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A review by bengibbreid
Pig Iron by Benjamin Myers
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's a heavy read with some really dark moments. I found myself spurred on by the internal voice of John-John and the quirks of his Northeast voice like something out of a, whatsit film. Yeah, noir. Proper moody.
Ultimately I find the story a tragedy, despite teases of hope. It's a downer of a read and I'd recommend taking stock of your day before diving in - I found it bitterly rancid in its portrayal of scenes involving paedophiles, child abuse and incest. I get that it's a book set in the grim reality in which we exist, but I found it hard to read - I'm still reeling from it.
Anyhow, the tale of an optimistic ex-con traveller who is dealing with his past has a lot of traction and mellow reflections of vibrant life, albeit a life threatened by the horrid deeds of people at every turn.
Ultimately I find the story a tragedy, despite teases of hope. It's a downer of a read and I'd recommend taking stock of your day before diving in - I found it bitterly rancid in its portrayal of scenes involving paedophiles, child abuse and incest. I get that it's a book set in the grim reality in which we exist, but I found it hard to read - I'm still reeling from it.
Anyhow, the tale of an optimistic ex-con traveller who is dealing with his past has a lot of traction and mellow reflections of vibrant life, albeit a life threatened by the horrid deeds of people at every turn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Rape, Murder, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism, Hate crime, Blood, and Excrement