Reviews with content warning for Classism - Piglet: A Novel

I really liked the gorgeous, almost sickly descriptions of food and the show-don’t-tell way the author depicted the both the differences between Piglet’s and Kit’s backgrounds and the discomfort Piglet feels within her own body. This book was a challenge to read, mostly because I saw a little too much of myself in Piglet. I think it’s a novel a lot of people will be able to connect to.

Content Warnings

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I had such a good time with this book. It was the first book in a long time that I stayed up too late reading. I thought it was a super great unraveling, and I can't wait to read more from this author. And what a COVER. Piglet's parents were so painfully awkward. It just felt so visceral and animal. A great look at how for some of us, food controls half of our lives. Also really appreciated the whole

when-your-friends-have-babies-you-lose-them-forever storyline

.
*bought at Solid State Books near Logan Circle, DC

Content Warnings

melodyseestrees's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.0

If you are a person who struggles with disordered eating habits- especially ones that lean towards binge eating- those habits will be triggered.
The entire book is a woman who is just agreeing to decisions other people have made for her and then binge eating away the icky feelings while also self-sabotaging her own career.
At no point does she express an opinion over her 'childhood nickname' even though she got that nickname because

she was helping her sister hide an eating disorder- seemingly anorexia. 'If you eat a quarter, I'll take care of the rest'

I was prepared for the presence of the 'nickname' but it was upsetting for me. The blurb says she can't shake the nickname but she is never shown making an effort. Around the 60% mark one could argue that she starts making decisions but given the surrounding events I will argue it was a stress breakdown calling the shots. She has two friends who want the best for her but other than that her support circle is non-existent. The family is shown to be well-meaning but very toxic and not focused on either daughter- as one's disordered eating goes unnoticed and the other's disordered eating becomes a 'family joke' shared with glee.

The dad is implied to have committed infidelity in the past and still our leading lady chooses to go to him for some extremely unhelpful 'advice.'

The classist tones primarily come from Kit's family who are shown trying to make this wedding a huge deal while calling the main character 'Pig' or 'Piglet' with a specific tone. Kit's mother is particularly repugnant and Kit's father is an implied drunk just going along with whatever the mother wants.
The food depictions are well done- you can tell the author has a history with creative food writing. The easy slide into disordered eating, and that is what the character is doing, is very realistically written. The snippet of anorexia that is shown on page is also very similar to struggles friends of mine have shared with me.

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beeeenerys's review against another edition

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challenging reflective 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

4.0

Overall I enjoyed the book, I resonated in part with the MC. She has spent her life policing herself to the comfort and convenience of others, literally squeezing herself into a shape she wasn't made for and yet she is the one who's made responsible.

Her parent's bought her a dress that doesn't fit her yet it's her fault for not fasting when she can't put it on herself, her husband did something to break her trust in the relationship yet it's her who tries to stay because according to her MIL "marriage is a commitment".

But when she attempts to do something right by herself the first thing she thinks of is public scrutiny and embarrassment and that thought process is very real.

I'm of two mind that we didn't find out what her husband did, on one hand I appreciate that this is P's story and he does not matter in the slightest, on the other hand I'm nosey and I'm a tiny bit disappointed that I didn't find out.

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mandi_lea's review against another edition

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dark sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Content Warnings

rebeccakoury's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

I really, really enjoyed this book. I ended up reading it in a little over 24 hours and found myself wanting to come back to it after I'd put it down. I felt the tension and the anxiety as the book continued and definitely think this book deserves higher ratings than it has right now!
Unrelated to the content of the book but still important, I found the hardcover to be the perfect size and weight 😂

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kelleykamanda's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

I absolutely *inhaled* the first half of this book. It became a bit slow towards the middle... but the end, THE END! I was so satisfied with it. This book truly embodies what it feels like to take up space. Painful, difficult, the whole works. Bonus points to the beautiful descriptions of food and cooking. Love.

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