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.

3.5 stars rounded to four. 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.