Pig Tale

Publishers Weekly

A man whose chief income derives from pig-keeping discovers a foundling one day. Is she a changeling left by the Crystal Folk in nearby Wickenwood or just an ordinary orphan? Firmly rooted in Celtic folklore and transformation myths, and infused with motifs from Jackson's The Lottery, Flieger's haunting rite-of-passage fantasy touches on a host of difficult subjects: rape, hatred, fear of the unknown, first love, spirituality and death. Young Mokie adopts Apple, the 13th pig born of a sow with only 12 teats, while working as the pig herder for her reluctant guardian in Little Wicken, where ritual pig stonings ensure good harvests. Through imagery and dreams, Flieger links the girl's fate with that of the pig's ("When she dreamed, she was not only the watcher but also the little pig, feeling her terror and the thud of the stones as they hit her body"). Readers may be disturbed by a graphic rape scene, which marks a turning point for 15-year-old Mokie: she and Apple then take refuge in the woods, where they meet up with a trio of magical characters who teach her the skills required to become a member of their "tumbling" troupe and earn her trust. But the three also know Mokie will soon play a pivotal part in "the pattern" that the Crystal Folk can never break. A redemptive ending brings this heartbreaking fantasy full circle. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

VOYA

In a field near the village of Little Wicken, a woman gives birth to a baby girl and disappears into the night, leaving her infant for the ignorant and resentful villagers to rear. Abused and neglected, the child, dubbed Mokie or "Little Pig Girl," is tolerated only because of her special talent with animals, in particular the village's pigs. A vicious attack by the village boys sends Mokie fleeing into the forest with her pet and soul mate, Apple, a most unusual pig. Damaged physically and emotionally, she meets three mysterious characters-Lally Dai, The Skimmer, and Dogger John-who offer her the first affection she has ever known. These strangers-gypsies, tinkers, traveling players, or spirits-have waited close to forever for this girl to come to them, but they also know her horrifying fate and are powerless to prevent it. This curious story blends elements of myth, fantasy, and the harshest reality in a sometimes uneasy mix. The dreamlike narrative occasionally becomes murky, and the lyrical style sometimes seems merely precious. Moreover, the author is unclear as to her intended audience. The cover art, depicting a wide-eyed girl and an adorable piglet staring into a crystalline green orb, will attract younger readers who might be confused by the pervasive symbolism or upset by disturbing incidents such as the stoning death of a pig and Mokie's rape by her brutal foster brother. This dark fantasy might appeal to older genre fans but is an optional purchase for most collections. VOYA CODES: 2Q 3P J S (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2002,Hyperion/Disney, 336p, Hansen

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Mokie, an orphan, lives with a mean-spirited couple and their loutish son, Dommel; her only companionship comes from the pigs she herds, especially from her pet runt, Apple. Mokie's lonely life leaves her vulnerable to a gang of village boys who overpower her while Dommel brutally rapes her. Distraught and horrified, Mokie flees into the forest with Apple and lives off the land until she encounters a strange trio, two men and a woman. She meets them again at the other side of the forest, performing as gypsies at a country fair, and as they befriend her, she learns more about the mystery of her own growing and changing body and finds, apparently, true love with the younger of the men. The story is interwoven with mythic imagery of stories Mokie has overheard of the Crystal Country and a powerful figure named Sorcha. Coming full circle, she is lured back to the village by the capture of her beloved pig, only to meet a tragic end as once again she becomes the village scapegoat. But her essential spirit passes on to the Crystal Country where she senses that a wonderful reunion will take place. The story will appeal to readers who enjoy otherworldly tales of mythic proportion, such as Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy (Knopf). However, it occasionally becomes weighted down by its mythic meaning, and the convoluted plot may be difficult to follow for many readers. Still, the writing is rich in imagery and flows smoothly and the characters are intriguing and finely drawn. An interesting first novel from an author who bears watching.-Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Mokie's name means pig girl, and her life is completely wretched except when in the company of the pigs she cares for. She arrived as a babe of unknown parentage and the village of Little Wicken has little use for an infant and treats her like an animal or thing, using her services to tend the pigs when she grows older. Since she knows nothing except being an outcast, Mokie accepts her fate and submits, finding ways to adjust, such as adopting a runt, Apple. As she nears adulthood, her female form dressed in rags and tatters is enticing to the louts of the village and they attack her, helping their leader rape her. Traumatized, Mokie takes Apple and runs away. She finds companions whose voices, introduced in the prologue, let readers know they're from another world. The writing is crisp and clean, unconvoluted yet stately, lending an aura of tradition to the tale of a girl whose sacrifice is required. The juxtaposition of unknown and unrecognized goodness alongside selfishness and evil conveys a philosophical underpinning. Finally, the plot takes over, leaving an unsettled feeling that something is missing. As with most legends, the ending is less than upbeat, yet hints abound that all will not go well. Readers who found Eloise McGraw's Moorchild (1996) riveting are the ideal audience for another tale of a girl who is a complete outsider. An intriguing first novel from an academic who specializes in mythology. (Fiction. YA)