Reviews

The Dig by Cynan Jones

Only show reviews with written explanations

biggymcslaps1's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

gentlemanbadger's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

really brilliant sparsh writing that fills up the page in such a wonderful way. a look at grief, isolation and fear set in the welsh countryside. a fair bit of disturbing imagery around animal death but it is done very well. stunning read

Content Warnings

kmt75's review

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Really good, but not for everyone. Genuine horror. Just a brutally ugly and depressing experience.

Content Warnings

pking90's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Brutal and tight. Some of the most beautiful sentences full of ache and bite and swelling with memories. The violence of this book is rarely on full display, but it’s impact is direct and hard. A masterclass in concision.

harrietthacker85's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Cynan Jones is an exceptional author, and The Dig is a little piece of perfection. The story is about a sheep farmer in deepest rural Wales and a badger baiter, but at it's core this is a story about love and grief. The Dig is one of very few books that made me physically react to the writing. Jones' descriptions of badger baiting and fighting are extremely powerful. There is a stark contrast between his beautiful, poetic language (Celtic lyricism) and the harsh reality of the story he is telling, but that serves to draw you in even more. The Dig is essential reading for anyone!