The Bighead Kindle Edition

This book is one of those that no matter how many years it's been since you've read it, there's about 4 or 5 parts that you'll never forget. Not because they're deep, meaningful, and thought - provoking but because they push that extremely thin line between stomach - churning (just for shock value) and the grotesque that is just FUN to read and has a place within the plot.Edward Lee is one of those authors, to me, that can push those boundaries while still filling out the rest of the story so that these acts of gore somehow fit into the storyline and leave you coming back for more.Imagine my luck when I came across this copy of "The Bighead", which is a favorite Edward Lee book of mine that was signed by none other then the man himself!Needless to say, this purchase was a guilty pleasure of mine that I don't regret one bit!

The Bighead—along with the rest of Edward Lee’s novels—have long held an infamous spot within the dark shelf of the horror genre known collectively as the “splatterpunk”. This subgenre distinguishes itself from its horror siblings by—and it bears repeating that this is within the horror genre—excessively graphic depictions of violence and gore. The Bighead itself has long held a reputation as something of a dare for genre readers—a book filled with countless descriptions of the most gruesome, nauseating, stomach-turning scenes of sex, violence, and horror. While long familiar and a fan of the work by authors like Jack Ketchum and Richard Laymon, The Bighead presented itself as an intriguing step further into this subgenre and an opportunity to examine how well the craft side of the narrative serves its looming, notorious reputation. From the very first sentence, the reader is able to quickly gauge whether they have the stomach to power through three hundred more pages filled with similarly grotesque sentences or not. This is not the type of horror that haunts you. That is, the type of weird horror that weaves a strong atmosphere of dread before a Lovecraftian glimpse into the voids of indescribable terror, nor is it the type of nauseating and vivid horror mastered by guys like Ketchum and Laymon, who tell a strong, suspenseful story of terrible and gruesome acts with characters that—although often detestable—are still recognizable as human beings. Instead, Edward Lee kicks it up to eleven in nearly every category. Often employing a colloquial prose in chapters concerning either the Bighead or the two deplorable redneck hillbillies Tritt and Balls, the writing simultaneously places the reader within the very uncomfortable skin of the two despicable killers while also putting the vile actions at arms length from ever experiencing some of these over-the-top murders in any realistic way. In other words, this colloquial verbiage allows the reader a glimpse into the Bighead’s mindset with passages reminiscent of something akin to a serial killer’s diary, while also distancing any plausibility of how unbelievably over-the-top such savagery could ever be. If Lee were to write these passages with a straight face, employing the normal prose utilized in chapters with the “normal” character (Chastity, Jerrica, the Priest), the tone would drastically shift from the more pulpy and self-aware disgust into horrors that would become too comically disgusting to bear. While many would (perhaps rightfully) argue that these never-ending descriptions of creative disgusts are already “too much”, this change in perspective using the “hick” dialogue within the prose serves its purpose for both tone and narrative in a unique and stylistic method. For readers seeking out The Bighead for a thrill, to test boundaries of good taste and violence, then the book certainly delivers. Moreover, these elements are satisfied within the first fifty pages or so, which make the next couple hundred a little more tiresome than they should be. The reader becomes accustomed to the rhythm of the book, knowing that after one or two “quiet” scenes that consist of character finding out expository plot details, the next chapter or two will be louder than hell and fulfill its task of topping the previous disgusting scene with even more creative and repulsive ways to send shivers up the readers spine. Certain elements of the ending may serve as a point of dispute, but by that point, arguments toward the overall quality of the book should more or less be rendered mute. Still, The Bighead lives up to its reputation for those interested. The novel is filled with some of the most perverse, disturbed imagery that one can imagine, and though this is more for shock and thrill purposes, than any type of horror that will crawl under your skin, one should seek out the novel at least to be a part of the discussion and claim to have powered through the infamous novel. Certainly recommended to fans of the horror genre, and those looking for a book that will illumine its most vile corners.http://nickyarborough.com/book-review-the-bighead/

I was weary about The Bighead seeing as it was my first time with a Lee novel and yet as I finished the last page I found it to be a journey worth taking. I feel like some of his exaggerated spelling for some of the bumpkins was almost over the top to where I'd find myself rereading a sentence every now and then. That being said it was easily overlooked as Lee builds up to the climax with plenty of crude violence and sharp wit making for a crazy and fun ride. Each character is unique and feels right in this world with great development. All in all a solid 8.5/10

Wow....So I’s finally got ta read Ed Lee’s “The Bighead” And I’m purty sore at muhself fer not checkin’ this here book out sooner!Ahem, sorry the redneck speak is a lot of fun and so is this book. It was everything I had hoped it would be and then some.The passages dealing with The Bighead and especially Dicky and Balls were just on a whole other level of nastiness and I ate it up like Bighead et up them cracker girls’ brains yessir!I had such a blast with this novel and could just marvel at the levels that Mr. Lee took this story, you could tell he was having a blast with it and so was I ! Highly recommend!

I uh...I don't really...think this book should be read. By anyone. Ever.But I did and had some laughs and some moments of true shock and other moments where I had to look up a word I never knew existed. I have never read so bold a book so props. I'll read more from him. As soon as my gorge settles.

I enjoy extreme horror and had never read any of Ed Lee's work but was aware of his good reputation. It was suggested that this would be a good start to begin with his work. I just found the story boring and not really that extreme. The way it was written with the language going from "hillbilly" and back to normal took away from the story as I had to re-read a few sentences. I may try another one of his books but this one i found slow and boring and kind of dumb.

This book is just very strange even by the standards of splatterpunk, and the other edward lee works I've read. Highly entertaining, and the violence and sex is so ludicrously depraved that with the exception of a couple of more believable scenes I personally wasn't too repulsed. The thing is, in the last 10% of the book the story takes a dramatically different turn, and while normally I'm fine with suprise endings, it was strangely predictable if the only intention was to be as perverse as possible

Charity, a sensitive and attractive young woman is compelled to go back to the hick town she grew up in; which is situated somewhere close to The Appalachians, on the border of Kentucky and Virginia. Years ago she was taken by the state from her Aunt, who'd been looking after her when her parents died in tragic circumstances.. But the state deciding her Aunt could not afford to keep her any more took Charity away, and thus she was placed in an orphanage. So, with an inner calling, Charity knows it's high time she caught up with her only known relative, Aunt Annie, who now owns a lucrative guest house, and Charity heads home.Travelling with her is a stunning nympho, and ex~drug addict, who's current job it is as a journalist, to write a modern expose on rural life. The woman whose advert for a travelling companion to the locale, is answered by Charity..However those aren't the only two headed toward town. Also there is a tough catholic priest, Father Alexander, whose bosses have no idea what to do with him..An ex-Vietnam Ranger, Alexander, is used as a no holds barred psychologist by the Vatican, but due to his somewhat challenging attitude, is sent to the sticks to orchestrate the refurbishment of a derelict, Catholic convalescence home for Priests..Last but not least there is one other character headed straight for the town. . . The Bighead. A huge, monstrous, inbred freak, so called because of he suffers from congenital hydrocephaly, who's been lurking deep in the 'Lower Woods', in and around his Grandpappy's shack for the last 30yrs. That is until very recently, when unfortunately, he suffered a bereavement, that of his only remaining family member, his Grandpap, who just passed away.Now The Bighead is on a collision course directly with the outside world.. Which maybe wouldn't be so bad if his only hobbies didn't include: sexually assaulting things to death, eating brains and wanton destruction!.Possibly the most depraved and vile piece of literary brain spew I have ever read.. Possibly!Featuring page after page of extremely naughty behaviour (I tried to make a list but my review kept being blocked by Amazon!).. As unwitting strangers either come into contact with The Bighead of the title, or possibly even worse (for them), two of the other main characters, who are a pair of moonshine running, backwoods sickos, who spend their spare time ~ and entire duration of the novel, killing for kicks........Needless to say I loved it!!Of course this is not for the faint hearted, nor the squeamish, nor those of a nervous disposition. Or for that matter the easily offended. But however if you don't fall into that mind set you should find a lot to keep you entertained here, that is for sure.Typically the author doesn't intend for his readers to take this seriously, he is purposefully being as over the top as possible, and if you don't get the joke, there's no point even picking it up, let alone reading it.... But on the other hand, if you are rarely offended by sick imagery and like the backwoods slasher movies of the 80s (think The Beast Within..) then you're in for a real treat...The writing is punchy, witty and above all else unrelentingly depraved. Yes, one could argue at times that Lee becomes completely self indulgent in his perverse prose, and maybe that he could've trimmed some repetitive action from the proceedings, but overall in my eyes the book is an unmitigated triumph in lunacy...!!YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!The Overlook Connection Press edition features computer illustrations, which if I'm honest, I didn't like, due to their cheap look.

Wow what a book! It had everything and was extremely gruesome and sickening in many ways so I would not advise anyone who is easily offended to read this. But an amazing read filled from start to finish with non stop excitement and gripping storylines. This book just kept you glued and was intense. Full of great details and characters. You end up squirming and gritting your teeth. Even shaking yourself at parts you are so induced into the words. If you can handle the horror parts that are traffic and brutal then this book is a must to read. I loved it. An amazing read!

I have read a few Lee - but this one was a bit extreme for me, it was overly gratuitous with the sadistic/evil sexual side of things - also Header was the same, very twisted - but then that,s what the books are about - very twisted people and events.I'm sure there are people and events like this out there (Rwanda)and maybe its a little shocking to be reminded of the fact - in a work of extreme fiction. I will still carry on reading Lee - but may not like all I read, My problem - not his.I gave it an "Okay" as I still had the need to finish the book to find out what happens. So be warned..... its Bovril in literature form !

i've seen this book rated as one or five stars and I can see why, either Lee wrote this as a serious piece and then its trash or its a comedy, then its a master piece. it has aall the Lee signature plot cues sex, violence, backwoods folk, female protagonist, sexy fantasies etc etc. read it make your own mind up. without doubt one of the most explicit books you will ever read. by the way, if america's backwoods folk were black, would Lee, Ketchum and Laymon have merilessly derided them as they do? answers on a post card.

Brilliant stomach-churning stuff from Lee, as you would expect from a backwoods, deranged, well-endowed monster with a taste for human flesh