Hogg is a pornographic novel written by Samuel R. Delany. It was written in San Francisco in 1969 and completed just days before the Stonewall Riots in New York City. At the time no one would publish it due to its graphic sexual descriptions of homosexuality, child molestation, incest, necrophilia and rape. Hogg was finally published in 1995 by Black Ice Books .
The novel is told from the perspective of an eleven year old boy, who after being pimped out in his friend's basement for a few chapters, joins up with Franklin Hargus, a trucker and rapist-for-hire. The boy, known only as "(the) bitch" satisfies the perverse sexual demands of everyone around him without ever speaking a word. The bitch witnesses the horrible depths of humanity as a passive observer, and every graphic detail is noted in the book. The book reaches a cynical climax when Franklin Hargus expresses the slightest bit of affection for the bitch, at which point the bitch loses interest and looks for another master.
Delany provides little information about the bitch, which is one of the most unique elements of Hogg. Aside from his age, and his refusal to withhold sexual satisfaction, the reader learns nothing about his opinions or philosophy. Most of The Bitch's wranglers discuss his ethnicity, whether he has any African American blood. This is the only clue we have as to The Bitch's past.
Despite the books trashy appearance, many highly respected authors have given their endorsement. Norman Mailer, for instance, said "There is no question that Hogg by Samuel R. Delany is a serious book with literary merit."
Last updated: 05-25-2005 19:50:14
