Not going to lie, I sometimes judge a book by the cover. And this one had what appears to be a Big Mac so I requested it.

I have finished this one and I'm still not really sure how to rate it. I struggled a bit with this one. the nickname Piglet really didn't sit well with me and the fact that they used it throughout her life.

I disliked pretty much all the characters. I think I know where the author was trying to go with this, but I think it just wasn't for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars.
My heart breaks for our heroine - that horrible nick name for starters, that her clueless family gave her and maintained all through her life. Her fiancé's betrayal and the ghastly in-laws who protected their golden boy. I'm so happy that she had good, supportive friends!
Hats off to Lottie Hazell for writing a story that made me feel so strongly for the main character, even if my feelings were rage and hurt!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I think I liked this? It was cringy, often, not in a funny way but in a devastating way. At some moments, perhaps a little over the top?


Review copy provided by publisher.

Piglet has a wonderful façade of having it all, a well paying job that taken her out of her Midlands hometown, a beautiful new house, and very handsome and wealthy fiancé. But even in the opening scene of the book, we see her life is askew. Her fiancé reveals a wicked secret that she is unable to deal with and it bubbles up and eventually takes her over.

Perhaps it’s the postal code that gives her this air of snobbery but she’s constantly comparing her own family to her fiancé‘s family: Barbour wearing, pearl clutching, house south of France owning, upper middle class types in Summertown. I don’t know all the British politics of it all Midlands versus Oxford, but I do know the audiobook was read by someone with a Darby accent, maybe to give Piglet a sense of home outside the pages.

Piglet seems to be an unwelcome nickname given to her when she was prepubescent, she downplay the effects of how this has made her feel and it’s really only her best friend Margo, who calls her by her birth name. Her acceptance of this nickname is one of many ways Piglet tries to desperately to people please and in turn she is taken advantage of. No one hesitates or asks Piglet if something would be an inconvenience for her.

I really liked this novel I was kind of expecting maybe more unhinged behaviour as that’s what I would have done! Poor piglet! Absolutely a great read, and thank you NetGalley for this ARC audiobook.

This is an addictive novel, one where you are hooked from the beginning to understand the edible payoff of this curious little novel. The way that gluttony becomes a proxy for filling any void in Piglet's life is clever (though I'm not sure how I felt about it as it relates to chronic overeaters who suffer from weight gain, as Piglet is shamed for this in her story). The novel had incredible, vivid imagery, and the ways that we could see how eve the smallest moments of Piglet's life contribute to her downfall is engaging. The finale scene is really special. But I'm not sure I ever *loved* this story, and not sure I ever connected with the reasons why Piglet decided to go down the food route. It's a vivid and visceral novel, but one that still left me a bit hungry.

2.5 rounded up 4 stars for the reader of the audiobook.
If this was just a novel about someone who enjoy eating and making food, I would have rated it higher. But it wasn't. It was a novel with a secret, that we never learn. Never. And a woman who choses the path where said unknown secret doesn't cause her to change her desire to marry the person who told her the secret. Well, it couldn't be that bad if she still wants to marry, right? But why should the reader have to assume it is bad. Tell us, don't make us suffer. And send me food, I'm hangry now!
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an ARC version of the audiobook.

I loved this one. I alternated between reading the egalley and listening to the audiobook. I was immediately caught up in the narrative, and the audio version artfully captured the mood and characterizations. My heart broke for Piglet as I read, and by the end, I was utterly invested in her story. Highly recommended for literary fiction fans.

Two hours to assemble the croquembouches. Three hours to assemble herself.

Loved the audio to help correctly pronounce. 😊

Piglet is a wonderful family drama with realistic brilliant characters. One can put themselves in Piglet's shoes as she navigates through confusing times days before her big wedding day. Piglet struggles to find herself and one feels all the feelings with her. Her relationship with her parents and realizing her family accepts her for who she is. Her dad is a true dad and gives her his opinion of desertification, but in the end, stands up for her final decision. The description of the food can not be ignored as it makes one want to be there eating with Piglet. Everyone needs Piglet by Lottie Hazell on their reading list as it is now one of my favorite books.

2.5 stars. I have come to realize this year that books in which none of the characters are likeable and relatable are not for me . . .

I thought I would enjoy this book based on the blurb about the female MC, who has the awful childhood nickname "Piglet." Despite this, her life is on track with a posh fiance (Kit) and good job, until her plans are derailed a fortnight before her wedding when Kit discloses an unforgivable act of discretion. Piglet begins to struggle with her mental health, and turns to binge eating as a negative coping mechanism, while she wrestles with whether to blow up her life by cancelling her wedding vs. attempt to forgive, forget, and forge ahead.

Unfortunately, I did not connect with Piglet, and I was annoyed that it is never revealed to the reader what Kit's actual transgression was, making it harder to empathize with her. The mental health aspect was interesting, and I don't think I've ever read a book with a MC who has binge eating disorder, but the psychological elements of this behavior were never flushed out and only superficially explored in the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Macmillan Audio for an audiobook in exchange for my opinions.

4.5⭐️

Piglet is a delicious story with as many layers as a puff pastry, but much meatier. While it took me a minute to get into, once I did, I found it almost painfully relatable at times. It was impossible not to feel for the character of Piglet, well-drawn and complex as she is.

I devoured the audiobook, and in the time since, I keep thinking about this one- enough to think I’ll be going back for seconds in the very near future.

Rebekah Hinds brought a nice flavor to the audiobook narration.

Thank you Lottie Hazell, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for this audio ARC.

I was a bit disappointed by this which is a shame because it was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I had a hard time staying engaged with the story and connecting with the characters. However as someone who truly enjoys food this was a delicious read and the description of food was just sublime.

This one was so easy to love. Hazell did an excellent job constructing the character of Piglet. She’s picture perfect on the outside but she lacks the skills to cope on the inside and turns to food. Hazell reveals the details of Piglet’s past slowly and getting small tastes of better understanding the MC definitely pushed me to read this one really quickly. The novel crescendos into chaos as it nears the end and the dark humor and family/wedding drama makes for some very memorable moments.The food writing in this book is also expertly done which is not surprising given Hazell’s research interest in 21st century food writing. The descriptions are mouthwatering and incredibly evocative.

The plot of this one works well as an audiobook and I enjoyed Rebekah Hinds’ narration of this one. I might prefer the audiobook slightly more for this specific book just because it left my hands free for stuffing my face.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC

Piglet by Lottie Hazell is about a woman, unfortunately nicknamed Piglet, a cookbook editor who will be getting married very soon. When her fiance confesses a terrible secret 13 day before the wedding, Piglet begins to spiral. She constantly feels empty, and the only way she knows to soothe herself is to eat.
The descriptions of food are the best part of the book. Sometimes they are hunger inducing and decadent and at other times they are cringe-worthy. The narrator did a fantastic job and it was so interesting to see the family dynamics between the various characters.

Piglet has it all... In line for a promotion at her publishing job, loyal friends, and a well-off fiance, Kit. When Kit makes a confession to Piglet less than two weeks before her wedding, Piglet's appetite suddenly increases as they continue with their plans. If she has it all, why is she so hungry?

This book hits hard on challenges faced by women every day as well as some deeper troubles. The characters are all flawed in a very real way, which makes the story so much more believable and gut-wrenching.
I definitely recommend this book but be warned that disordered eating is a main plot point! Take care of yourself ❤️

"Piglet" by Lottie Hazell is a Literary Fiction Debut Novel!

The main character, Piglet, has carefully recreated herself around her relationship with Kit, the man she will be marrying in 98 days.

She has a new home in one of the best areas, a wonderful job as a cookbook editor, and prepares great meals served at effortless dinner parties. Then, thirteen days before the perfectly planned wedding, her loving and caring fiancé, Kit, tells Piglet something that quietly devastates her...

"Piglet" is a story that won me over quickly and I swallowed it whole in one afternoon. Less than 300 pages and not quite 8 hours made this a perfect choice as an immersion read. The audiobook narrated by Rebecca Hinds was my preference, but either format will deliver a great experience.

There are many pieces and parts to Piglet's story. We learn about her past growing up, the life she carefully constructs with Kit, and her present state as she begins to consume Kit's shocking news. Piglet's pain is palpable as she envisions her dream fading away.

The descriptions of the many delicious dishes add flavor to a story that draws unique comparisons between living life and following recipes. This story has an engaging writing style, a diverse selection of likable and not-so-likable characters, and storytelling that's creative, original, and different. It's the type of story you keep thinking about long after finishing it.

If you enjoy a great character study with interesting wordplay, "Piglet" is a satisfying option I highly recommend!

5⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Co., Macmillan Audio, and Lottie Hazell for a DRC and an ALC of this book through NetGalley. It has been a pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this debut novel by Lottie Hazell, with the audio perfectly narrated by Rebekah Hinds - 4.5 stars!

The clock is ticking down towards Piglet's marriage to Kit. She's happy with her life (besides maybe that childhood nickname!) - she's a cookbook editor, has great friends including Margot, her best friend since childhood, and Kit is more than she could have dreamed for. Until he makes a confession 2 weeks before their wedding date. Suddenly, Piglet is ravenous as she tries to navigate her new reality.

This was a darkly funny, yet poignant character study of someone trying desperately to fit into the expected molds, but at what cost? I loved Piglet's relationship with her sister and the backstory behind their nicknames - totally endeared her to me. Both sets of parents leave much to be desired and you can feel Piglet's angst and understand her desire to fill those empty spots. I loved the way the story played out - the author didn't present things in black and white, but left the reader to fill in the blanks. And all those food descriptions - amazing! I can't wait to read more from this author!

I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. The writing style and overall tone of the book is incredibly unique, odd, and compelling. I think this is a book I will need to reread to really know exactly how I feel. The "Piglet" nickname was a little unnerving for me and I would have liked more explanation. The use of food was well done: there were scenes that made me absolutely hungry and enthralled, and scenes that made me want to throw up.


SPOILER: I understand why we never got an explanation of what actually happened, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to know!! I think the ending will make or break people's thoughts. You have to be okay with not getting all the answers.

it's not you, it's me.

this is another title that i was excited for and a little bit weary of because i know i simply am more sensitive to food-related eating disorders than some.

piglet, so dubbed as a child by family members for being a person that likes to eat, has curated her life into moderation and stability - she's got a perfect fiance, perfect friends, a perfect life, and has channeled her issues with eating into the editing of cookbooks, from which she borrows luxe recipes to recreate for friends and family.

this is, of course, until her fiance does Something. this Something is Something we never learn as a reader and maybe it's not meant to matter. i'm not sure how i feel about this. because if it's cheating, i think it'd make sense for a character with an eating disorder to struggle with that, to constantly compare her body, etc. that didn't happen here and no details were presented as to her fiance's betrayal.

piglet reacts by eating in a massively disordered way. for example: she leaves work for lunch one day and goes to a restaurant and orders every burger off the menu. still planning to marry her fiance, piglet grows increasingly disordered with food, especially when her maid of honor/best friend refuses to participate in her wedding and threatens to end their friendship.

i was left feeling very... well, i didn't love a character constantly being called piglet without any real insight to how she felt about it. i also didn't love the implication that to live a good life one can't enjoy food or be fat. i didn't like that piglet decided to eat and gain weight to punish her fiance for what he did. i don't love that piglet was fat-shamed at her wedding or the narrative that because she was eating then her overall value was less than. i really don't love that this was a book that included an eating disorder without any real nuanced commentary on why it happens, how people treat you when you have one, how people treat people with fat bodies or even how people treat women and their bodies at all (ie, you're too thin/too fat, and nothing is good enough).

so yeah, as nice as the descriptions of food, with the unchallenged fatphobia and the absolutely insane decisions piglet was making, i don't think i can recommend this book to anyone.

I've been listening to the audiobook of the new novel — Piglet by Lottie Hazell. The story is stuffed full of glorious food descriptions, and the narrator Rebekah Hinds has a warm, buttery British accent. It's fantastic, and I'm going to try to explain why I love it without giving anything away.

Our heroine is Piglet. She was given that nickname by her family when she was a kid, and it stuck. But she's grown up now, and she's doing very well for herself, thank you very much.

She's engaged to a dreamy fiance named Kit who comes from an upper-crust family. The couple has just moved into a new house in Oxford, and Piglet has a dream job: she works as an editorial assistant for a cookbook publisher in London. Delicious life, right? [DAVE]

But just 13 days before their idyllic wedding, Kit confesses a betrayal, and Piglet's happy anticipation shatters. The wedding is still on, but you have to wonder if Piglet and Kit are careening toward the worst wedding ever. As the days tick down, Piglet is feeling the pressure of her broken heart, high stakes at work, and her now ravenous hunger for food and all the other things she wants for her life.

The story opens with two back-to-back dinner parties that are rendered so vividly, I could see the magazine-perfect platters and bowls of food on the table and smell the aromas in the air. I could also feel the undercurrents of tension in my guts. It's an unsettling vibe, but also very compelling. You want more.

The way these characters talk to each other — the fiance, Piglet's friends, her sister, and particularly the conversations between Piglet and her parents — it's all so real, it makes me laugh out loud and kinda lose my breath like I've been sucker-punched. The audio narration heightens the emotion, so the laughs are bigger and even small mishaps or miscommunications are catastrophic.

A scene set in a bridal boutique is so blackly funny, it's tragedy, and then comes back around the other side because when it's so very bad, you have to laugh and cry at the same time.

The prose and dialogue has the sparkle of a Nora Ephron rom-com and the sharp agony of the TV show Fleabag with gorgeous food writing and a deep understanding of female friendship and class-related snobbiness. I took many extra laps during my walks in the park to keep listening.

The author Lottie Hazell has a PhD in Creative Writing, and her research was focused on food-writing in 21st-century fiction. She's also the co-founder and lead designer of an indie board game company. It's called Birdwood Games, and they make Dog Park, a board game about collecting and walking your favorite dogs. I feel like Lottie and I, should we ever meet, would have a lot to talk about.

Get your hands on this book asap.

I'll be featuring this book in my weekly podcast 'The Library of Lost Time' on March 8 — https://strongsenseofplace.com/lolts/lolt-2024-03-08/