Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1896053 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Really good read
`Did I hate him? Of course I hated him. But I never meant to kill him.' This quote is taken from the novel Martyn Pig, written by Kevin Brooks.

Martyn Pig is a thirteen year old boy, forced to live with his drunken, unreliable dad, after his mother left his father . The book is set a week before Christmas usually a time for festive cheer, and excitement, but for Martyn, it was the worst week of his life. One day, Martyn and his father are sitting down in front of the television, watching Inspector Morse, when Martyn's dad, totally drunk starts making snide, and stupid remarks about the programme. After a while, Inspector Morse calls for his assistant Lewis. Martyn's father picks up this catchphrase and begins to repeat it, in a loud and obnoxious manner. After some time, this proves too much for Martyn, who is trying hard to concentrate on the programme. At this point, Martyn yells at his father telling him to cut it out, and to stop making the pathetic remarks. Enraged, Martyn's father lunges towards Martyn. In the frenzy, Martyn steps smoothly away, and gives his father a sharp push in the back, sending him sprawling into the fire place, where his head slams heavily into the corner of the fireplace. Scared to call the police, Martyn is faced with two options. He can either tell the police the truth, or hide the body and get on with the rest of his life. Sound simple? Think again, with shocking discoveries and disturbing consequences Martyn and his friend Alex try to deal with the disaster, leading to death, love and betrayal.
In my opinion this is the best book I have ever read, and is undoubtedly a novel to read before you die. I loved the plot in this book, and the way it can be read over and over again without disappointment. Kevin Brooks is a relatively new author, and has only written a few books such as `Lucas', and `Walking the Dead'. When Kevin Brooks was a boy, his dream was to be either a rock star, or a writer, so at least one of his dreams came true. This book contains strong language and was written for teenagers in mind.
THIS REVIEW WAS BY STEPHEN CAGE, AGED 12
HARROGATE.

Pretty good - but not great.
This book is about a boy named Martyn Pig who lives in a town which he hates, has a snobby aunt and a father who is a drunk. His only friend is a girl named Alex who lives across the street and had a boyfriend named Dean. One day just before Christmas, when Martyn accidentally kills his father and the untrustworthy Dean finds out, Alex and Martyn have to carry out a drastic plan to save their own skins. Later on the book there is a twist in the tale which was well - planned and enhances the story.
I personally liked how the book was outspoken and original and how the author (Kevin Brooks) conveyed Martyn's inner thoughts and dreams. The final twist was almost genius of the author and because of that I can imagine this becoming a cult teenage novel.
Yet some parts of the story were slow and unrealistic. I also noticed that it did not contain much descripton in places meaning that it became loosely constructed.

Kevin Brooks - Martyn Pig
I read this book in a night i couldnt put it down. Bought it as a fan of Melvin Burgess as he gave it a good review and I must say, it's really easy to get into and the characters are brilliant. A very good book is a must read book!