Pygmy

Chuck Palahniuk

May 2009 · Sold by Anchor

About this ebook

A gang of adolescent terrorists, a spelling bee, and a terrible plan masquerading as a science project: This is Operation Havoc.
 
Pygmy is one of a handful of young adults from a totalitarian state sent to the US disguised as exchange students. Living with American families to blend in, they are planning an unspecified act of massive terrorism that will bring this big dumb country and its fat dumb inhabitants to their knees. Palahniuk depicts Midwestern life through the eyes of this indoctrinated little killer in a cunning double-edged satire of American xenophobia.

Ratings and reviews

Obviously the language in this book was off-putting to many reviewers. While it was challenging to read, it was important to the story. I believe what was done was to take English, translate to proper Chinese words and phrasing, then a word-for-word, literal translation back to English. If you think of it, it gives you a unique insight into a Chinese person's mind. For the story itself, it was an enjoyable read, and represents some fantastic Chuck Palahniuk style. Right up until the end. The ending was like Chuck got bored and gave the last chapter to Danielle Steele to finish. Really made me regret bothering with this challenging read.

I love, adore, Palahniuk's novels. I thought the plot was very interesting, but I could not even get halfway through this book because of the way he wrote it. I understand it was supposed to be choppy; I just can't stand it. Before buying this, read the first chapter to see if you like it. And if you do make sure you really like it. The book I bought is practically new.

Pygmy is the most entertaining Palahniuk book since Choke. If you can get past some awkward sentence structures (which are hilarious... mostly) and aren't looking for some kind of vast cultural awakening moment, this is a fun one.

About the author

Chuck Palahniuk’s nine previous novels are the bestselling Fight Club, which was made into a film by David Fincher; Survivor; Invisible Monsters; Choke, which was made into a film by director Clark Gregg; Lullaby; Diary; Haunted; Rant; and Snuff. He is also the author of Fugitives and Refugees, a nonfiction profile of Portland, Oregon, published as part of the Crown Journeys series, and the nonfiction collection Stranger Than Fiction. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.