Pig

LONGLISTED FOR THE POLARI PRIZE FOR FIRST BOOK 2026

'I completely pigged out on Matilde Pratesi's compelling debut... utterly addictive' Alice Slater, author ofDeath of a Bookseller

'Pratesi enlightens the dark side of sisterhood' Veronica Raimo, author of Lost on Me

'A timely message of the importance of being yourself' Harper's Bazaar, the best novels to read this year

Pigs are Vale's safe place. When she's feeling overwhelmed, she lists the breeds until her mind becomes quiet again.

Vale struggles to live life without order, and order means Clara. Every morning, she reads the note that Clara has pinned on the fridge telling her what to wear, before leaving for work. Each night, Vale races home for bathtime with Clara; the only time Clara lets her get close.

Sometimes Vale's colleagues invite her to drinks, but she never goes. Clara knows what's best for her; and anyway, who else would put up with her weird pig facts?

But a chance encounter leads to an exciting opportunity. As Vale steps into the world of other people, and new desires, Clara tightens her grip: she isn't yet ready to let go of her favourite prey.

Shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award, Pig is a razor-sharp, disturbing novel about toxic female relationships and the importance of found family.