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A review by kba76
Pig by Matilde Pratesi
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Due for publication in May 2025, Pig is a deeply unsettling and uncomfortable read. It took some time to get under the skin of the main character Vale, but the more we learned about her the more frustrated I got with those who stood by and allowed this toxic relationship to go on as long as it did.
Vale is working in a bookshop in London. When stressed or nervous she takes to reciting pig facts to calm herself down. Right at the outset we sense she is in a coercive relationship - running to get home on time because you fear the reaction of the person you live with is not right. So, why does Vale not see this?
The answer is not straightforward.
As I read the opening chapter I felt I was reading about an abusive relationship between two romantic partners. So it shocked me rather when I realised that Vale is living with Clara, her best friend from when she was a teenager in Rome, and that there is no physical intimacy between them. This made it even more incomprehensible to understand why Vale bathes Clara, and why Clara writes her daily notes telling her what to wear and what to eat. I’m not naive enough to not recognise that many of the signs of a toxic relationship can creep up on people, but these were so glaring that I wondered whether we were going to have an unexpected twist that would challenge my evident assumptions.
The story unpicks their early friendship, and in the beginning Vale certainly seemed rather obsessive in her overtures of friendship. Vale’s comments about these early years, and her general ways of managing life, suggested strongly that she may be on the autistic spectrum. Without anyone else’s view of these early years it’s hard to say to what extent we trust Vale’s viewpoint.
The story is not particularly fast-paced, and nothing much actually happens for a long time. An unexpected meeting during work results in Vale being commissioned to write a book about her specialist interest, pigs. Hiding this from her flatmate, even though it brings her such joy, is deeply troubling to read about. As Vale begins to trust those around her she starts to make decisions that are about her, and about her desires.
It was not entirely unexpected to read about the selfish behaviour of Clara once the book is published. However, as little chinks in the relationship appear I wanted to give a cheer as Vale begins those crucial small steps in gaining the autonomy so many of us take for granted.
A discomfiting read, and though I can’t say I enjoyed it the experience was certainly one that I feel I benefitted from. Huge thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me access to this in exchange for my honest review. I shall certainly recommend it to some and look forward to hearing their thoughts.
Vale is working in a bookshop in London. When stressed or nervous she takes to reciting pig facts to calm herself down. Right at the outset we sense she is in a coercive relationship - running to get home on time because you fear the reaction of the person you live with is not right. So, why does Vale not see this?
The answer is not straightforward.
As I read the opening chapter I felt I was reading about an abusive relationship between two romantic partners. So it shocked me rather when I realised that Vale is living with Clara, her best friend from when she was a teenager in Rome, and that there is no physical intimacy between them. This made it even more incomprehensible to understand why Vale bathes Clara, and why Clara writes her daily notes telling her what to wear and what to eat. I’m not naive enough to not recognise that many of the signs of a toxic relationship can creep up on people, but these were so glaring that I wondered whether we were going to have an unexpected twist that would challenge my evident assumptions.
The story unpicks their early friendship, and in the beginning Vale certainly seemed rather obsessive in her overtures of friendship. Vale’s comments about these early years, and her general ways of managing life, suggested strongly that she may be on the autistic spectrum. Without anyone else’s view of these early years it’s hard to say to what extent we trust Vale’s viewpoint.
The story is not particularly fast-paced, and nothing much actually happens for a long time. An unexpected meeting during work results in Vale being commissioned to write a book about her specialist interest, pigs. Hiding this from her flatmate, even though it brings her such joy, is deeply troubling to read about. As Vale begins to trust those around her she starts to make decisions that are about her, and about her desires.
It was not entirely unexpected to read about the selfish behaviour of Clara once the book is published. However, as little chinks in the relationship appear I wanted to give a cheer as Vale begins those crucial small steps in gaining the autonomy so many of us take for granted.
A discomfiting read, and though I can’t say I enjoyed it the experience was certainly one that I feel I benefitted from. Huge thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me access to this in exchange for my honest review. I shall certainly recommend it to some and look forward to hearing their thoughts.