I'll Never Look at Bacon the Same Again - On This, the Day of the Pig Review

TITLE: On This, the Day of the Pig
AUTHOR: Josh Malerman
PUBLISHER: Cemetery Dance
PUBLISHING DATE: January 2019

ABOUT THE BOOK: For years, farmer Walter Kopple has been wary of his odd pig Pearl. Some days Kopple’s even afraid of him. But it’s not until Pearl convinces the farmer’s grandson to murder a fellow pig in the pen that Pearl realizes the extent of his own psychic power. Rumor of the killing spreads fast in small town Chowder, and between the teenagers who come looking for the “telepathic pig,” the farmer’s daughter who knows he must be stopped, and the town leaders who come to kill him, Pearl is gonna see just how strong his mind has gotten, on this, the day of the pig. 

MY THOUGHTS: 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.

 RATING: 4 PAWS (or in this case, hooves)