Hug chickenpenny The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child

"S. Craig Zahler is certain to become one of the great imaginers of our time." --Clive Barker"[C]harm and optimism ... infuse [this] dark story. [A] delightful combination of tones ... bound to leave readers both smiling and thoughtful.". --Kirkus Reviews "The latest novel from the author of Mean Business on North Ganson Street (2014) is a Victorianesque tale set in twentieth-century America, featuring orphaned Hug Chickenpenny, a child born with several "anomalous" features, such as one red eye, a stump for his left arm, and lumps on his head. Hug's mother dies giving birth to him, and he's found by her best friend, Abigail, who brings him to an orphanage. A sweet and happy baby, Hug is cared for by George, one of the workers at the orphanage, and scorned by another, the icy receptionist Jennifer. George is dismayed when Hug is adopted by a scientist who studies anomalies in nature. Several years later, a tragedy returns Hug to the orphanage, which to Hug's dismay is now being run by the cruel Jennifer. Throughout the ups and downs of his life, Hug remains cheerful and optimistic, pursuing his love of rockets and adventure. Readers will find themselves pulling for the lovable Hug and for a happy ending to Zahler's unusual and unusually appealing tale." -Booklist"A sharp look at family, deformity, community, and belonging. At once moving and merciless, this is a chronicle of a hapless but still altogether human life." --Brian Evenson, author ofA Collapse of Horses Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child is a gothic, Dickensian take on the Elephant Man, as if David Lynch wrote a fable for unbalanced orphans.Hug Chickenpenny is an anomalous child. Born from tragedy and unknown paternity, this asymmetrical and white-haired baby inspires both ire and pity at the orphanage, until the day that an elderly eccentric adopts him as a pet. The upbeat boy's spirit is challenged in his new home and as he is exposed to prejudiced members of society in various encounters. Will Hug and his astronautical dreams survive our cruel and judgmental world?S. Craig Zahler is an award-winning screenwriter, director, novelist, cinematographer, and musician. He wrote and directed the films Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99, and is the author of several novels, including Wraiths of the Broken Land, A Congregation of Jackals, and Mean Business on North Ganson Street.,Born from tragedy, the purple-mouthed, white-haired, misshapen child Hug inspires both ire and pity at the orphanage, until the day an eccentric oldster adopts him as a pet. The upbeat boy's spirit is challenged in his new home as he is repeatedly exposed to the prejudice of society. Will Hug and his astronautical dreams survive our cruel and judgmental world? "S. Craig Zahler is certain to become one of the great imaginers of our time." Clive Barker Hug Chickenpenny is an anomalous child. Born from tragedy and unknown paternity, this asymmetrical and white-haired baby inspires both ire and pity at the orphanage, until the day that an elderly eccentric adopts him as a pet. The upbeat boy's spirit is challenged in his new home and as he is exposed to prejudiced members of society in various encounters. Will Hug and his astronautical dreams survive our cruel and judgmental world? "A sharp look at family, deformity, community, and belonging. At once moving and merciless, this is a chronicle of a hapless but still altogether human life." Brian Evenson, author of A Collapse of Horses S. Craig Zahler is an award-winning screenwriter, director, novelist, cinematographer, and musician. He wrote and directed the films Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99 , and is the author of several novels, including Wraiths of the Broken Land , A Congregation of Jackals , and Mean Business on North Ganson Street .