The Dig - General Discussion (No spoilers) (July 2017)

[Hugh]

This topic is for general discussion - please do not post spoilers here.

The Dig is the fourth novel by the Welsh writer Cynan Jones. It is a short, poetic and sometimes brutal novel with two main characters, a widowed sheep farmer and a badger baiter.

A few reviews (these may contain spoilers):
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-ent...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/bo...
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/bo...
https://www.ft.com/content/0461da34-9...

and a Wikipedia article on the author:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynan_J...

[Kay]

Thanks for getting us started, Hugh!

[LindaJ^]

Having just read the entries in the literary horror thread, I think The Dig would be a worthy entry. The opening scene had me cringing.

[Hugh]

Yes. Not a book for the faint hearted - you have been warned...

[PS]

Hello, I'm new here (I'll introduce myself properly in the appropriate thread when I'm back on my computer!). Just wanted to say that I'll be reading The Dig along with the group. Linda, I agree the opening scene was harrowing to say the least. Should be an interesting read!

[Ami]

Hugh wrote: "Yes. Not a book for the faint hearted - you have been warned..."

I didn't plan on reading this one, but now you have me intrigued. Is it Cormac McCarthy cringeworthy... As in, "Blood Meridianish?"

[LindaJ^]

Yes, if you equate animals with humans in cringeworthiness.

[Ami]

LindaJ^ wrote: "Yes, if you equate animals with humans in cringeworthiness."

Nevermind, I'll pass. Thank you.

[Kathleen]

I'm about half way through, and looking forward to checking out the spoiler thread when I'm done. As one of the reviews said, the emotions revealed are almost more painful than the violence. But the writing is really something. It is like Hemingway, at least in the paired down honesty.

[Robert]

I'm 50 pages in and I'm liking it. Why is it reminding me of Magnus Mills' The Restraint of Beasts??

[Hugh]

I have never read The Restraint of Beasts but an old school friend was telling me about it just a couple of weeks ago

[Robert]

Now I'm reminded of Roald Dahl's Claude's Dog story cycle

[Stormie ~ Book Dragon ~]

I just got the book from the library, so will be starting on it soon. :)

[Hugh]

I hope that we have not deterred too many of you with the comments about violence, brutality and animal cruelty - it is a short book and although it has some difficult scenes, these are never gratuitous, and they are absolutely necessary to understanding the nature of the situation.

[Marc]

Just looking up a bit about badger mythology and thought I'd share:
- Encyclopedia of Animal Symbolism in Art...
- European Badger (Standout line: "The European badger has been documented burying dead family members.")

[LindaJ^]

Thanks Marc. Interesting stuff.

[Kirsten]

My library is purchasing a copy and I am still waiting .... hoping to start it this month.

[Marc]

LindaJ^--sure thing!

Kirsten--it's a quick read and we'll be here even if it takes you beyond the month.

[Kay]

Marc - this additional info made this book even deeper that originally; thanks for providing.

Kirsten - the book is totally worth the wait.

[Stormie ~ Book Dragon ~]

I am not too far into this book, but the first part about the badger really upset me. I am still reading the book and making some notes about things that I want to comment on. I think I need to do some further research to understand this book, as I am not sure about some of the symbolism the author uses. I have got as far as the part about the horse, and hopefully, can finish that part today.