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Pig
'Aksai Black Pied, American Yorkshire, Angeln Saddleback...'
Pigs are Valentina's safe place. When she's feeling overwhelmed, she lists the breeds until her mind becomes quiet again.
Vale struggles to live life without order. Every morning, she reads the note that her flatmate Clara has pinned on the fridge telling her what to wear and what to eat, before leaving for her job at a bookshop.
Sometimes Vale's colleagues invite her to drinks, but she never goes. She knows that Clara wouldn't be happy if Vale socialised with others. As Clara's told her plenty of times - who else would put up with her weird pig facts?
But a chance encounter at the bookshop leads to an exciting opportunity. As Vale steps into the world of other people, Clara tightens her she isn't yet ready to let go of her favourite prey.
Shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award, Pig is a razor-sharp, disturbing novel about toxic female friendship unlike any other.
Pigs are Valentina's safe place. When she's feeling overwhelmed, she lists the breeds until her mind becomes quiet again.
Vale struggles to live life without order. Every morning, she reads the note that her flatmate Clara has pinned on the fridge telling her what to wear and what to eat, before leaving for her job at a bookshop.
Sometimes Vale's colleagues invite her to drinks, but she never goes. She knows that Clara wouldn't be happy if Vale socialised with others. As Clara's told her plenty of times - who else would put up with her weird pig facts?
But a chance encounter at the bookshop leads to an exciting opportunity. As Vale steps into the world of other people, Clara tightens her she isn't yet ready to let go of her favourite prey.
Shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award, Pig is a razor-sharp, disturbing novel about toxic female friendship unlike any other.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2025
8 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 13, 2025
This is the second book about coercive control I've read this year. Pig is a little slower in nature and does drag a little at times but otherwise it is an excellent read that I'd encourage anyone to read.
Vale (Valentina) is a solitary girl who struggles to fit in with classmates and peers but she loves to be in natural surroundings and adores pigs. When her family move from rural Italy to Rome, Vale has to give up her visits to a local pig farm but not long after she is "adopted" as a friend by the vivacious and beautiful Clara.
Once Clara marries, however, the friendship is broken until years later when Clara gets in touch with a happy Vale, now working in a bookshop and visiting her local city farm.
The main part of the book centres on this time as Vale finds herself once more in thrall to Clara. But as Clara's marriage breaks down her hold on Vale becomes stronger and Vale has to resort to deception to keep Clara happy. Because, after all, isn't Clara the only one who cares about Vale? Isn't everything Clara does to control Vale's life just for her own good.
The relationship between Vale and Clara is key to this book's success. Vale is shy, unsure, lacking in confidence and ripe for a controlling Clara to abuse.
It's quite upsetting to read but nonetheless an important description of how easy it is to slip into an abusive relationship without realising it.
As I said, somewhat slow in parts but that may be it's triumph as Vale's personality becomes eroded over the years.
Definitely recommended reading.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
Vale (Valentina) is a solitary girl who struggles to fit in with classmates and peers but she loves to be in natural surroundings and adores pigs. When her family move from rural Italy to Rome, Vale has to give up her visits to a local pig farm but not long after she is "adopted" as a friend by the vivacious and beautiful Clara.
Once Clara marries, however, the friendship is broken until years later when Clara gets in touch with a happy Vale, now working in a bookshop and visiting her local city farm.
The main part of the book centres on this time as Vale finds herself once more in thrall to Clara. But as Clara's marriage breaks down her hold on Vale becomes stronger and Vale has to resort to deception to keep Clara happy. Because, after all, isn't Clara the only one who cares about Vale? Isn't everything Clara does to control Vale's life just for her own good.
The relationship between Vale and Clara is key to this book's success. Vale is shy, unsure, lacking in confidence and ripe for a controlling Clara to abuse.
It's quite upsetting to read but nonetheless an important description of how easy it is to slip into an abusive relationship without realising it.
As I said, somewhat slow in parts but that may be it's triumph as Vale's personality becomes eroded over the years.
Definitely recommended reading.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
January 12, 2025
Initially I will admit, Pig piqued (or should that be pigged? Not sure that quite works as pun Dylan) my interest.
However, as the story SLOWLY (and I mean slowly -LOTS of repetition plot and conversational wise) progressed, not only did my levels of investment wane, but sadly so too did my patience and sympathies.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate what Pratesi was trying to do -with her main premise being in tackling toxic non romantic relationships (adolescence/early adulthood), which is not nearly as often written about or represented in the media, as much as romantic ones. I just think I was hoping (or just expecting really) for something a lot more darker and sinister to play out (especially after the first few chapters, and certain character’s behaviours) than what actually came to fruition.
Full hands up (“confession/humble brag time” lol) I should admit, I am fortunate enough to have read an early proof copy ahead of publishing. So hopefully some of the things I flag in this review may well have been resolved by then!
Regardless though, I do feel there is a BIG trend in publishing at the moment, where a lot of authors seem to be creating (or trying to create) stories and characters about topics (mainly mental health, queerness and neurodivergence) in a “subtle” or less overt way. Which, while I can appreciate to a certain extent (mainly that they’re at least dipping their toes into these types of underrepresented “territories” -or stories I guess), does also mean that a lot of the time, the said representations (or what we -the reader, gleam to be the diagnoses of certain characters -welcome to 2025, where everyone seems to be either on/or claiming others are on; the spectrum, depressed, ADHD etcetc … according to doctor Google/tiktok) are often not nearly as accurately portrayed, understood or even really addressing anything new -let alone helpful, to -let’s face it, pretty hefty topics. Which to me, is frankly lazy (dare I say -exploitative?) writing.
Overall an interesting concept, just poorly executed.
2.5 stars
However, as the story SLOWLY (and I mean slowly -LOTS of repetition plot and conversational wise) progressed, not only did my levels of investment wane, but sadly so too did my patience and sympathies.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate what Pratesi was trying to do -with her main premise being in tackling toxic non romantic relationships (adolescence/early adulthood), which is not nearly as often written about or represented in the media, as much as romantic ones. I just think I was hoping (or just expecting really) for something a lot more darker and sinister to play out (especially after the first few chapters, and certain character’s behaviours) than what actually came to fruition.
Full hands up (“confession/humble brag time” lol) I should admit, I am fortunate enough to have read an early proof copy ahead of publishing. So hopefully some of the things I flag in this review may well have been resolved by then!
Regardless though, I do feel there is a BIG trend in publishing at the moment, where a lot of authors seem to be creating (or trying to create) stories and characters about topics (mainly mental health, queerness and neurodivergence) in a “subtle” or less overt way. Which, while I can appreciate to a certain extent (mainly that they’re at least dipping their toes into these types of underrepresented “territories” -or stories I guess), does also mean that a lot of the time, the said representations (or what we -the reader, gleam to be the diagnoses of certain characters -welcome to 2025, where everyone seems to be either on/or claiming others are on; the spectrum, depressed, ADHD etcetc … according to doctor Google/tiktok) are often not nearly as accurately portrayed, understood or even really addressing anything new -let alone helpful, to -let’s face it, pretty hefty topics. Which to me, is frankly lazy (dare I say -exploitative?) writing.
Overall an interesting concept, just poorly executed.
2.5 stars
April 12, 2025
Kept me up late. Excellent sinister toxic female friendship story.
I had to keep going! I just had to see Vale's story end. And I was not disappointed, boy was this dark and tense.
From present to past, our narrator Valentina skips back and forth through her life, showing us an unhappy Italian childhood of not fitting in, of finding her passion for pigs but finding this also excludes her from humans. Then finding a friend in Clara, who accepts her eccentricities but for whom Valen feels she has to be a certain way around.
In the present, Valen is living in London, working in a bookshop, rushing home every day to cook for and to bathe Clara, who seems unwell but also... not quite right. Valen cuts off friendships and social engagements for her best friend, grateful for her company and favour, but always on the cusp of a meltdown.
Readers watch a picture build of their controlling relationship, of what has led to it, of how it is affecting Valen's life and future.
It is only when Valentina is offered the chance to use her knowledge of her beloved pigs (and there's a metaphor in there about herself) that she strains to work around her limited life and might possibly make something more of herself.
Clara is a frightening creation, it's wonderful and terrifying to see their interactions. Valen is so naive and sweet, not spotting advances by both professionals and potential crushes, seeing the best in people, ignoring red flags galore and desperately wanting to be loved and needed.
There are some lovely side characters in Valen's workplace, very realistic ones, I enjoyed the foray into Valen's Pig Passion, and the plot moved at just the right pace for me to really feel desperately keen to keep reading while giving enough backstory to fully understand the two leads.
This would be wonderful to film, incredible roles for some actors here, dramatic and psychological.
Loved this.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
I had to keep going! I just had to see Vale's story end. And I was not disappointed, boy was this dark and tense.
From present to past, our narrator Valentina skips back and forth through her life, showing us an unhappy Italian childhood of not fitting in, of finding her passion for pigs but finding this also excludes her from humans. Then finding a friend in Clara, who accepts her eccentricities but for whom Valen feels she has to be a certain way around.
In the present, Valen is living in London, working in a bookshop, rushing home every day to cook for and to bathe Clara, who seems unwell but also... not quite right. Valen cuts off friendships and social engagements for her best friend, grateful for her company and favour, but always on the cusp of a meltdown.
Readers watch a picture build of their controlling relationship, of what has led to it, of how it is affecting Valen's life and future.
It is only when Valentina is offered the chance to use her knowledge of her beloved pigs (and there's a metaphor in there about herself) that she strains to work around her limited life and might possibly make something more of herself.
Clara is a frightening creation, it's wonderful and terrifying to see their interactions. Valen is so naive and sweet, not spotting advances by both professionals and potential crushes, seeing the best in people, ignoring red flags galore and desperately wanting to be loved and needed.
There are some lovely side characters in Valen's workplace, very realistic ones, I enjoyed the foray into Valen's Pig Passion, and the plot moved at just the right pace for me to really feel desperately keen to keep reading while giving enough backstory to fully understand the two leads.
This would be wonderful to film, incredible roles for some actors here, dramatic and psychological.
Loved this.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
November 25, 2024
I don’t think I’ve read many books about toxic female friendships before so I’m not sure what to compare Pig to, but it was a very intense and uncomfortable read at times that had me berating both the protagonist and her ‘best friend’ alternately.
From the get go it’s immediately clear how toxic this friendship is. Vale’s life is dictated by Clara, who chooses her outfits and what she eats each day. Vale is terrified of being even one minute late home from work, in case she earns Clara’s wrath. This control combined with the fact that Vale seemingly had little time for herself made the book feel super claustrophobic at times. The absolute strangest part of this friendship was that Vale bathed Clara most nights. These are women in their mid 20s.
Vale as a main character was interesting. She was both very intelligent, and absolutely lacked social skills. The pig facts were fun, and she used recital of facts to calm herself down. Vale has never had a relationship and does not seem to understand a lot of social cues, and Clara absolutely abuses this vulnerability. Vale welcomes Clara’s control over her clothes and meals, stating that it means she doesn’t need to stress over it herself. She is clearly terrified of Clara, but somewhat unaware of it, and her approval means everything.
The flashback chapters, despite building up the history between the two characters, were probably my least favourite. I felt they dragged a little, and wanted to get back to the present day. They did show, however, that Vale started out being the controlling and obsessive one (although not quite to the extent of Clara), which was interesting.
Ultimately Pig was a very intense and almost claustrophobic feeling book at times, where I both wanted to shout at the main character and help her out. The ending felt a little abrupt and I would’ve liked to have seen more, but I really did enjoy this read.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
From the get go it’s immediately clear how toxic this friendship is. Vale’s life is dictated by Clara, who chooses her outfits and what she eats each day. Vale is terrified of being even one minute late home from work, in case she earns Clara’s wrath. This control combined with the fact that Vale seemingly had little time for herself made the book feel super claustrophobic at times. The absolute strangest part of this friendship was that Vale bathed Clara most nights. These are women in their mid 20s.
Vale as a main character was interesting. She was both very intelligent, and absolutely lacked social skills. The pig facts were fun, and she used recital of facts to calm herself down. Vale has never had a relationship and does not seem to understand a lot of social cues, and Clara absolutely abuses this vulnerability. Vale welcomes Clara’s control over her clothes and meals, stating that it means she doesn’t need to stress over it herself. She is clearly terrified of Clara, but somewhat unaware of it, and her approval means everything.
The flashback chapters, despite building up the history between the two characters, were probably my least favourite. I felt they dragged a little, and wanted to get back to the present day. They did show, however, that Vale started out being the controlling and obsessive one (although not quite to the extent of Clara), which was interesting.
Ultimately Pig was a very intense and almost claustrophobic feeling book at times, where I both wanted to shout at the main character and help her out. The ending felt a little abrupt and I would’ve liked to have seen more, but I really did enjoy this read.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2025
a compelling and unsettling exploration of a toxic and controlling friendship. i especially enjoyed the deep dive into vale’s childhood and adolescence, and learning about her struggles and her desire to fit in and be accepted. i think she was a very strongly developed character and i enjoyed reading about her. clara, on the other hand, can piss off.
April 4, 2025
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.
May 11, 2025
"Pig" is an insanely tense book. It follows a toxic (or rather, abusive) friendship that spans from childhood in Rome to young adulthood in London.
The protagonist Valentina loves pigs, nature and her friend Clara. She doesn't realize that one of these three - to put it mildly - is not good for her. I immediately took Valentina to my heart. I felt all the more sympathetic as the relationship spiraled further and further downwards. Matilde Pratesi has created a very real picture of this. Some scenes were very hard to bear.
Furthermore, abusive friendships are unfortunately still a rarity in literature. In my opinion, this is an important topic, as "Pig" expands the spectrum of what people do to each other through a unique voice.
At some points, the writing felt a little repetitive. Particularly in the last 30 or so pages, Valentina's thought processes were sometimes not plotted in a way that was entirely comprehensible. Perhaps this was meant to illustrate the dichotomy - but I felt this could have been worked out more clearly.
Nevertheless - "Pig" develops an incredible pull that is hard to resist. I would recommend this debut to everyone!
4.5*
The protagonist Valentina loves pigs, nature and her friend Clara. She doesn't realize that one of these three - to put it mildly - is not good for her. I immediately took Valentina to my heart. I felt all the more sympathetic as the relationship spiraled further and further downwards. Matilde Pratesi has created a very real picture of this. Some scenes were very hard to bear.
Furthermore, abusive friendships are unfortunately still a rarity in literature. In my opinion, this is an important topic, as "Pig" expands the spectrum of what people do to each other through a unique voice.
At some points, the writing felt a little repetitive. Particularly in the last 30 or so pages, Valentina's thought processes were sometimes not plotted in a way that was entirely comprehensible. Perhaps this was meant to illustrate the dichotomy - but I felt this could have been worked out more clearly.
Nevertheless - "Pig" develops an incredible pull that is hard to resist. I would recommend this debut to everyone!
4.5*
January 20, 2025
- REVIEW TIME!!!! -
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the e-ARC!!!!
4 stars!!!! it was a 4.5 changed it to a 4 for now because thinking of that ending and yeah after the emotions and anxiety that plagued me reading this I deserve a better pay off lol
I cant even fathom how to express how much I ate this book up. I devoured this like a pig to be quite honest. It got me by the neck and went, "Alex, you ain't resting, calming down, nor sleeping til you know what tf is gonna happen."
This was me when reading part one and part 3
Will admit that part 2, to me, didn't feel really necessary and sort of dragged on longer than needed if we did need some backstory, but to me knowing how Vale and Clara met didn't really cross my mind at all while reading this.
First off, Clara.
I don't even know what to say about her. I was like this the whole time while reading this
This book hit me in ways I didn't realise. I was filled with rage and anxiety the whole time but damn IT WAS GOOD. I cried towards the end because I found that I relate to Vale sooo much with how she feels she needs to be a certain way and be overly supportive or just bend to the whim of Clara because she feels like she isn't good enough for her or is a burden to her. ooooooooof, SAME VALE! SAME!!!!!
HITTING TOO CLOSE TO HOME!
The ending is quite abrupt for my liking, given how suffocating and just how of edge and angry I got. I was hoping for just something like a bit POW! but that's all.
Stunning and just wow. This really hit and shown how toxic someone can be despite you thinking they're doing stuff for your own benefit because you are so desperate for that person to be in your life and have some sort of love from them that you begin to force yourself to believe it's all good. It's because they care and it's what you deserve.
We all deserve better than what we believe we should get.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the e-ARC!!!!
4 stars!!!! it was a 4.5 changed it to a 4 for now because thinking of that ending and yeah after the emotions and anxiety that plagued me reading this I deserve a better pay off lol
I cant even fathom how to express how much I ate this book up. I devoured this like a pig to be quite honest. It got me by the neck and went, "Alex, you ain't resting, calming down, nor sleeping til you know what tf is gonna happen."
This was me when reading part one and part 3
Will admit that part 2, to me, didn't feel really necessary and sort of dragged on longer than needed if we did need some backstory, but to me knowing how Vale and Clara met didn't really cross my mind at all while reading this.
First off, Clara.
I don't even know what to say about her. I was like this the whole time while reading this
This book hit me in ways I didn't realise. I was filled with rage and anxiety the whole time but damn IT WAS GOOD. I cried towards the end because I found that I relate to Vale sooo much with how she feels she needs to be a certain way and be overly supportive or just bend to the whim of Clara because she feels like she isn't good enough for her or is a burden to her. ooooooooof, SAME VALE! SAME!!!!!
HITTING TOO CLOSE TO HOME!
The ending is quite abrupt for my liking, given how suffocating and just how of edge and angry I got. I was hoping for just something like a bit POW! but that's all.
Stunning and just wow. This really hit and shown how toxic someone can be despite you thinking they're doing stuff for your own benefit because you are so desperate for that person to be in your life and have some sort of love from them that you begin to force yourself to believe it's all good. It's because they care and it's what you deserve.
We all deserve better than what we believe we should get.
April 29, 2025
Pig is a dark, uncomfortable but addictively gripping novel of a toxic female friendship. Vale works in a bookshop. She’s somewhere on the spectrum, and her safe place is pigs. Sometimes she will recite the breeds over and over to herself until she feels calm once again.
Vale lives with Clara. Yet none of her workmates or family really know what transpires in this “roommate” situation. Clara has a total manipulative hold and control over every aspect of Vale’s life, from what she wears to what she eats.
Waiting is a tense game, and that is what the author does to the reader. We wait and wait for Vale to understand what is happening to her. It’s frustrating and, like I said, gripping. I was glued to this book until the end. Which came a bit too abruptly for me, as I had grown fond of Vale and wanted to know what happens next.
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2025
A young woman, Valentina, autistic with OCD tendencies and a passion for pigs, is entrapped (enslaved!) by a dominating and selfish friend, Clara, with mental issues of her own. I found the entire book beguiling and beautifully developed, and veered between rage with Vale for not telling Clara to sling her hook, and rage with Clara for being controlling and cruel.
The exploration of friendship and support from unlikely places is heartwarming: Vale’s lightbulb moment had me rooting for her. Original, fresh, a delight.
The exploration of friendship and support from unlikely places is heartwarming: Vale’s lightbulb moment had me rooting for her. Original, fresh, a delight.
April 19, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Matilde Pratesi for this review copy!
This was SUCH an interesting take on toxic entanglements. One that didn’t have romance to hide behind. This could be a really uncomfortable story at times but I liked how Pratesi marched on headfirst through that. It had a very similar tone and level of threat as Lucy Rose’s The Lamb, but with less of a focus on the gothic.
This was SUCH an interesting take on toxic entanglements. One that didn’t have romance to hide behind. This could be a really uncomfortable story at times but I liked how Pratesi marched on headfirst through that. It had a very similar tone and level of threat as Lucy Rose’s The Lamb, but with less of a focus on the gothic.
December 19, 2025
2.4; could be great but poorly executed (incredibly slow, repetitive, and to some degree brushing over representation of heavier topics and personalities in a way that almost feels exploitative)
Give me more sadistic and toxic
Give me more sadistic and toxic
May 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Review to come.
June 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
January 6, 2025
An intense and deeply uncomfortable read that I could not stop thinking about.
Pig centres on two characters in an abusive friendship, Vale and Clara, and chronicles Vale's awakening to this fact. I found Vale'a decisions throught the book frustrating and sad, willing her to see Clara clearly and help herself.
I found this novel claustrophobic until the very end, it completely left me wanting more.
Pig centres on two characters in an abusive friendship, Vale and Clara, and chronicles Vale's awakening to this fact. I found Vale'a decisions throught the book frustrating and sad, willing her to see Clara clearly and help herself.
I found this novel claustrophobic until the very end, it completely left me wanting more.
April 21, 2025
4.5
This is one of the most original books I have read in a very long time. It was a dark, haunting story of a female toxic friendship that was both scary and heartbreaking to read. However, the story also included really heartwarming and funny moments.
The story follows the FMC Vale and her relationship with her childhood friend Clara. Vale is a vulnerable character who has found it hard to fit in with others in her life.
As soon as we meet Clara we realise there is coercive control involved. Vale runs home from work, terrified of being late to bathe Clara. Clara chooses what Vale wears and what Vale eats. Clara’s mood swings have Vale on edge and Clara tries her best to isolate and humiliate Vale as much as she can.
The story flicks between Vale’s home life filled with anxiety and her work life filled with happiness. I loved the juxtaposition of Vale’s friendship with her work mates compared to her “friendship” with Clara. I would have liked to have seen more of Ollie and Kai.
Nothing much happens for quite some time, however I just could not put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen to Vale. The abrupt ending killed me after being so hooked on this story. I was really rooting for Vale and the story ending on a cliff hanger had my heart in my mouth. I was screaming “DONT DO THIS TO ME”. Having sat and thought about this ending, in hindsight I loved it. I don’t think there could be any other way to end it.
I think I this story is one that will stay with me for a long time and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Little Brown Book Club for approving my request for a preview of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the most original books I have read in a very long time. It was a dark, haunting story of a female toxic friendship that was both scary and heartbreaking to read. However, the story also included really heartwarming and funny moments.
The story follows the FMC Vale and her relationship with her childhood friend Clara. Vale is a vulnerable character who has found it hard to fit in with others in her life.
As soon as we meet Clara we realise there is coercive control involved. Vale runs home from work, terrified of being late to bathe Clara. Clara chooses what Vale wears and what Vale eats. Clara’s mood swings have Vale on edge and Clara tries her best to isolate and humiliate Vale as much as she can.
The story flicks between Vale’s home life filled with anxiety and her work life filled with happiness. I loved the juxtaposition of Vale’s friendship with her work mates compared to her “friendship” with Clara. I would have liked to have seen more of Ollie and Kai.
Nothing much happens for quite some time, however I just could not put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen to Vale. The abrupt ending killed me after being so hooked on this story. I was really rooting for Vale and the story ending on a cliff hanger had my heart in my mouth. I was screaming “DONT DO THIS TO ME”. Having sat and thought about this ending, in hindsight I loved it. I don’t think there could be any other way to end it.
I think I this story is one that will stay with me for a long time and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Little Brown Book Club for approving my request for a preview of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
Pig is the definition of an addictive, propulsive read. While the story is deeply uncomfortable, I genuinely could not look away.
This book puts us in the orbit of two very unlikeable characters with a dysfunctionally abusive toxic relationship. An emotional rollercoaster, I felt angry, frustrated, annoyed, hopeful, and hopelessly sad at various points throughout reading. Around 70% of the way through, I just wanted it to stop. Clara was nuts and Vale’s mental gymnastics made me want to scream. Definitely check the content advisories on this one!
The supporting cast was phenomenal. I was particularly drawn to Ollie and Kai. The bookstore was truly a safe haven, for Vale but also for me as a reader! I liked the commentary about sunken costs fallacy in relationships, toxic non-romantic friendships, and abuse in queer relationships.
My only real qualm is the book ends too soon.
After the horror and claustrophobic nature of the whole book, I would have found some solace in a more definitive ending
This is a remarkable debut novel.
And, can we just appreciate that stunning cover for a moment? Beautiful. 🐷
I was privileged to have my request to review this book approved by Little Brown Group UK on NetGalley.
This book puts us in the orbit of two very unlikeable characters with a dysfunctionally abusive toxic relationship. An emotional rollercoaster, I felt angry, frustrated, annoyed, hopeful, and hopelessly sad at various points throughout reading. Around 70% of the way through, I just wanted it to stop. Clara was nuts and Vale’s mental gymnastics made me want to scream. Definitely check the content advisories on this one!
The supporting cast was phenomenal. I was particularly drawn to Ollie and Kai. The bookstore was truly a safe haven, for Vale but also for me as a reader! I liked the commentary about sunken costs fallacy in relationships, toxic non-romantic friendships, and abuse in queer relationships.
My only real qualm is the book ends too soon.
After the horror and claustrophobic nature of the whole book, I would have found some solace in a more definitive ending
This is a remarkable debut novel.
And, can we just appreciate that stunning cover for a moment? Beautiful. 🐷
I was privileged to have my request to review this book approved by Little Brown Group UK on NetGalley.
January 11, 2025
Did you know mother pigs sing to their piglets? By extending an oink into a comforting and communicative note, even their little ones find peace in a lullaby. Isn’t that something?
The story is obviously heavy at times. This childhood friendship, once and again overwhelmingly toxic, is hard to stomach and escalates so quickly, but it is an honest portrayal. There are moments further into the book that got a little verbose, a little repetitive, but still felt true to what the inside of Vale’s mind would genuinely read like. There are moments of deep, agonizing frustration, where you want to grab either of the two main characters and shake them by the shoulders, but with that also comes glimpses of heartwarming relief in moments of clarity. The supporting cast of characters, mainly Vale’s bookshop coworkers, are a breath of fresh air. Vale’s passion for and peace found in nature is contagious.
Now, dear reader, I’m going to hold your hand when I tell you this, in case it isn’t clear when you’re in it: Vale is neurodivergent. It all makes a bit more sense, right? What I appreciate so much, as a fellow woman on the spectrum, about the characterization of Vale is that she’s not oblivious. She’s high functioning, intelligent, socially adept, and is aware of what she considers her own shortcomings, how to make space for and navigate around them. It is just that she’s put her trust in the wrong hands. And herein lies the thing that makes all the difference-- a particular point this book is really driving home: that to be seen and accepted for exactly who you are can make the world of a difference. I’m not just talking about only the neurodivergent, now.
All of this to say, I walked away from this book at the very end with a glimmer of hope in my chest, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth, and an entirely new appreciation for pigs— absolutely worth it to me.
The story is obviously heavy at times. This childhood friendship, once and again overwhelmingly toxic, is hard to stomach and escalates so quickly, but it is an honest portrayal. There are moments further into the book that got a little verbose, a little repetitive, but still felt true to what the inside of Vale’s mind would genuinely read like. There are moments of deep, agonizing frustration, where you want to grab either of the two main characters and shake them by the shoulders, but with that also comes glimpses of heartwarming relief in moments of clarity. The supporting cast of characters, mainly Vale’s bookshop coworkers, are a breath of fresh air. Vale’s passion for and peace found in nature is contagious.
Now, dear reader, I’m going to hold your hand when I tell you this, in case it isn’t clear when you’re in it: Vale is neurodivergent. It all makes a bit more sense, right? What I appreciate so much, as a fellow woman on the spectrum, about the characterization of Vale is that she’s not oblivious. She’s high functioning, intelligent, socially adept, and is aware of what she considers her own shortcomings, how to make space for and navigate around them. It is just that she’s put her trust in the wrong hands. And herein lies the thing that makes all the difference-- a particular point this book is really driving home: that to be seen and accepted for exactly who you are can make the world of a difference. I’m not just talking about only the neurodivergent, now.
All of this to say, I walked away from this book at the very end with a glimmer of hope in my chest, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth, and an entirely new appreciation for pigs— absolutely worth it to me.
April 20, 2025
It’s odd, there used to be only room for Clara and pigs in there. Now this need to put my knowledge down on paper – and for it to make sense and be an enjoyable read – has been growing so much that it’s starting to take up its own space too. I’m trying not to think about it too much because the chances that nothing will come of it are still high–whether it’s that I don’t finish the project because Clara doesn’t want me to, or I do finish it but Almastra don’t think it’s good enough.
The first person and neurodivergent protagonist Vale(entina) of this novel which is largely set in the 10 months before lockdown (April 2019 to February 2020) is also “fondly” nicknamed “Monk” by Clara, in whose house she lives in what we (but not Vale) immediately recognise as a controlling (unconsummated) queer relationship in the London to which both have moved, having first known each other as sixteen years old in Rome.
Flashbacks to the period 2010-11 when they first met fill in the backstory: Vale having moved to Rome from her beloved countryside with her father’s job – retains an obsessive interest in pigs which dates from her earlier childhood and time she spent helping on a smallholding. In Rome she is very much an outcast at school for her eccentricities until she is unexpectedly befriended by the much cooler Clara – only for her heart to be broken when Clara unexpectedly goes to University in Milan to follow Clara’s boyfriend Edo. Vale adrift gets a job in London via a family friend and moves there as a reset, but later when Clara and Edo also end up in London, she moves in with them – only to be left alone with Clara when Edo and she split up (we quickly realise due to Clara’s control and abuse in their relationship).
In 2019, Vale is working in a bookshop – something of a haven for her during the day – and as the book begins is starting to be befriended by her fellow worker Ollie (who is gay) and then the non-binary Kai (who joins when the owner of the shop adds a coffee shop to the premises). But at 630 each night she rushes back to bathe, feed and indulge Clara – whose initial tips on how to dress and behave to blend in better at school have metamorphosised over time into written notes each morning telling Vale what to wear and what to buy and eat for lunch. And even deviation from the carefully prescribed routine that Clara has set out for her leads to a diatribe, which leads Vale spiralling into anxiety and desperate to try and make amends with Clara.
‘You’re so lucky that someone like me would agree to live with someone like you. To try and help you every day to become a better person. Someone normal. I’ve been doing this since the day we met, don’t you remember? You’d be nowhere without me. I’m all you’ve got. And you just “didn’t think”? You make me sick,’
The dynamic in the book comes from a chance encounter with a bookshop visitor looking for a book on the New Agriculture (typically young people and typically from the City moving to the countryside to start typically ethical smallholdings including livestock) – and Vale’s pig obsession leads to him suggesting to her that she writes something for the firm he works for Almastra – a small nature/animals/poetry publisher keen to take advantage of this movement.
Encouraged by Ollie and Kai, and given the chance to indulge her lifelong passion, Vale writes in secret from Clara and gains a publishing contract. The published book ends up titled as “Rearing Pigs the Ethical Way: Why It Matters and How to Do It” and at the launch event she describes how in it
‘I set out to share the knowledge that I have gained since childhood about raising these noble animals in the good and ethical way they deserve. My knowledge does not come from degrees or traditional education, but from direct experience, autodidactic learning and a lifelong passion that has led me to source material from a multitude of places. This is the result of all these years of borderline obsession–as others have called it–or “healthy interest in a fascinating subject”, which is how I prefer to refer to it.’
But of course inevitably controlling Clara discovers the deception and her bullying behaviour grows in intensity – her illness forcing at first Vale to break contact with her publisher and fellow workers, but then increasingly to start to contrast Clara’s condemnation of her with the assertions and respect of others, and to piece together remarks made to her by her family, Clara’s family, Edo, medical professionals, an ex-colleague who had a row with Clara at a work party – and to finally realise the truth of her relationship.
In terms of criticism. The book for me lacked any real sense of jeopardy – and I would contrast it strongly with the visceral tension induced by Roisin O’Donnell’s Women’s Prize longlisted “Nesting”. And, I think related to this, the pacing felt a little too slow – the novel is full of seemingly extraneous details (not as an aside those about pigs but just as one example – when the owner of the bookshop gets her fingers caught in the till, entirely I think metaphorically) which seems to detract from the novel’s narrative arc.
But overall this was a interesting debut novel taking a quirkily different approach to the topic of controlling relationships and with a protagonist whose stuttering journey of discovery of her own intrinsic self-worth will I think draw as many quiet admirers as her own non-fictional treatise.
My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for an ARC via NetGalley
May 30, 2025
I'm writing this review having stayed up until 1:30am today reading the last forty pages of Matilde Pratesi's debut novel, which says all you need to know about how compelling that final stretch is.
There are countless books out there about poisonous relationships - the thriller industry practically runs on toxic marriages and terrible parents - but the characters in Pig and the precise nature of their relationship aren't quite so conveniently defined.
Valeria, our protagonist, and Clara, her housemate, are childhood friends from Italy, who have found each other again in London. Vale, shy, bullied at school and very (I mean very) obsessed with pigs always looked up to confident, liberated Clara. And for a while that worked, as Clara helped her come out of her childhood shell. However after a messy breakup with her boyfriend, Clara has become more and more dependent on Vale, and more and more controlling.
Pratesi is careful not to define relationships too sharply - it's kept vague as to whether anything romantic between the two central characters was ever on the cards. She also doesn't descend into sweeping Du Maurier-esque melodrama (no burning mansions here, although Clara is certainly capable of manipulations that the marble Roman gods that surround them at one stage would be proud of). Instead tension builds far more subtly, as the depth of Clara's control over Vale becomes ever more clear, and her power to escape seems to ebb away.
The middle section of the book goes back in time to Vale's childhood and explores how the central characters first met, as well as casually hanging out a few early red flags. This section is well-written and richly evocative of a sun-drenched Italian childhood, though it does slow the narrative down rather. I'd have been interested to see it interspersed with the current day material.
The other characters surrounding Vale are somewhat lightly sketched, but that works well for a character so deep in an obsessive relationship that everyone and everything around them exists at one remove. They also exhibit the well-meaning concern, frustration and powerlessness of people aware an acquaintance or colleague is in an abusive relationship, but who aren't close enough to feel they can intervene.
Indeed, as reader you become frustrated with Vale more than once during the story as she doesn't always make the best choices, but people in toxic relationships don't always make the best choice, even when they know what the right choice is, and this feels authentic. That said, Clara is by no means a Disney villain, and you can see how she became who she is, and the connection that she and Vale once had.
Ultimately Pig doesn't offer black and white heroes and villains, high drama, red flags or life lessons. It does, however, provide a quiet, well-observed and thoughtful insight into a friendship that has rotted into something more malign that perhaps either party realises.
There are countless books out there about poisonous relationships - the thriller industry practically runs on toxic marriages and terrible parents - but the characters in Pig and the precise nature of their relationship aren't quite so conveniently defined.
Valeria, our protagonist, and Clara, her housemate, are childhood friends from Italy, who have found each other again in London. Vale, shy, bullied at school and very (I mean very) obsessed with pigs always looked up to confident, liberated Clara. And for a while that worked, as Clara helped her come out of her childhood shell. However after a messy breakup with her boyfriend, Clara has become more and more dependent on Vale, and more and more controlling.
Pratesi is careful not to define relationships too sharply - it's kept vague as to whether anything romantic between the two central characters was ever on the cards. She also doesn't descend into sweeping Du Maurier-esque melodrama (no burning mansions here, although Clara is certainly capable of manipulations that the marble Roman gods that surround them at one stage would be proud of). Instead tension builds far more subtly, as the depth of Clara's control over Vale becomes ever more clear, and her power to escape seems to ebb away.
The middle section of the book goes back in time to Vale's childhood and explores how the central characters first met, as well as casually hanging out a few early red flags. This section is well-written and richly evocative of a sun-drenched Italian childhood, though it does slow the narrative down rather. I'd have been interested to see it interspersed with the current day material.
The other characters surrounding Vale are somewhat lightly sketched, but that works well for a character so deep in an obsessive relationship that everyone and everything around them exists at one remove. They also exhibit the well-meaning concern, frustration and powerlessness of people aware an acquaintance or colleague is in an abusive relationship, but who aren't close enough to feel they can intervene.
Indeed, as reader you become frustrated with Vale more than once during the story as she doesn't always make the best choices, but people in toxic relationships don't always make the best choice, even when they know what the right choice is, and this feels authentic. That said, Clara is by no means a Disney villain, and you can see how she became who she is, and the connection that she and Vale once had.
Ultimately Pig doesn't offer black and white heroes and villains, high drama, red flags or life lessons. It does, however, provide a quiet, well-observed and thoughtful insight into a friendship that has rotted into something more malign that perhaps either party realises.
August 13, 2025
Compelling, relatable and incredibly inspiring are words that don't begin to do justice to how much I loved this book. I related so much to Vale's story and it helped me to understand my own previous relationships.
Vale is a woman who has never felt comfortable in this world. Her obsession with pigs has made most people uncomfortable. Bullied at school and lonely, she finds solace in the animal world. Facts make her feel calmer.
When a popular girl, Clara, shines her light on Vale she is suddenly protected and guided on how to fit in. As long as she abides by Clara's rules she is acceptable as a person.
Having moved from Rome to London, Clara and Vale are now housemates. Vale is controlled and manipulated to an ever increasing degree but it's almost impossible for Vale to see this clearly as it's been a gradual erosion of her autonomy. Don't talk about pigs. Don't wear bright colours. Don't have other friends.
When Vale forms strong bonds with Kai and Ollie at work, and when she's offered an opportunity to put all her knowledge into a book, she begins to clear some of the fog. She is talented and valued. She does have friends who celebrate her for who she is.
But as in all abusive relationships, the cognitive dissonance is overwhelming. Vale truly loves Clara and is fighting many confusing and conflicting thoughts.
Just when everything is going well for Vale, Clara has schemed to shatter Vale's dreams. This part of the book kept me reading with bated breath, longing for Vale to finally see the truth.
Anyone who hasn't felt different or who hasn't been in an abusive relationship may struggle to relate to Vale. They may feel that it's unrealistic that she would endure so much for so long. But I can say with conviction that the dynamic is wholly realistic and written with a true understanding of the nexus of neurodiversity and narcissistic abuse. Someone who takes is naturally drawn to someone who lives to please and feel accepted. The strength it takes to detach from such a dynamic is immense and complex.
I finished reading Pig with a huge smile and a fist pump. Vale has become my newest literary hero, I just adored her.
Vale is a woman who has never felt comfortable in this world. Her obsession with pigs has made most people uncomfortable. Bullied at school and lonely, she finds solace in the animal world. Facts make her feel calmer.
When a popular girl, Clara, shines her light on Vale she is suddenly protected and guided on how to fit in. As long as she abides by Clara's rules she is acceptable as a person.
Having moved from Rome to London, Clara and Vale are now housemates. Vale is controlled and manipulated to an ever increasing degree but it's almost impossible for Vale to see this clearly as it's been a gradual erosion of her autonomy. Don't talk about pigs. Don't wear bright colours. Don't have other friends.
When Vale forms strong bonds with Kai and Ollie at work, and when she's offered an opportunity to put all her knowledge into a book, she begins to clear some of the fog. She is talented and valued. She does have friends who celebrate her for who she is.
But as in all abusive relationships, the cognitive dissonance is overwhelming. Vale truly loves Clara and is fighting many confusing and conflicting thoughts.
Just when everything is going well for Vale, Clara has schemed to shatter Vale's dreams. This part of the book kept me reading with bated breath, longing for Vale to finally see the truth.
Anyone who hasn't felt different or who hasn't been in an abusive relationship may struggle to relate to Vale. They may feel that it's unrealistic that she would endure so much for so long. But I can say with conviction that the dynamic is wholly realistic and written with a true understanding of the nexus of neurodiversity and narcissistic abuse. Someone who takes is naturally drawn to someone who lives to please and feel accepted. The strength it takes to detach from such a dynamic is immense and complex.
I finished reading Pig with a huge smile and a fist pump. Vale has become my newest literary hero, I just adored her.
November 16, 2025
PIG. What can I say?
The cover is captivating: two pigs with one seemingly lying on top of the other. Are they the pigs Valentina (Vale) first fell in love with, or is the pig on top symbolising Clara, Vale’s oldest friend and now housemate?
In this tense novel, we witness Clara’s increasing coercive control over Vale, through the devoted voice of Vale, who is oblivious to her supposed friend’s manipulative nature. Reading through Vale’s innocent and self-damning perspective makes this a tough read. We know Clara is emotionally abusing Vale, controlling her, but Vale cannot see it and believes she is to blame every time Clara loses her shit, which is a lot. We see outsiders try to make Vale see the truth of her supposed friendship, and Vale constantly giving her “best friend” the benefit of the doubt. It’s painful to read, and painfully well-written.
That said, there were a few aspects that let the read down slightly. Part Two returns to Vale and Clara’s childhood in Rome, and while it provides useful context of why Vale feels indebted to Clara, it felt like a backward step reading so much history and it severely interrupted the flow of the main narrative. This part really dragged, and I strangely longed to return to their claustrophobic London flat. Perhaps integrating flashback chapters or occasional memories would have worked better and felt less jarring than a whole part devoted to their youth.
And then there’s the ending. I won’t give any spoilers but the ultimate “will she/won’t” conflict takes too long to be resolved and we only get an answer on the final page, then BAM, the novel is over. After all of the anticipation and build up, it felt a little deflating for it to end so quickly. An epilogue a few years later might have felt more well-wrapped up.
Ultimately, Vale was very likeable and Clara was loathsome, and the author did a solid job of making the reader root so entirely for the protagonist, borderline screaming at the book for her to wake up, that this book is a undeniable success from my perspective. Plus I loved the pig facts and agree with Vale that pigs are just wonderful.
The cover is captivating: two pigs with one seemingly lying on top of the other. Are they the pigs Valentina (Vale) first fell in love with, or is the pig on top symbolising Clara, Vale’s oldest friend and now housemate?
In this tense novel, we witness Clara’s increasing coercive control over Vale, through the devoted voice of Vale, who is oblivious to her supposed friend’s manipulative nature. Reading through Vale’s innocent and self-damning perspective makes this a tough read. We know Clara is emotionally abusing Vale, controlling her, but Vale cannot see it and believes she is to blame every time Clara loses her shit, which is a lot. We see outsiders try to make Vale see the truth of her supposed friendship, and Vale constantly giving her “best friend” the benefit of the doubt. It’s painful to read, and painfully well-written.
That said, there were a few aspects that let the read down slightly. Part Two returns to Vale and Clara’s childhood in Rome, and while it provides useful context of why Vale feels indebted to Clara, it felt like a backward step reading so much history and it severely interrupted the flow of the main narrative. This part really dragged, and I strangely longed to return to their claustrophobic London flat. Perhaps integrating flashback chapters or occasional memories would have worked better and felt less jarring than a whole part devoted to their youth.
And then there’s the ending. I won’t give any spoilers but the ultimate “will she/won’t” conflict takes too long to be resolved and we only get an answer on the final page, then BAM, the novel is over. After all of the anticipation and build up, it felt a little deflating for it to end so quickly. An epilogue a few years later might have felt more well-wrapped up.
Ultimately, Vale was very likeable and Clara was loathsome, and the author did a solid job of making the reader root so entirely for the protagonist, borderline screaming at the book for her to wake up, that this book is a undeniable success from my perspective. Plus I loved the pig facts and agree with Vale that pigs are just wonderful.
March 26, 2025
Thanks to Corsair for my gifted proof of this title in return for an honest review.
I had my apprehensions about this before I even started as it sounded very odd. Like, how can you make a book involving pigs sound interesting but then I remembered Babe...
I read a lot of books, and if we're being honest, there's only so many plots and characters you can write, and so they can get repetitive after a stretch, especially if I read several of the same genre one after the other. So this got a plus point just for being something new.
But if I'm being honest here - that's the only positive thing I found about it.
This is a toxic friendship at its best - or worst, depending on which way you look at it. Which made it really uncomfortable and disturbing to read. I imagine that was Matilde's intention, and I don't mind that to an extent, but this actually impacted my reading of it. No matter how good the story might have been, I really struggled to read it, it wasn't pleasant and it wasn't enjoyable.
It is a really slow story with a lot of repetition, which can be okay when handled well, but I don't think it was handled that well here. I think because I felt so uncomfortable with it, that repetition became really jarring.
It's an interesting idea, some interesting themes, but some really unpleasant and unlikeable and unreadable characters. A promising debut in some ways - especially to come up with the idea - but overall it didn't live up to my expectations. And I think that all comes down to how uncomfortable I felt reading it, which ruined it for me because I just couldn't get comfortable with the characters or the story.
......I wonder how many times I wrote the word "uncomfortable" in this review...
I had my apprehensions about this before I even started as it sounded very odd. Like, how can you make a book involving pigs sound interesting but then I remembered Babe...
I read a lot of books, and if we're being honest, there's only so many plots and characters you can write, and so they can get repetitive after a stretch, especially if I read several of the same genre one after the other. So this got a plus point just for being something new.
But if I'm being honest here - that's the only positive thing I found about it.
This is a toxic friendship at its best - or worst, depending on which way you look at it. Which made it really uncomfortable and disturbing to read. I imagine that was Matilde's intention, and I don't mind that to an extent, but this actually impacted my reading of it. No matter how good the story might have been, I really struggled to read it, it wasn't pleasant and it wasn't enjoyable.
It is a really slow story with a lot of repetition, which can be okay when handled well, but I don't think it was handled that well here. I think because I felt so uncomfortable with it, that repetition became really jarring.
It's an interesting idea, some interesting themes, but some really unpleasant and unlikeable and unreadable characters. A promising debut in some ways - especially to come up with the idea - but overall it didn't live up to my expectations. And I think that all comes down to how uncomfortable I felt reading it, which ruined it for me because I just couldn't get comfortable with the characters or the story.
......I wonder how many times I wrote the word "uncomfortable" in this review...
March 7, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a digital copy of Pig by Matilde Pratesi in return for an honest review.
I was intrigued and gripped from the first chapter of this book about a toxic female friendship. Basically, Vale is a bit of an oddball with her obsession with pigs and her lack of social skills and she is so grateful for her friendship with Clara and she is also so scared of losing her. Clara is fully aware of this and uses this power to control, manipulate and abuse Vale to the extreme.
This book is dark and disturbing and I found it quite suspenseful. I did want to shake Vale many times while reading this book, but this is how people are groomed and manipulated; slowly, insidiously and with passive aggression and emotional explosions.
An Interesting fact that I learnt is that we share 98% of our DNA with pigs!
The blurb: “Pigs are Valentina's safe place. When she's feeling overwhelmed, she lists the breeds until her mind becomes quiet again.
Vale struggles to live life without order. Every morning, she reads the note that her flatmate Clara has pinned on the fridge telling her what to wear and what to eat, before leaving for her job at a bookshop.
Sometimes Vale's colleagues invite her to drinks, but she never goes. She knows that Clara wouldn't be happy if Vale socialised with others. As Clara's told her plenty of times - who else would put up with her weird pig facts?
But a chance encounter at the bookshop leads to an exciting opportunity. As Vale steps into the world of other people, Clara tightens her grip: she isn't yet ready to let go of her favourite prey.”
I was intrigued and gripped from the first chapter of this book about a toxic female friendship. Basically, Vale is a bit of an oddball with her obsession with pigs and her lack of social skills and she is so grateful for her friendship with Clara and she is also so scared of losing her. Clara is fully aware of this and uses this power to control, manipulate and abuse Vale to the extreme.
This book is dark and disturbing and I found it quite suspenseful. I did want to shake Vale many times while reading this book, but this is how people are groomed and manipulated; slowly, insidiously and with passive aggression and emotional explosions.
An Interesting fact that I learnt is that we share 98% of our DNA with pigs!
The blurb: “Pigs are Valentina's safe place. When she's feeling overwhelmed, she lists the breeds until her mind becomes quiet again.
Vale struggles to live life without order. Every morning, she reads the note that her flatmate Clara has pinned on the fridge telling her what to wear and what to eat, before leaving for her job at a bookshop.
Sometimes Vale's colleagues invite her to drinks, but she never goes. She knows that Clara wouldn't be happy if Vale socialised with others. As Clara's told her plenty of times - who else would put up with her weird pig facts?
But a chance encounter at the bookshop leads to an exciting opportunity. As Vale steps into the world of other people, Clara tightens her grip: she isn't yet ready to let go of her favourite prey.”
April 30, 2025
This was scarily relatable, more so than I'd expected. I don't think I've ever read a book that portrays toxic female friendships quite like this did. It was tense, disturbing and so addictive to read.
I thought this was written well, there were only a few parts that were on the verge of being repetitive halfway through but overall the writing kept me gripped from start to end. Clara has to be one of the worst characters in a book I've met, she was unhinged! But that also made the plot what it is & she had me so intrigued. Vale had her own flaws too, it was interesting reading how her & Clara's friendship began as kids in Rome; I thought the flashback chapters were well paced & gave a great insight into them as individuals & the friendship as a whole. I feel like I could resonate with certain parts of Vale's personality, with how she clung on to the friendship for so long because of her own insecurities— this made me empathise with her while also wanting to shout at her to get out.
I also love fictions that include library settings & book loving characters, I thought this was a great backdrop to the general story; I only felt the scenes of Vale getting her book published could be deemed a little far fetched but this was easily glossed over by me & didn't put me off the story as a whole.
The last chapter felt slightly rushed for me & because of this, the end seemed more abrupt than I'd have liked; I wish there had been more to it after all the suspense throughout the rest of the book. However, this was still a great read overall & one that'll play on my mind for a while.
Thank you to the publisher & Netgalley for my free eARC!
I thought this was written well, there were only a few parts that were on the verge of being repetitive halfway through but overall the writing kept me gripped from start to end. Clara has to be one of the worst characters in a book I've met, she was unhinged! But that also made the plot what it is & she had me so intrigued. Vale had her own flaws too, it was interesting reading how her & Clara's friendship began as kids in Rome; I thought the flashback chapters were well paced & gave a great insight into them as individuals & the friendship as a whole. I feel like I could resonate with certain parts of Vale's personality, with how she clung on to the friendship for so long because of her own insecurities— this made me empathise with her while also wanting to shout at her to get out.
I also love fictions that include library settings & book loving characters, I thought this was a great backdrop to the general story; I only felt the scenes of Vale getting her book published could be deemed a little far fetched but this was easily glossed over by me & didn't put me off the story as a whole.
The last chapter felt slightly rushed for me & because of this, the end seemed more abrupt than I'd have liked; I wish there had been more to it after all the suspense throughout the rest of the book. However, this was still a great read overall & one that'll play on my mind for a while.
Thank you to the publisher & Netgalley for my free eARC!
May 28, 2025
Pig follows the toxic, abusive relationship between friends Valentina and Clara who grew up in Rome together. Now living in London, Clara is getting over her ex-husband and bookseller Valentina is there at her beck and call. Except that Clara takes advantage of Valentina’s need for order by telling her what to wear and eat, demanding nightly baths by her and acting out if she’s late home.
Pigs are Valentina’s reprieve, and in moments of anxiety she will list their breeds in alphabetical order until she’s calm again. But when Valentina is offered to write a book about pigs, new and exciting opportunities open up to her, which she must balance while keeping Clara stable and unaware.
This book had its bright spots. I particularly loved the wonderful supporting characters and fellow bookshop colleagues who showed genuine friendship and support for Valentina. I would say though that the book just went on for a bit too long and some of the repetitive events could have been cut while preserving these moments.
The cynic in me found it a bit too unbelievable for Valentina to be offered a book deal without the publishing house seeing her writing (she hadn’t even written previously!).
Also, the ending didn’t feel quite satisfactory enough with too many unresolved threads. However, I loved the direction this book was heading in, with better days on the horizon for Valentina with the right people in her life.
Valentina reminded me a little of the protagonist in Strange Sally Diamond — two unforgettable, remarkable women seeking order in a chaotic world.
Thank you to the publisher for the proof!
Pigs are Valentina’s reprieve, and in moments of anxiety she will list their breeds in alphabetical order until she’s calm again. But when Valentina is offered to write a book about pigs, new and exciting opportunities open up to her, which she must balance while keeping Clara stable and unaware.
This book had its bright spots. I particularly loved the wonderful supporting characters and fellow bookshop colleagues who showed genuine friendship and support for Valentina. I would say though that the book just went on for a bit too long and some of the repetitive events could have been cut while preserving these moments.
The cynic in me found it a bit too unbelievable for Valentina to be offered a book deal without the publishing house seeing her writing (she hadn’t even written previously!).
Also, the ending didn’t feel quite satisfactory enough with too many unresolved threads. However, I loved the direction this book was heading in, with better days on the horizon for Valentina with the right people in her life.
Valentina reminded me a little of the protagonist in Strange Sally Diamond — two unforgettable, remarkable women seeking order in a chaotic world.
Thank you to the publisher for the proof!
April 23, 2025
I feel like I read the final 20% of Pig by Matilde Pratesi in one breath—eyes wide, breath held, whispering to myself, this is it, this is when she realises what’s been going on. With every page, the urgency tightened in my chest... but the main character didn’t seem to catch up. Not until the very end. And when she did—it was devastatingly, brilliantly earned.
Yes, this novel is beautifully written. Yes, it’s masterfully crafted. But more than that: it’s a story. A real one. It unfolds like memory—slippery, selective, tender, and dangerous. One you don’t just read, but absorb.
Valentina is the kind of character who slips under your skin. She doesn’t fit in at school, doesn’t quite know how to be, and seeks out comfort in pigs—yes, pigs—where everything is simpler, quieter. Then comes Clara. Gorgeous, magnetic Clara, who sees her. And for a little while, the world shifts. Vale can breathe.
But then Clara leaves. And Valentina has to decide who she is without her. You think this is the arc. But no—Clara returns. This time more intense, more consuming, and she’s not letting go.
Pig is a slow-burn psychological unraveling disguised as coming-of-age. It’s about isolation, obsession, belonging, and the haunting pull of someone who once made you feel alive. It's tender. It’s unsettling. It’s the kind of book you want to crawl out of and back into again, just to make sure you really saw what you think you saw.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in—this one goes deep. But if you’re willing to sit with the discomfort, Pig is unforgettable.
Yes, this novel is beautifully written. Yes, it’s masterfully crafted. But more than that: it’s a story. A real one. It unfolds like memory—slippery, selective, tender, and dangerous. One you don’t just read, but absorb.
Valentina is the kind of character who slips under your skin. She doesn’t fit in at school, doesn’t quite know how to be, and seeks out comfort in pigs—yes, pigs—where everything is simpler, quieter. Then comes Clara. Gorgeous, magnetic Clara, who sees her. And for a little while, the world shifts. Vale can breathe.
But then Clara leaves. And Valentina has to decide who she is without her. You think this is the arc. But no—Clara returns. This time more intense, more consuming, and she’s not letting go.
Pig is a slow-burn psychological unraveling disguised as coming-of-age. It’s about isolation, obsession, belonging, and the haunting pull of someone who once made you feel alive. It's tender. It’s unsettling. It’s the kind of book you want to crawl out of and back into again, just to make sure you really saw what you think you saw.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in—this one goes deep. But if you’re willing to sit with the discomfort, Pig is unforgettable.
April 17, 2025
Title: Pig
Author: Matilde Pratesi
Pages: 336
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded down to 3 where applicable)
Spice/Romance level: 🩷 (talks of crushes and dating)
After recently reading Bunny, I had to read this. Especially as the blurb talks about toxic female friendships. We see a lot about relationships but friendships whether it be breakups or manipulation, grief etc is rarely talked about.
This was so intense and frustrating for the MC Vale. I felt I could relate to the comfort and safety within books.
"These walls calm me down; not being able to be among the books, cradled by this low ceiling, would change everything."
And her wholesome thoughts and innocent perspective of life. Which I'm pretty sure I'll be following too.
"always pet a dog that looks like it would like to be petted; never run after birds, because it scares them; never feed pigs food that you wouldn’t feed a human; touch any book cover that has raised lettering"
She finds safety in pigs. They calm her mind and it makes her happy. But people find her weird because of it. Except for one person. Her best friend. We flip between their past and present and read their past history which helps us empathise as to why Vale stays in this coercive relationship. We read through the snippets of her life at the bookshop and her colleagues and see the contrast of her personality between the two.
This book is intense. Upsetting. Frustrating, rage, and anxiety inducing. There are some wonderful thoughtful quotes. Despite all the nastiness in the world there are still those who want the best for each other.
The ending was pretty abrupt. But it holds hope for the reader.
You'll love this book if you like
- books about toxic friendships
- female literature
- friendships
- books with bookshops
Author: Matilde Pratesi
Pages: 336
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded down to 3 where applicable)
Spice/Romance level: 🩷 (talks of crushes and dating)
After recently reading Bunny, I had to read this. Especially as the blurb talks about toxic female friendships. We see a lot about relationships but friendships whether it be breakups or manipulation, grief etc is rarely talked about.
This was so intense and frustrating for the MC Vale. I felt I could relate to the comfort and safety within books.
"These walls calm me down; not being able to be among the books, cradled by this low ceiling, would change everything."
And her wholesome thoughts and innocent perspective of life. Which I'm pretty sure I'll be following too.
"always pet a dog that looks like it would like to be petted; never run after birds, because it scares them; never feed pigs food that you wouldn’t feed a human; touch any book cover that has raised lettering"
She finds safety in pigs. They calm her mind and it makes her happy. But people find her weird because of it. Except for one person. Her best friend. We flip between their past and present and read their past history which helps us empathise as to why Vale stays in this coercive relationship. We read through the snippets of her life at the bookshop and her colleagues and see the contrast of her personality between the two.
This book is intense. Upsetting. Frustrating, rage, and anxiety inducing. There are some wonderful thoughtful quotes. Despite all the nastiness in the world there are still those who want the best for each other.
The ending was pretty abrupt. But it holds hope for the reader.
You'll love this book if you like
- books about toxic friendships
- female literature
- friendships
- books with bookshops
May 9, 2025
This little piggy went to market and left me in a dissociative fugue in a field of pigs. What a disappointment.
The premise teased a dark, weird girl descent into toxic female friendship, but what I got felt more like a crash course in pig husbandry. Repetitive lists of pig names, endless ethical farming tangents, and dense paragraphs on modern agriculture made this a serious slog. I signed up for emotional rot, not artisanal pork discourse.
And the central relationship? Who exactly is the toxic one? Valentina – Vale (who reads like Eleanor Oliphant’s lesser-known cousin) or Clara, who is clearly mentally unwell and simply labelled “toxic” while everyone watches her unravel without intervention. It’s uncomfortable, and not in an interesting, deliberate way, more like careless discomfort with a dash of misdiagnosis.
In the end, this doesn’t feel like a story about toxic friendship at all. It read to me more like a portrait of co-dependency, two unwell people circling the drain – less weird girl lit, more lukewarm normcore, with the emotional stakes blunted by unclear intent.
336 pages of dry toast with the bacon trimmed of fat, no sauce. It's left me a little salty because I had been practically salivating waiting to eat this one up.
Could someone bring me a glass of tepid water?
Thank you NetGalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. This is a 2.75 rounded up to 3 stars, this little piggy did not bring home the bacon.
The premise teased a dark, weird girl descent into toxic female friendship, but what I got felt more like a crash course in pig husbandry. Repetitive lists of pig names, endless ethical farming tangents, and dense paragraphs on modern agriculture made this a serious slog. I signed up for emotional rot, not artisanal pork discourse.
And the central relationship? Who exactly is the toxic one? Valentina – Vale (who reads like Eleanor Oliphant’s lesser-known cousin) or Clara, who is clearly mentally unwell and simply labelled “toxic” while everyone watches her unravel without intervention. It’s uncomfortable, and not in an interesting, deliberate way, more like careless discomfort with a dash of misdiagnosis.
In the end, this doesn’t feel like a story about toxic friendship at all. It read to me more like a portrait of co-dependency, two unwell people circling the drain – less weird girl lit, more lukewarm normcore, with the emotional stakes blunted by unclear intent.
336 pages of dry toast with the bacon trimmed of fat, no sauce. It's left me a little salty because I had been practically salivating waiting to eat this one up.
Could someone bring me a glass of tepid water?
Thank you NetGalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. This is a 2.75 rounded up to 3 stars, this little piggy did not bring home the bacon.
January 28, 2025
This book is the definition of a toxic female relationship; a brutally disturbing dynamic.
Vale has a fondness for pigs, an aspect of what we assume is her neurodivergent aura. She has learned to read social situations and act based on how the world presents itself to her, and the people in it. Vale meets Clara at school where initially we see her defending Vale, fast forward a few years and we see how this dynamic has progressed as they are now sharing a house in London.
Clara is in the process of divorcing her husband living as a hermit holed up in the house, while Vale is working at a bookshop to support both of them. Clara gives Vale directions daily on what she is to wear to work, what she must eat for lunch and keeps tabs on what she is doing and who she is with.
I promise this book will have you hooked just to see what happens, while you fume at Clara. We have some redeeming characters in Ollie and Kai at the bookshop who both appreciate Vale for who she is.
There was quite a long flashback that I didn't particularly enjoy, I feel the delivery could have been better. However, I think the ending was really good despite what other readers have said
Themes: toxic female friendships, queerness, identity, social expectations, bullying, neurodivergence
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this title.
Vale has a fondness for pigs, an aspect of what we assume is her neurodivergent aura. She has learned to read social situations and act based on how the world presents itself to her, and the people in it. Vale meets Clara at school where initially we see her defending Vale, fast forward a few years and we see how this dynamic has progressed as they are now sharing a house in London.
Clara is in the process of divorcing her husband living as a hermit holed up in the house, while Vale is working at a bookshop to support both of them. Clara gives Vale directions daily on what she is to wear to work, what she must eat for lunch and keeps tabs on what she is doing and who she is with.
I promise this book will have you hooked just to see what happens, while you fume at Clara. We have some redeeming characters in Ollie and Kai at the bookshop who both appreciate Vale for who she is.
There was quite a long flashback that I didn't particularly enjoy, I feel the delivery could have been better. However, I think the ending was really good despite what other readers have said
Themes: toxic female friendships, queerness, identity, social expectations, bullying, neurodivergence
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this title.
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