Review of Pig by Matilde Pratesi

Vale and Clara’s friendship is toxic. Living together in London, Vale works at a bookshop and races home every evening to Clara who’s waiting for dinner to be cooked and to be bathed. From deciding what Vale can eat to what she can wear, Clara controls every aspect of her life. Having grown up together in Rome, Carla was the only one there for socially anxious and friendless Vale. When over stimulated, Vale recounts breeds of pigs to calm her down. She knows everything there is to know about pigs; it’s her hobby, she’s obsessed. 

One day a man comes into the bookshop and strikes up a conversation with Vale about agriculture. He learns about her love for pigs and he’s interested, not only that, he’s a publisher and wants Vale to write a book on her knowledge. But she can’t tell Carla about the book, it would make her mad because Vale’s attention would no longer be on her. Forced to write the book in secret, Vale doesn’t know how long she can keep it hidden. But if Carla ever found out, if she knew Vale had lied to her, she doesn’t know what will happen. Something terrible, no doubt.

Reviewed by Victoria

Published on 01/05/25 by Corsair

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