't your average pig. He has one good eye and one bad eye and there's the little issue about Pearl having telepathy. Over the years, Walt has taught Pearl more than he ever should and Pearl clearly is smarter than average. One day, Pearl decides it's time to take his rightful place as ruler of the farm and maybe even the world.
I really enjoyed Malerman's latest release. I've really been in a horror mood lately and this book definitely fit that need. The MC's in the book are Walt's daughter and grandchildren, as well as three teens who go on an expedition to see the "talking pig," and Bob Buck, pig breeder and seller. Now a few words about Bob. He is a disgusting man. I really disliked him and the entire book kind of imagined him as the Boss Hogg of Fossett (as in Dukes of Hazard Boss Hogg minus the comedy aspect - there's nothing funny about Bob, except maybe at the end and that's just this reader's honest opinion).
So onto Pearl. I loved Pearl. I felt sorry for him. He was abused as a piglet and witnessed horrible things. And because he's an animal, that pretty much gave him a free pass to me. I didn't really care what horrible things Pearl did, and there were plenty. They were fun to read about in a twisted sort of fashion.
I'm pretty sure there is some deep social commentary about society within this book. Basically the animals have taken over and there is a question as to who the real animal is, Pearl or man. I even highlighted some quotes because I think they were pretty pertinent and lingered with me long after reading them.
"Yes, in a way, Grandpa had driven Pearl insane. Just like every farmer in America had driven every pig in their pen insane."
Even then she couldn't figure out why the Judge (Pearl now, Pearl is the judge now) had turned her down. Did she come off like a snot-nosed Kid? Someone less savory, someone who truly deserved to pay the fine? It wasn't the loss that bothered her, scared her...it was the blossoming fear within, the idea that man and law could make decisions in the dark and sometimes someone just didn't like the looks of you."
So who should read this book? Anyone who loves horror and has a soft spot for 80's slasher movies. Just keep in mind that Freddie Kruger and Jason's roles are filled by a telepathic pig. A wonderful one-eyed pig named Pearl.
So Pearl the pig lives on Old Farmer Kopple's farm. Pearl has been around a long time and he is the primary reason Walt's daughter ran off and married some idiot just to get away. Lots of people in town have heard stories about and may even fear the telepathic pig. And Pearl definitely isn't your average pig. He has one good eye and one bad eye and there's the little issue about Pearl having telepathy. Over the years, Walt has taught Pearl more than he ever should and Pearl clearly is smarter than average. One day, Pearl decides it's time to take his rightful place as ruler of the farm and maybe even the world.
I really enjoyed Malerman's latest release. I've really been in a horror mood lately and this book definitely fit that need. The MC's in the book are Walt's daughter and grandchildren, as well as three teens who go on an expedition to see the "talking pig," and Bob Buck, pig breeder and seller. Now a few words about Bob. He is a disgusting man. I really disliked him and the entire book kind of imagined him as the Boss Hogg of Fossett (as in Dukes of Hazard Boss Hogg minus the comedy aspect - there's nothing funny about Bob, except maybe at the end and that's just this reader's honest opinion).
So onto Pearl. I loved Pearl. I felt sorry for him. He was abused as a piglet and witnessed horrible things. And because he's an animal, that pretty much gave him a free pass to me. I didn't really care what horrible things Pearl did, and there were plenty. They were fun to read about in a twisted sort of fashion.
I'm pretty sure there is some deep social commentary about society within this book. Basically the animals have taken over and there is a question as to who the real animal is, Pearl or man. I even highlighted some quotes because I think they were pretty pertinent and lingered with me long after reading them.
"Yes, in a way, Grandpa had driven Pearl insane. Just like every farmer in America had driven every pig in their pen insane."
Even then she couldn't figure out why the Judge (Pearl now, Pearl is the judge now) had turned her down. Did she come off like a snot-nosed Kid? Someone less savory, someone who truly deserved to pay the fine? It wasn't the loss that bothered her, scared her...it was the blossoming fear within, the idea that man and law could make decisions in the dark and sometimes someone just didn't like the looks of you."
So who should read this book? Anyone who loves horror and has a soft spot for 80's slasher movies. Just keep in mind that Freddie Kruger and Jason's roles are filled by a telepathic pig. A wonderful one-eyed pig named Pearl.
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