Piggs

by Neal Barrett Jr.

The lowlifes of Piggs Bar and Chinese Restaurant (Mexican Wells, Tex.) in this crime novel from veteran Barrett (The Hereafter Gang) make the regulars of the bar in The Iceman Cometh look classy by comparison. At least O'Neill's characters had hope. These people have nothing to live for. Cecil R. Dupree, the proprietor, rules his subjects like a Caligula in overalls, among them such dregs as Rhino, who runs the restaurant, and Ahmed, the Arab-Chinese chef. Jack, an ex-con who washes dishes and is about as close as Barrett gets to a hero, hasn't been able to get his life together since he left prison, but at least he's found a new purpose in life: Gloria, the stripper/go-go girl. He wants to take her away from this sordid life, but he can't see that she's not interested in him or in any alternative existence he could offer her. For Gloria, Piggs is a chance to dance, and dancing is what matters to her most. Jack's dream is to commit a couple of robberies that will give him enough to escape. When he finally gets his chance, he predictably fails to rise to the occasion. The author's portrait of the denizens of Piggs is deliciously sordid, if just a bit tedious, in the last half before the big shoot-'em-up climax. Still, his array of dismal characters is fascinating to watch, his novel fun to read. (Sept. 10)Forecast: Chiefly known for his offbeat fantasy fiction, Barrett will appeal to the same audience that appreciates the dark humor of Joe R. Lansdale.

Genres: Fiction, Horror

205 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Neal Barrett, Jr. was a writer of fantasy, science fiction, mystery/suspense, and historical fiction. His story "Ginny Sweethips' Flying Circus" was nominated for both the 1988 Nebula Award for Best Novelette and the 1989 Hugo Award for Best Novelette.

Reviews

[Karl]

This hardcover book is copy 72 of 850 copies published and is signed by Neal Barrett Jr.

[Anthony Faber · Rating 1 out of 5]

I abandoned it halfway through. Similar to "Skinny Annie Blues" and not very believable or enjoyable.

[Heidi Fogelberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should probably mention to begin with that my copy of this one has a pink neon mudflap girl as the cover art. This says about everything you need to know about this book. It has strippers, drugs, violence, rednecks, and Absolutely No Political Correctness Of Any Sort. So, if you are sensitive or easily offended ... this book is not for you. That said, it laughs at itself, and it is pretty broadly nondenominational in the slurs it broadcasts. Which are of all sorts and respect no boundaries. It's a quick, fairly mean, dirty little story that takes no prisoners, pulls no punches, and has its own version of a happy ending. And no, that is not a sexual innuendo. Although the book has lots of those, as well as a bonus screenplay version, which, no surprise, has yet to be produced.