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The Unexpected Genius of Pigs
We often consider dogs to be our enduring sidekicks but the truth is domestic pigs have played a role in our lives for nearly as long.
Pigs are highly social and smart. They like to play. They’re inventive, crafty and belligerent – and incredibly singleminded.
Ultimately, we have far more in common with these creatures than we like to admit.
Here is a charming ode to one of the most common, yet surprisingly intelligent, animals populating our landscapes. In this gentle and illuminating study, Matt Whyman embarks on a journey to uncover the heart and soul of an animal brimming with more energy, intelligence and playfulness than he could ever have imagined.
In his bid to understand what makes a pig tick, having climbed a steep learning curve as a keeper himself, Whyman meets a veterinary professor and expert in pig emotion, as well as a spirited hill farmer whose world revolves around hogs and sows.
Packed with fascinating research and delightful anecdotes, this entertaining and informative celebration of all things porcine covers everything from evolution, behaviour and communication to friendship, loyalty and broken hearts – uncovering a surprising notion of family along the way.
Pigs are highly social and smart. They like to play. They’re inventive, crafty and belligerent – and incredibly singleminded.
Ultimately, we have far more in common with these creatures than we like to admit.
Here is a charming ode to one of the most common, yet surprisingly intelligent, animals populating our landscapes. In this gentle and illuminating study, Matt Whyman embarks on a journey to uncover the heart and soul of an animal brimming with more energy, intelligence and playfulness than he could ever have imagined.
In his bid to understand what makes a pig tick, having climbed a steep learning curve as a keeper himself, Whyman meets a veterinary professor and expert in pig emotion, as well as a spirited hill farmer whose world revolves around hogs and sows.
Packed with fascinating research and delightful anecdotes, this entertaining and informative celebration of all things porcine covers everything from evolution, behaviour and communication to friendship, loyalty and broken hearts – uncovering a surprising notion of family along the way.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2018
14 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Matt Whyman
52 books102 followersMatt Whyman is an award-winning novelist and non-fiction writer. He has co-written bestselling books with some of the world’s leading figures in sport, high performance and popular culture including Gareth Southgate, Matthew Syed, Billy Connolly and Sir David Attenborough as well as the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 10, 2018
A lighthearted look at the life of pigs. The author, in a moment of madness, agreed to give a home to two mini pigs. As he didn’t buy them from a reputable breeder, he wasn’t too surprised when they turned into Godzilla pigs! In an effort to understand their behaviour, he visits two experts, Dr. Michael Mendl (it doesn’t say if he’s any relation to THE Mendl) and Wendy Scudamore, a pig farmer.
The book ping pongs between conversations with these two pig connoisseurs and Whyman’s recollections of his own pigs, Butch and Roxi. It’s not scientific but it is interesting and good fun. The next time you pass a pig, speak to it. S/he will listen and will ‘speak’ back. Pigs are intelligent, sociable animals and reading this (nearly) made me feel guilty about eating bacon.
To sum up, here is Wendy speaking about her pigs,
“...there is a companionship that is really important to them. It’s about feeling safe.....being able to curl up together and having someone to talk to.” Wendy falls quiet, still contemplating her pigs, and then nods to herself. “Aren’t those the three things all of us want in life?”
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for a free review copy.
The book ping pongs between conversations with these two pig connoisseurs and Whyman’s recollections of his own pigs, Butch and Roxi. It’s not scientific but it is interesting and good fun. The next time you pass a pig, speak to it. S/he will listen and will ‘speak’ back. Pigs are intelligent, sociable animals and reading this (nearly) made me feel guilty about eating bacon.
To sum up, here is Wendy speaking about her pigs,
“...there is a companionship that is really important to them. It’s about feeling safe.....being able to curl up together and having someone to talk to.” Wendy falls quiet, still contemplating her pigs, and then nods to herself. “Aren’t those the three things all of us want in life?”
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for a free review copy.
November 18, 2018
It is hard for me to explain how much I enjoyed this book. I was attracted by the cover and the title and curious enough to take a chance and download it. I read the synopsis and had the book ended after the first section I would have been happy, but finding section after section of interesting, factual and a thoroughly entertaining read I was disappointed when it ended, and yet the ending was very predictable. So predictable as a reader I began to wonder how much upset and disruption it would take for me to find a new hoe for my pigs.
Even though this was a non fiction book, it read like a story and Whyman has definitely got the gift of a novelist, as he combines his tale of wonder and woe, with the facts, trials and tribulations of experts. The book made me laugh, smile and snigger at Roxi and Butch's antics and I would very often relay passages to my husband to enjoy as well.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Thank you Matt Whyman for allowing me the privilege of sharing your journey.
Even though this was a non fiction book, it read like a story and Whyman has definitely got the gift of a novelist, as he combines his tale of wonder and woe, with the facts, trials and tribulations of experts. The book made me laugh, smile and snigger at Roxi and Butch's antics and I would very often relay passages to my husband to enjoy as well.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Thank you Matt Whyman for allowing me the privilege of sharing your journey.
October 5, 2019
Bij het zien van de schitterende cover van Het edele brein van een zwijn van Matt Whyman is het voor te stellen dat mensen verliefd op het varkentje worden, hij of zij ziet er zo schattig en onschuldig uit. Je krijgt meteen een vermoeden dat het boek over hem of haar en zijn of haar soortgenoten zal gaan. De titel bevestigt dat, maar maakt ook nieuwsgierig naar het boek. Je wilt er meer over weten.
In Het edele brein van een zwijn van Matt Whyman vertelt de auteur hoe hij ongewild baas werd van twee varkens die volgens zeggen niet te groot zouden worden, maar de waarheid was een tikkeltje (zacht uitgedrukt) anders. Voor veel stellen en gezinnen zal het begin van het boek meteen bekend voorkomen, waarbij de een een huisdier wil en de ander niet of dat die genoeg heeft aan de huisdieren die ze al hebben, maar dat de partner toch doordrukt en je als tegenstander dan niets anders kan doen dan de nieuwe huisgenoten accepteren en er stiekem toch van gaan houden. Zo was dat in het gezin van Matt Whyman ook het geval. Ondanks dat hij af en toe moppert over de varkens, voel je zijn liefde voor de varkens door heel het boek doorschemeren.
Lees verder op https://surfingann.blogspot.com/2019/... .
In Het edele brein van een zwijn van Matt Whyman vertelt de auteur hoe hij ongewild baas werd van twee varkens die volgens zeggen niet te groot zouden worden, maar de waarheid was een tikkeltje (zacht uitgedrukt) anders. Voor veel stellen en gezinnen zal het begin van het boek meteen bekend voorkomen, waarbij de een een huisdier wil en de ander niet of dat die genoeg heeft aan de huisdieren die ze al hebben, maar dat de partner toch doordrukt en je als tegenstander dan niets anders kan doen dan de nieuwe huisgenoten accepteren en er stiekem toch van gaan houden. Zo was dat in het gezin van Matt Whyman ook het geval. Ondanks dat hij af en toe moppert over de varkens, voel je zijn liefde voor de varkens door heel het boek doorschemeren.
Lees verder op https://surfingann.blogspot.com/2019/... .
October 6, 2020
A lovely little meditation on pigs! I would gobble up anything about these gentle creatures and I really enjoyed this.
July 18, 2020
“El ingenio de los cerdos” de Matt Whyman.
Ha sido una lectura peculiar, divertida y muy interesante, aprendí un montón de cosas que desconocía sobre los cerdos.
Para los amantes de los animales cualquier dato o anécdota nos resulta curiosa, pero también es cierto que casi siempre acabamos hablando de lo típico: gatos y perros... así que cuando vi que la cosa iba de cerditos 🐷 tenía que leerlo.
Me reí un montón con algunas anécdotas que le pasan a Matt Whyman con su pareja de cerdos, llamados Roxi y Butch.
Lo que en un principio iban a ser dos “mascotitas” de mini cerdos, resulta que se convierte en otra cosa... y de una forma muy amena y graciosa el autor nos cuenta su experiencia al criarlos.
No caigas en el error de pensar que son tontos o poco higiénicos, es sorprendente a lo que pueden llegar estos animales.
Y la edición es muy bonita con una portada que me parece una monada. Incluso por dentro se han incluido algunas ilustraciones.
Tendríais en casa un cerdito como mascota??
Ha sido una lectura peculiar, divertida y muy interesante, aprendí un montón de cosas que desconocía sobre los cerdos.
Para los amantes de los animales cualquier dato o anécdota nos resulta curiosa, pero también es cierto que casi siempre acabamos hablando de lo típico: gatos y perros... así que cuando vi que la cosa iba de cerditos 🐷 tenía que leerlo.
Me reí un montón con algunas anécdotas que le pasan a Matt Whyman con su pareja de cerdos, llamados Roxi y Butch.
Lo que en un principio iban a ser dos “mascotitas” de mini cerdos, resulta que se convierte en otra cosa... y de una forma muy amena y graciosa el autor nos cuenta su experiencia al criarlos.
No caigas en el error de pensar que son tontos o poco higiénicos, es sorprendente a lo que pueden llegar estos animales.
Y la edición es muy bonita con una portada que me parece una monada. Incluso por dentro se han incluido algunas ilustraciones.
Tendríais en casa un cerdito como mascota??
July 10, 2021
A wonderful book. The author writes from a non-expert point of view but adds facts and knowledge from some who are expert! This book should be on every school bookshelf, indeed even on the curriculum. It might help young people to understand the relationship between animals and humans.
July 12, 2020
Whyman only briefly captures the potential for both scientific depth and porcine cuteness in this short book. It reads more like a collection of journal entries than a fact-infused memoir.
November 5, 2018
Although the pig is an integral part of British agriculture and is one of the oldest forms of livestock, being domesticated earlier than cows there are several untruths and misconceptions surrounding them including that they are lazy, dirty and spend all day wallowing in mud. After completing this delightfully entertaining book by Matt Whyman the reader will I'm sure see pigs in a new totally new light for the book demonstrates how pigs are both intelligent and sociable animals with a penchant for cleanliness.
The book revolves around how Whyman purchased what he mistakenly believed were two mini pigs that could easily be fitted in a handbag as pets that would be housed along with his chickens at his countryside home in West Sussex. Not only would they assist in deterring the foxes from attacking the chickens but would make excellent pets for his young children. Unfortunately it would soon become clear that Butch and Roxi where far from being mini pigs and would grow to become "minibeasts", of course the seller would no longer be in business when contacted regarding this fact.
The book recounts the many capers that Butch and Roxi get up to including escaping and damaging a local protected bluebell woodland, getting drunk on rotting apples and their passion for acorns. Also through the assistance of Wendy Scudamore a pig breeder and Professor Michael Mendl a veterinary professor we learn more about the pig's evolution, behaviour patterns and social structure. The end of the book is quite moving as it becomes inevitable that Butch and Roxi have literally outgrown their environment and need to be moved to new pastures. The conclusion is one should be very wary indeed if considering a pig as a pet.
There are some wonderfully evocative drawings in the book but I would have also liked to have seen a few photographs of the two pigs and their environs. Its not a long book and can be read easily in one or two sittings and for this reader at least I found it a most enjoyable read.
The book revolves around how Whyman purchased what he mistakenly believed were two mini pigs that could easily be fitted in a handbag as pets that would be housed along with his chickens at his countryside home in West Sussex. Not only would they assist in deterring the foxes from attacking the chickens but would make excellent pets for his young children. Unfortunately it would soon become clear that Butch and Roxi where far from being mini pigs and would grow to become "minibeasts", of course the seller would no longer be in business when contacted regarding this fact.
The book recounts the many capers that Butch and Roxi get up to including escaping and damaging a local protected bluebell woodland, getting drunk on rotting apples and their passion for acorns. Also through the assistance of Wendy Scudamore a pig breeder and Professor Michael Mendl a veterinary professor we learn more about the pig's evolution, behaviour patterns and social structure. The end of the book is quite moving as it becomes inevitable that Butch and Roxi have literally outgrown their environment and need to be moved to new pastures. The conclusion is one should be very wary indeed if considering a pig as a pet.
There are some wonderfully evocative drawings in the book but I would have also liked to have seen a few photographs of the two pigs and their environs. Its not a long book and can be read easily in one or two sittings and for this reader at least I found it a most enjoyable read.
November 29, 2018
As another review highlights, a problem with this long series of sketches is that it is likely to be entirely forgettable and a subject that perhaps will not fascinate many readers.
I come at this as a keeper of pigs myself - a small holder who keeps a few pigs quite frankly - to eat ! The author i suspect is a vegetarian and looks at pigs through pink tinted glasses. When he lets the pigs go at the end the squelchy sentimentality made me queasy - he leaves the pigs quietly behind as he « doesn’t want the pigs to see he is upset « at which point I felt like screaming « but they’re f@@@ing pigs !!! «
You see if you are breeding a few pigs to eat, keeping the sow, there is an entirely different respectful but completely unsentimental relationship .. and quite a lot of black , one sided humour . I would whisper the words bacon or sausages to the boorish brutish 60 kilo piglets fighting and oinking over their food. I would gaze down at them knowing that the next day they would be sliced and vacuum packed - BUT i would also feel the strange sadness that this was their last day on the planet and actually I was really glad they didn’t know it !!!
As for the sow - of course - she is the one that will survive so you take a bit of pride and pleasure in ensuring she has an awesome life style ! Plenty of food on demand, a mud bath in the summer months and a large paddock and shade to chill out and enjoy .
Keeping pigs is great fun.
Pigs are great and interesting animals but spare me the sentimentality
I come at this as a keeper of pigs myself - a small holder who keeps a few pigs quite frankly - to eat ! The author i suspect is a vegetarian and looks at pigs through pink tinted glasses. When he lets the pigs go at the end the squelchy sentimentality made me queasy - he leaves the pigs quietly behind as he « doesn’t want the pigs to see he is upset « at which point I felt like screaming « but they’re f@@@ing pigs !!! «
You see if you are breeding a few pigs to eat, keeping the sow, there is an entirely different respectful but completely unsentimental relationship .. and quite a lot of black , one sided humour . I would whisper the words bacon or sausages to the boorish brutish 60 kilo piglets fighting and oinking over their food. I would gaze down at them knowing that the next day they would be sliced and vacuum packed - BUT i would also feel the strange sadness that this was their last day on the planet and actually I was really glad they didn’t know it !!!
As for the sow - of course - she is the one that will survive so you take a bit of pride and pleasure in ensuring she has an awesome life style ! Plenty of food on demand, a mud bath in the summer months and a large paddock and shade to chill out and enjoy .
Keeping pigs is great fun.
Pigs are great and interesting animals but spare me the sentimentality
November 6, 2018
Part biography, part natural history title, wholly charming and informative. Like so many others, Matt Whyman and his family fell for the micro-pig craze when it was at its height a few years ago. Unlike so many others, and fortunately for the two acquired piglets, the Whyman family were able to continue to care for them long after they’d grown into near unmanageable maxi-pigs.
Whyman relating to his own experiences, and with the help of a few experts, looks at the history of pig domestication, their clever and cunning natures, as well as how they live day to day within groups. The book is peppered with humorous and oddly touching anecdotes, dispelling many myths about the often-misunderstood species along the way.
Overall, I really enjoyed the conversational style of the book and found it unexpectedly thought-provoking in many places. While it did feel a tiny bit repetitive in some places, there was more than enough in the book to keep my attention.
Recommended.
This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review. With thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins.
Whyman relating to his own experiences, and with the help of a few experts, looks at the history of pig domestication, their clever and cunning natures, as well as how they live day to day within groups. The book is peppered with humorous and oddly touching anecdotes, dispelling many myths about the often-misunderstood species along the way.
Overall, I really enjoyed the conversational style of the book and found it unexpectedly thought-provoking in many places. While it did feel a tiny bit repetitive in some places, there was more than enough in the book to keep my attention.
Recommended.
This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review. With thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins.
April 22, 2024
Enjoyable read, if a little disappointing in conclusion. Working in farm animal sanctuary we hear this story everyday of people getting conned by the idea of mini-pigs and then not being able to keep them. for all the fuss the author puts up about taking responsibility he does give them up in the final chapter, even after talking about how they are ‘for life not just for Christmas’..
Knowing lots of pigs personally and spending most of my days working with them I will never entertain the idea that farming them is ok, that would be like betraying a friend. It is hinted to that the author also feels the same but in a very wishy washy way. Most of the conversation is given to a pig farmer and researcher who wants better welfare whilst farming pigs - they both provide great information and interesting accounts, however in a book telling of all the incredible qualities of pigs, I wanted a more solid conclusion.
Knowing lots of pigs personally and spending most of my days working with them I will never entertain the idea that farming them is ok, that would be like betraying a friend. It is hinted to that the author also feels the same but in a very wishy washy way. Most of the conversation is given to a pig farmer and researcher who wants better welfare whilst farming pigs - they both provide great information and interesting accounts, however in a book telling of all the incredible qualities of pigs, I wanted a more solid conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2022
What an adorable book! The author’s love for his pigs was so clear and although I already absolutely love pigs, this book taught me even more about their lives! Even so, for such a short book, it was repetitive in places (how many times do I need to hear about their sleeping position?) and i definitely thought some parts needed more detail instead!
February 2, 2023
Not what I was expecting but really cute and fun. I thought it would be more...sciency I guess, but it was mostly the story of the authors and his two "mini pigs" not mini at all and what he learns about the species along the way.
The parts with Wendy and the professor were really interesting, and the ones with Butch and Roxie adorable. It makes you want to go cuddle a pig.
The parts with Wendy and the professor were really interesting, and the ones with Butch and Roxie adorable. It makes you want to go cuddle a pig.
March 14, 2021
I mean, it’s alright.
January 8, 2023
I wanted to love this, but I just don’t think it was for me. I was expecting more science and animal welfare, and instead this was mostly anecdotal.
April 18, 2023
Cute. A pleasant, light weight read.
June 14, 2022
Un 3 y justito. Pensaba que aprendería más de ellos mediante éste libro. En resultas, es un poco un "quiero no puedo". No acaba de redondear ni de ahondar en la experiencia propia mediante la convivencia con los porcinos; añadiendo por el medio la de otra señora con los suyos, y las conversaciones con un profesor especializado al respecto. Se queda algo deslucido y flojo, aunque tuviera buena intención de primeras. Una lástima, pocas obras hay al respecto.
April 4, 2019
very funny and sweet! i will read anything about pigs.
June 25, 2019
Lovely little read. I love reading books that touch my heart in some way, this book definitely qualifies as one of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2018
PUBLISHERS BLURB
We often consider dogs to be our enduring sidekicks but the truth is domestic pigs have played a role in our lives for nearly as long.
Pigs are highly social and smart. They like to play. They’re inventive, crafty and belligerent – and incredibly singleminded.
Ultimately, we have far more in common with these creatures than we like to admit.
Here is a charming ode to one of the most common, yet surprisingly intelligent, animals populating our landscapes. In this gentle and illuminating study, Matt Whyman embarks on a journey to uncover the heart and soul of an animal brimming with more energy, intelligence and playfulness than he could ever have imagined.
In his bid to understand what makes a pig tick, having climbed a steep learning curve as a keeper himself, Whyman meets a veterinary professor and expert in pig emotion, as well as a spirited hill farmer whose world revolves around hogs and sows.
Packed with fascinating research and delightful anecdotes, this entertaining and informative celebration of all things porcine covers everything from evolution, behaviour and communication to friendship, loyalty and broken hearts – uncovering a surprising notion of family along the way.
MY REVIEW
The book tells the tale of the purchase of two cute mini pigs with the intention they would live in harmony with Matt’s chickens at home in West Sussex.
However, it was soon obvious, that Roxi (which amused me no end as that’s my daughters name) and Butch were just regular large piggies....
The story is about the adventures of Roxi and Butch, their escapes, drunkenness and sheer mayhem they caused.
There is also a serious side and covers porcine evolution, behaviours and social structure and is quite fascinating.
This is also a cautionary tale of buyer beware !....and the ending is quite emotional as Roxi and Butch move to a new home as they quite literally out grew their home. There are some lovely drawings through the book too and ts a fun and entertaining read.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
We often consider dogs to be our enduring sidekicks but the truth is domestic pigs have played a role in our lives for nearly as long.
Pigs are highly social and smart. They like to play. They’re inventive, crafty and belligerent – and incredibly singleminded.
Ultimately, we have far more in common with these creatures than we like to admit.
Here is a charming ode to one of the most common, yet surprisingly intelligent, animals populating our landscapes. In this gentle and illuminating study, Matt Whyman embarks on a journey to uncover the heart and soul of an animal brimming with more energy, intelligence and playfulness than he could ever have imagined.
In his bid to understand what makes a pig tick, having climbed a steep learning curve as a keeper himself, Whyman meets a veterinary professor and expert in pig emotion, as well as a spirited hill farmer whose world revolves around hogs and sows.
Packed with fascinating research and delightful anecdotes, this entertaining and informative celebration of all things porcine covers everything from evolution, behaviour and communication to friendship, loyalty and broken hearts – uncovering a surprising notion of family along the way.
MY REVIEW
The book tells the tale of the purchase of two cute mini pigs with the intention they would live in harmony with Matt’s chickens at home in West Sussex.
However, it was soon obvious, that Roxi (which amused me no end as that’s my daughters name) and Butch were just regular large piggies....
The story is about the adventures of Roxi and Butch, their escapes, drunkenness and sheer mayhem they caused.
There is also a serious side and covers porcine evolution, behaviours and social structure and is quite fascinating.
This is also a cautionary tale of buyer beware !....and the ending is quite emotional as Roxi and Butch move to a new home as they quite literally out grew their home. There are some lovely drawings through the book too and ts a fun and entertaining read.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
November 19, 2018
Huzzah! This is a book of indulgent pleasure that made me smile countless times. It has various titbits of porcine data, many that you've probably heard and forgotten before, but it doesn't become dry from them. This is more a book about the character of pigs than their science.
Whyman repeatedly reminds the reader that we tend to anthropomorphise these, and other, animals in our attempts to understand them and bond with them. It's almost protesting too much in fact - in the various anecdotes he shares from both his life and that of one of his interview subjects, Wendy, it's clear that, like virtually every person who interacts with animals, they are just as guilty of humanising their pigs. I like that about the book. I like that it's a fairly narrow view of the subject in that regard, and I enjoy that sense of tenderness they both clearly feel for the pigs in their care. It made me chuckle each time they felt the urge to point out they weren't crazy pig people. Their bonds demonstrated that pigs have a lot to offer and brought the whole affair to life.
I can't help but feel this book arrives with such perfect timing too. As I say, it's a treat. On this chilly autumn day I curled up in an armchair and just enjoyed. It's the kind of book I'd happily open on Christmas day and dip in and out of while lots going on - it's a book you can read out, share, and smile to. It's the kind of book you don't know how much you need in your life until you've read it. So do!
Whyman repeatedly reminds the reader that we tend to anthropomorphise these, and other, animals in our attempts to understand them and bond with them. It's almost protesting too much in fact - in the various anecdotes he shares from both his life and that of one of his interview subjects, Wendy, it's clear that, like virtually every person who interacts with animals, they are just as guilty of humanising their pigs. I like that about the book. I like that it's a fairly narrow view of the subject in that regard, and I enjoy that sense of tenderness they both clearly feel for the pigs in their care. It made me chuckle each time they felt the urge to point out they weren't crazy pig people. Their bonds demonstrated that pigs have a lot to offer and brought the whole affair to life.
I can't help but feel this book arrives with such perfect timing too. As I say, it's a treat. On this chilly autumn day I curled up in an armchair and just enjoyed. It's the kind of book I'd happily open on Christmas day and dip in and out of while lots going on - it's a book you can read out, share, and smile to. It's the kind of book you don't know how much you need in your life until you've read it. So do!
February 19, 2023
De Nederlandse Fanatieke Lezers op Goodreads doen een challenge. De challenge bestaat uit verschillende leesopdrachten. Dit boek las ik voor de opdracht; lees een boek met een varken op de cover. Het leuke van deze opdrachten is dat je op heel verschillende manieren zoekt naar boeken om te lezen en zo uit je eigen leesbubbel komt.
En dat was wat bij dit boek deels gebeurde. Naast historische romans lees ik graag boeken over mensen die wat ondernemen, denk bijvoorbeeld aan het lopen van een trail. In varkens ben ik niet perse geïnteresseerd. En toch is dit een vermakelijk boek om te lezen over een echtpaar dat denkt twee mini biggen in huis te nemen. De biggen zijn klein bij de start en worden volwassen grote varkens. Ondertussen leren ze als gezin veel over de gewoontes van varkens en vanuit het goed willen zorgen voor de dieren voegen ze zich steeds meer naar de situatie. Totdat....
En dat was wat bij dit boek deels gebeurde. Naast historische romans lees ik graag boeken over mensen die wat ondernemen, denk bijvoorbeeld aan het lopen van een trail. In varkens ben ik niet perse geïnteresseerd. En toch is dit een vermakelijk boek om te lezen over een echtpaar dat denkt twee mini biggen in huis te nemen. De biggen zijn klein bij de start en worden volwassen grote varkens. Ondertussen leren ze als gezin veel over de gewoontes van varkens en vanuit het goed willen zorgen voor de dieren voegen ze zich steeds meer naar de situatie. Totdat....
November 10, 2018
The Genius of Pigs by Matt Whyman a four-star read you will want some apple sauce with. I really didn’t know what to think of this one before I started it, and I was glad I went into it without knowing much about it, it really did open my eyes. I had a friend who had a similar experience with mini pigs and had much the same journey as Butch and Roxi, sadly Mable and Connie didn’t fair as well. This was funny, honest and sweet at times and also informative. It gives you some understanding of pig’s behaviour and social structures. I suspect this book may exert a similar pattern of behaviour with meat as a film about a talking pig did some years ago, apple sauce may not be needed for some time in my house if ever. This was such an entertaining and informative read, Im sure it will go on my re-read pile.
November 6, 2018
3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this.
There was a fashion, some years back, for keeping mini-pigs as household pets. The author’s experience was that his so-called minis grew into enormous maxis. In this book he looks at the history of pig domestication and, with a pig breeder and a professor who is researching them, increases his own and our insight. It’s all enlivened with anecdotes about his two pigs, or those of Wendy, the breeder.
I found it a little rambling – like the pigs – and repetitive in places. It read like a series of magazine articles linked up to make a book. If you already have a fondness for pigs this will delight you. If you haven’t, it’ll surprise you and you could find yourself unexpectedly admiring them.
There was a fashion, some years back, for keeping mini-pigs as household pets. The author’s experience was that his so-called minis grew into enormous maxis. In this book he looks at the history of pig domestication and, with a pig breeder and a professor who is researching them, increases his own and our insight. It’s all enlivened with anecdotes about his two pigs, or those of Wendy, the breeder.
I found it a little rambling – like the pigs – and repetitive in places. It read like a series of magazine articles linked up to make a book. If you already have a fondness for pigs this will delight you. If you haven’t, it’ll surprise you and you could find yourself unexpectedly admiring them.
October 25, 2025
The Unexpected Genius of Pigs by Matt Whyman is very unlike my normal reading choices. I picked it up in @whsmithofficial for 50p which was its second selling point after the oh so pretty cover. I'm terrible for that!
I have this book 3 stars but mainly because I'm not really a huge non-fiction fan. If I were then it would be deserving of more as this anecdotal read was both factual and entertaining, researched and funny.
We follow the journey of Matt, the author and his wife Emma post adoption of two mini pigs, Butch and Roxi, that turn out to be far from as advertised. Matt and Emma do all they can to build a comfortable life for their two beasts and build pig community relationships along the way.
A heart warming read that'll teach you a thing or two along the way
I have this book 3 stars but mainly because I'm not really a huge non-fiction fan. If I were then it would be deserving of more as this anecdotal read was both factual and entertaining, researched and funny.
We follow the journey of Matt, the author and his wife Emma post adoption of two mini pigs, Butch and Roxi, that turn out to be far from as advertised. Matt and Emma do all they can to build a comfortable life for their two beasts and build pig community relationships along the way.
A heart warming read that'll teach you a thing or two along the way
November 11, 2018
Matt Whyman talks of his experience of raising 2 larger than expected "mini pigs", whilst also taking a walk around the farm of pig-keeper Wendy Scudamore. It is a "charming" book in some ways the pitfalls he encountered and the ways in which the pigs became part of the family. I wonder though how large an audience there is for this type of book. Part of my rating always reflects how engaged i felt with the book and how memorable it will be among the rest of the books I have read. I feel as though I will have forgotten this by the time I am partway through my next book
April 4, 2019
Ever since childhood I've been fond of pigs. As a child, I was lucky to spend summers on a small farm, hence my firsthand knowledge. I used to race the resident pig (in its outdoor enclosure), try to make eye contact, be amused by the innate desire to dig up everything around it, by its curiosity, admire the numerous piglets. So I guess this book was never intended for me. True, some pages were very amusing (the myth of the mini-pig, for example) and the whole setup was different from my childhood summers, and yet I tired of it all pretty rapidly.
May 31, 2019
This is a fun read to read for novice pig enthusiasts with only a general, shallow interest. If your interest runs deeper and would love some in-depth explanations and scientifical facts, you’ll find this book lacking.
I wish it t was twice this long. I loved the anecdotes so it’s a pity the author shared so little. He was jumping between topics so fast that by the time I started to enjoy one and started to learn something, it ended already.
But as I said, if you’re looking for something light to read that you don’t need to think about, then this book is good entertainment.
I wish it t was twice this long. I loved the anecdotes so it’s a pity the author shared so little. He was jumping between topics so fast that by the time I started to enjoy one and started to learn something, it ended already.
But as I said, if you’re looking for something light to read that you don’t need to think about, then this book is good entertainment.
January 16, 2021
Excellent for fans of Sy Montgomery! The Unexpected Genius of Pigs is an endearing, informative, and all-out fun book about one British family's experience when the two teacup piglets they adopted turned out to be enormous, earth-tilling, ear-splitting hogs. Part memoir, part scientific research, and part observation - this quick read had me considering whether or not my family had what it takes to become pig-keepers (we don't but I sure wish we did!).
March 17, 2021
I really enjoyed how Matt shared stories of his pot-bellied pigs, and wish the novel focused more on his own experiences. I was completely immersed in the story at first, but as it progressed to stories about Wendy's pregnant sows and piglets it became more analytical and less enjoyable to read. There were a couple of laugh-out-loud moments when he spoke about what he believed were characteristics of his porcine pals.
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