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A review by lotte_898
Piglet: A Novel by Lottie Hazell
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This book didn't really work for me for a number of reasons.
Firstly, reading it felt a bit like diving into the second or third series of a long running tv series and trying to play catch up on previous story lines. I don't think the author supplied enough context or background to help us sympathise with Piglet or understand her. Does she get on with her sister? Are they close? Why is she so snobby about her parents? Why, as an adult, does she let people call her piglet when the name clearly upsets her (it's a childhood name but her fiance uses it so, presumably, what, it's how she introduced herself to him)?
Two, I think it treated disordered eating as a metaphor for not feeling satisfied with life which just doesn't sit right with me. It's a huge topic and an important one to talk about, so do it justice. Don't just chuck it in as a reason to include gratuitous descriptions of food.
Three, this is an introspective novel that hinges on us going with Piglet on her journey and, ultimately, I just didn't see why I should. I don't know what Kit did (and I think that knowledge is important in this type of novel because the plot is dependent on it and the nature of what he did would have had a direct effect on her thinking and behaviour), I don't know enough about her or her relationships, and she's a horrible friend to Margot.
On a more personal note, I just hate social climbers and being tall and having glasses isn't enough to justify looking down on your parents and your sister's boyfriend from a great height because they're from Darby and eat tinned custard.
Firstly, reading it felt a bit like diving into the second or third series of a long running tv series and trying to play catch up on previous story lines. I don't think the author supplied enough context or background to help us sympathise with Piglet or understand her. Does she get on with her sister? Are they close? Why is she so snobby about her parents? Why, as an adult, does she let people call her piglet when the name clearly upsets her (it's a childhood name but her fiance uses it so, presumably, what, it's how she introduced herself to him)?
Two, I think it treated disordered eating as a metaphor for not feeling satisfied with life which just doesn't sit right with me. It's a huge topic and an important one to talk about, so do it justice. Don't just chuck it in as a reason to include gratuitous descriptions of food.
Three, this is an introspective novel that hinges on us going with Piglet on her journey and, ultimately, I just didn't see why I should. I don't know what Kit did (and I think that knowledge is important in this type of novel because the plot is dependent on it and the nature of what he did would have had a direct effect on her thinking and behaviour), I don't know enough about her or her relationships, and she's a horrible friend to Margot.
On a more personal note, I just hate social climbers and being tall and having glasses isn't enough to justify looking down on your parents and your sister's boyfriend from a great height because they're from Darby and eat tinned custard.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Eating disorder