I’m having a difficult time discerning my thoughts and feelings about this book. Several readers have dismissed it as a typical story about eating disorders. Others have been vastly disappointed to learn that the reader is the only party left out of the loop of knowing what every character in the book eventually learns. Some feel that entirely too much emphasis is placed on descriptions of cooking and food preparation, while others think that there’s too little. I quite enjoyed the food descriptions.

I disagree that it’s a typical story about eating disorders, as it seems that both the title character and her sister suffer from two distinct different ones, and that their parents have been clueless as to the realities of their situations for their entire lives, cruelly and unwarrantedly labeling the protagonist as a piglet and being completely unaware of her sister’s problems. She doesn’t ever seem to mind this moniker and allows everyone she meets to call her this. However, it doesn’t seem to describe her eating habits until such time as she feels her life spinning out of control, and when it does, she is berated again as she was as a child.

The plot mechanism is a countdown to Piglet’s impending wedding and to a date just two weeks prior when her fiancée drops a bombshell of a confession on her, the content of which the reader never learns. This is the impetus for her to succumb to her eating disorder, as she tries to hold herself together and maintain the illusion that everything in her life will still remain the same. I must admit, I was looking forward to learning what the secret was, but in the end, it didn’t really matter to me. I’m sure, like me, most people can guess as to what Piglet’s fiancée confessed.

Overall, I think this is a book worth reading. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read an advanced reader’s copy. These opinions are voluntary.

I felt very conflicted about this book. I loved the metaphorical aspect of Piglet stuffing herself with food to navigate her feelings and the pressures of navigating the relationship trauma, familial expectations and work stress. I was frustrated that I didn't know what her fiance did and that she never tried to self-advocate. I think if she had tried and was shut down, it would make Piglet a more relatable and understood character. The cover art was mesmerizing--really good pick! Overall, while I didn't love this, I enjoyed it and would try another book by the author.

Didn’t get through this one unfortunately. I had to dnf around 22%. Might need to be in a different headspace to finish this.

This was alright, but I find that eating disorder fiction is something that is abused and just not great overall.

Thank you @netgalley for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This book explores appetite through a lens of desire and self-worth. The novel follows Piglet (a nickname given to her when she was a little girl because of her appetite), who's engaged to be married, who slowly loses control after her fiance confesses to a betrayal (we never learn the specifics of the betrayal) weeks before the wedding. The slow-burn tension, infused with visceral descriptions of food and relationships, makes for a compelling book -- I felt on edge each time Piglet lost control around food. I enjoyed this book overall but I never managed to connect with Piglet as a person. I felt the overindulgence metaphor was explained too much if that makes sense. Piglet is an impressive debut though and I look forward to reading more from this author!

By the cover and synopsis, I was expecting more from this book. Going on the journey with Piglet, a woman who is grappling with this terrible nickname since her childhood, a fiance that is not great, and a job she loves was...meh. The best parts of the book were when she was speaking about her passion for food, granted binge eating is not something that is (or should be) celebrated however the details and love behind those descriptions made the book manageable. The other parts of the book did not stick with me as much as I would have wanted.

I didn't dislike reading the book, but at the end...I didn't have much of a response for it. It was a fine book to read and pass the time. Not sure if this is a glowing recommendation or not, but it didn't suck.

DNF @ 21%

This was just boring. It felt like a narrated episode of Great British Baking Show, which I love, but only when I want to be zen and fall asleep.

This is another vibes book that just wasn’t vibing with me (which doesn’t mean it won’t vibe with you??)

Thanks to @henryholtbooks and @netgalley for the digital review copy!

An enjoyable read and absolutely mouth watering food descriptions! This book was very unconventional and many times made me uncomfortable, but it was a compelling read. I liked that the earth shattering event with her fiancé was inferred but never confirmed outright. The ending was too ambiguous and unsatisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Piglet by Lottie Hazell!

I read this as something frothy and easy as I’ve been stressing over remodeling my house and the end of term at work, and it filled that void. Reminding me of an updated Bridget Jones or Shop-a-holic that were so popular in the early 00s. This is a story about wanting love and acceptance while attempting to fit into a world of excess and failing pretty horribly at the attempts to do so. The nod to an eating disorder and the ending that does not prioritize happily ever after were a refreshing update to the older formula.

Is this a deep or challenging book? No. Will it change your life? Also, no. Is it something lightish to read when you are feeling overwhelmed? Yup.

*Piglet* by Lottie Hazell is a poignant and beautifully crafted tale that explores themes of identity, friendship, and the complexities of growing up. The story centers around a young protagonist who navigates the challenges of adolescence while grappling with their sense of self.

Hazell's writing is both lyrical and relatable, capturing the nuances of teenage emotions and the struggles of fitting in. The character development is impressive; the protagonist is vividly drawn, making their journey feel authentic and engaging. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

One of the standout elements of the book is its exploration of friendship—how it can uplift, challenge, and sometimes complicate our lives. Hazell delves into the intricacies of relationships, showcasing the highs and lows that come with growing up.

The pacing is steady, with moments of introspection beautifully balanced by scenes of action and dialogue. The imagery is vivid, immersing readers in the protagonist's world and evoking a strong sense of place.

Overall, *Piglet* is a touching and insightful read that resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place or struggled with their identity. Lottie Hazel has crafted a heartfelt story that will linger in your mind long after the last page. Highly recommended for readers seeking a thoughtful exploration of youth and self-discovery.

This was an interesting novel, but definitely not for those who have an aversion to food. I don't, even dreamed at one point of my life of becoming a food critic, and found the descriptions nauseating--which probably helps considering our protagonist's mental state sometimes. Not sure if I loved this novel in the end, but I did enjoy the process of reading it.

This book was Uncut Gems levels of stress. Just when you think things can’t get worse, they absolutely do. Piglet actively makes her life worse. It’s hard to sympathize with Piglet when she actively does the exact opposite of what might actually help her. Want to take control of your life? Maybe start by learning to communicate your needs and feelings.

The book skirts around eating disorders without actually naming them (anorexia, binge eating, etc.), and honestly, I wasn’t here for that. It felt like it was trying to justify disordered eating to tell the story of a young woman “finding her voice.” But this book wasn’t about finding her voice. It was about a woman making one bad decision after another, eventually arriving at the same outcome she would have gotten if she communicated her feelings, but with way more bridges burned along the way.

That said, credit where it’s due: the author’s writing is beautiful. If you’re into books that wax poetic about food, you’ll probably enjoy this. Personally, I skimmed through most of the overly detailed cooking scenes.

a heartwarming and delightful read that charmingly captures the innocence and wonder of its young protagonist. Hazell’s writing is both whimsical and heartfelt, drawing readers into a world where every page feels like a cozy embrace. It’s a delightful story that will leave you smiling and reflecting on its gentle, yet profound, messages.

I read 1/3 of this book then put it down for six months. A slow burn but really enjoyed it. Absolutely not for everyone and CW re: weight and food.

I absolutely devoured Piglet. The writing was vivid and visceral, from the descriptions of food to the intensity of emotions.

This novel was not for me. I found the characters exhausting and while I recognize the importance of a novel about women's desire, I had a hard time connecting the lead's self-destruction with desire.

Piglet by Lottie Hazell is an interesting novel with some feminist undertones. The main character, named Piglet since childhood is a book editor in London who is engaged to a well to fiancee Kit. All of the characters in this book are unlikable. Piglet's finance "betrays" her 13 days before her wedding and she begins to spiral. We never find out what the actual betrayal is. I had a hard time connecting with the main characters. There is definitely a trigger warning for eating disorders here. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Lottie Hazell's debut novel, Piglet, is a sharp and engaging story. It follows a London cookbook editor whose life unravels weeks before her wedding due to a shocking betrayal. Hazell's witty prose and keen observations on ambition, identity, and societal expectations make this a compelling and thought-provoking read."

This book touches on eating disorders, familial abuse, and mental health. It was incredibly clear to me how Piglet’s relationship with food affected every aspect of her life - which is not always the case in fiction about mentally ill people and I think it’s very cool to see behavior that has a very clear connection to the issue it stems from (in this case a need for control of her own life and other people’s perceptions) as opposed to behavior that obviously stems from some event or neuroses but the relationship is not always clear (which is also often done super well). This also revolves around an unspeakable act committed by Piglet’s fiancé and I spent the whole book wondering when I would find out and also whether leaving it up to the imagination would enhance the book. Anyway this was very good and incredible writing from both a descriptive angle and a character development point.

thank you NetGalley for this eARC!