Pyg: The Memoirs of a Learned Pig by Russell A. Potter - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

Apr 04, 2013 Richard Abbott rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

When I finished reading this book I was unsure whether I would even write a review of it, as it had not immediately endeared itself to me. However, over the several days since then it has grown on me, and I have found myself happily relating sections of it to friends. So in fact I think it is a book which needs - and deserves - a period of reflection rather than immediate reaction. So my eventual rating is 4* - good, and worth reading if you like that period of history and form of writing, but n...more When I finished reading this book I was unsure whether I would even write a review of it, as it had not immediately endeared itself to me. However, over the several days since then it has grown on me, and I have found myself happily relating sections of it to friends. So in fact I think it is a book which needs - and deserves - a period of reflection rather than immediate reaction. So my eventual rating is 4* - good, and worth reading if you like that period of history and form of writing, but not unequivocally a favourite.

The book presents itself as the autobiography of Toby, the pig himself, an apparently normal farmyard pig of the late 18th and early 19th century. Because of early training from an enthusiastic young lad, Toby becomes able to answer questions by means of letters and numbers written out on cards. This starts with simple responses to hand and voice cues from the trainer to the pig (which most dog owners would recognise and use simple versions of), but before long Toby transcends these sleight of hand signals and becomes genuinely able to read and write. Now, the existence of such a pig - usually called "The Learned Pig" in other accounts I have read - is beyond doubt, and important intellectual figures of the age wrote of their encounters with him. The great question of the age was precisely whether he was actually intelligent, or if some cunning scam was being perpetrated.

Potter includes a brief appendix in which the evidential background to key episodes in the story (for example Toby's appearance in several towns as a travelling show, or William Blake's mention of him) is provided by means of extracts from contemporary letters and so on. This highlights one of my reservations about the book - it is quite hard to identify which events are in fact factually-based and which are pure fiction. I happen to know that a reasonable amount is historical, but suspect that many readers would simply presume that the whole was invented, and see it simply as a slightly weird offbeat tale.

The autobiography form is maintained consistently, and Toby neatly expresses both his pleasure and bewilderment at his interactions with the world of humans. This also means, of course, that there are no external perspectives on the matter (other than the appendix) which is a little limiting. Potter has, engagingly, kept quite strictly to using the diction of the period, including the very liberal use of capital letters for key words, a habit which has dropped out of English now but is very obvious in the writings of Wordsworth and others. Toby's mild and gentle humour is crafted into both the story itself and the occasional reference to authentic Bodleian library manuscripts and subsequent (inferior, naturally) imitations by pigs and their owners claiming sapience but relying solely on trickery. Potter's considerable familiarity with the writings of this age come to the fore here.

In summary, after a pause for reflection I am confident of the 4* rating, and am very glad to have read it as a holiday book. Not all readers will enjoy the content or the form of this book, but some will, and it is a gentle and rather delightfully whimsical tale.(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Beatnik Mary rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://www.cozylittlebookjournal.com/...

I'm almost annoyed with myself for not liking this book more. I'd been looking forward to it for so long and I had high expectations It's meant to be the "memoir" of a nineteenth century pig who rose above his station by learning to read and write, thus becoming a star of both the side show and the academic stage. The cover is an etching of a pig wearing a paisley vest. It should be, as The Bloggess might say, FULL OF WHIMSY! Yet I was disappointed.

I think...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A marvelous book which accurately portrays 18th century Britain. Toby, a pig destined for the meat factory, is saved by Sam, a young man who had formed a friendship with Toby while they were at Sam's uncle's farm. After their escape, they are taken in by Mr. Bissel, who trains animals for his "circus." Toby is taught to "spell" and answer questions from the audience by means of cardboard with letters on it and subtle signals from Bissel. Unknown to Bissel, Sam teaches Toby to actually read, whic...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If Wilber (from Charlotte's Web) or Babe the Pig were targeted slightly more academic and wore refined waistcoats, they would be awfully close to Toby of Pyg: The Memoirs of Toby the Learned Pig. This charming tale of Toby, a pig who goes from humble farm beginnings to the life of an Oxford scholar, is fun for all.
The story begins with Toby as a baby pig; he is quickly selected as favorite by Sam, the nephew of the farm owner, and the two build a rudimentary means of communication. When Toby is...more If Wilber (from Charlotte's Web) or Babe the Pig were targeted slightly more academic and wore refined waistcoats, they would be awfully close to Toby of Pyg: The Memoirs of Toby the Learned Pig. This charming tale of Toby, a pig who goes from humble farm beginnings to the life of an Oxford scholar, is fun for all.
The story begins with Toby as a baby pig; he is quickly selected as favorite by Sam, the nephew of the farm owner, and the two build a rudimentary means of communication. When Toby is taken to the fair and wins a ribbon as the best pig, he doesn't realize that he is well on his way to being sold to market. Through determination, Sam is able to rescue Toby and the two set off on their own. On the brink of collapse, they are welcomed in by Mr. Bisset, a landowner who has a menagerie of animals that he has trained for a show. While Mr. Bisset exhibits kindness toward the animals, he is a determined man, and after training Toby to recognize letters and respond to basic clicks, he takes all of his "pets" on the road to perform multiple shows with Toby heading the bill as the "Sapient Pig". Unbeknownst to Mr. Bisset, Sam has furthered Toby's education, teaching him to read and spell. When this becomes evident at a stage show, Mr. Bisset threatens Toby and leaves Sam behind so that he cannot interfere further with Toby's show (or Bisset's profit). After Bisset's sudden death, Toby fears that he will be sold to market, only to find saving grace at the last minute. After much hard work, Toby arrives at Oxford where his academic side takes root, and readers see his talents grow (even to the point of inspiring imposters to take to the stage), and eventually see him "retire" to compose his autobiography.
This story is delightful and has historical elements woven throughout to make it a reflection of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Pyg is a unique tale that is absolutely enjoyable, and Toby is an endearing character, but with traditional British voice and somewhat antiquated language it might not appeal to young children who would appreciate Charlotte's Web a bit more. Overall, it is a fun and engaging read. (less)

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Mar 06, 2012 Tim Roast rated it 4 of 5 stars

What is it about pigs that makes us want to tell stories about them? There was Babe (otherwise known as The Sheep-pig), there was Wilbur from Charlotte's Web, and there was, er, Harry Hill's tale of Buster, his pet pig, from his Harry Hill - First Class Scamp DVD?

Well now add to the list this, the memoirs of Toby the pig. He was born in the 18th century. If you can get past the antiquated language and the antiquated typeface too then there is something here worth reading, although the story for...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Toby is a sapient pig living in England in the late 1700's. He has written a memoir of his life on the stage and at University with the assistance of his friend. Toby faces adversity in the form of a scornful and disbelieving public, but also finds his champions and admirers are many.
The tale is alternately heartbreaking and heartwarming. Toby is a likable narrator and the reader will fall in love with him. He understands much about the world about him and makes valuable observations about the...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Mark Rice rated it 5 of 5 stars

"I know of no other animals who are more consistently curious, more willing to explore new experiences, more ready to meet the world with open-mouthed enthusiasm. Pigs, I have discovered, are incurable optimists and get a big kick out of just being."
- Lyall Watson, The Whole Hog: Exploring the Extraordinary Potential of Pigs

Having had a boundless love of pigs since childhood (so much so that most of my cuddly toys were pigs rather than the more traditional bears), I was in Hog Heaven throughout...more "I know of no other animals who are more consistently curious, more willing to explore new experiences, more ready to meet the world with open-mouthed enthusiasm. Pigs, I have discovered, are incurable optimists and get a big kick out of just being."
- Lyall Watson, The Whole Hog: Exploring the Extraordinary Potential of Pigs

Having had a boundless love of pigs since childhood (so much so that most of my cuddly toys were pigs rather than the more traditional bears), I was in Hog Heaven throughout Pyg. The book tells the tale of Toby, a pig whose feats of learning and intelligence astound such 18th Century luminaries as Samuel Johnson, Anna Seward, William Blake and Robert Burns. A boy named Sam literally saves Toby's bacon by convincing his uncle not to sell the pig at market. When Toby demonstrates his remarkable intelligence, it becomes obvious that much more money can be made from touring 'Toby the Sapient Pig' than by selling him as meat. Toby and Sam go to live with Silas Bissett, a mysterious figure on whose estate all manner of trained animals exist in apparent happiness. After a period of study during which Toby learns English, arithmetic and 'mind-reading' tricks, the menagerie embarks on a tour of Britain and Ireland. Toby's adventures see him coming dangerously close to being served up on a dinner table; our porcine protagonist learns that for every charitable human who treats him with kindness and an open mind, there exists a cruel one eager to do him harm. Overcoming all adversity, Toby embarks on studies at Oxford University then later at the University of Edinburgh.

Having Toby as narrator of the story works well. The first-person (or, more correctly, first-pig) narrative is written with such excellence, and from such a uniquely porcine perspective, that the entire tale has a palpable sense of authenticity. The reader is on Toby's side from the start, rooting for the lovable pig throughout his myriad adventures, and fearing for his safety when he finds himself in danger. To anchor the book stylistically in the late 18th Century, Russell Potter has written it in eloquent old-school prose. Even the typeface (Caslon Antique, created in the late 1890s) and capitalisation of key words are true to the 18th Century style.

The story never feels implausible, which is testament to Russell Potter's literary prowess and the lovability of Toby as a main character.

A life-enriching book.(less)

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Nov 04, 2011 Ellie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

In the late 18th Century, the learned pig became a popular circus attraction, with the pig spelling words with cards, they could answer questions, tell the time and even read minds! The first sapient pig was Toby and this is his story. Whilst the pig was a real historical figure, this is a fictionalised account told from Toby's point of view.

The prose is written in a mock 18th Century style and the font used is even reminiscent of the worn type used at the time. If you can suspend disbelief for...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Rick (The Book-A-Week Project) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I feel a slight tang of guilt as I sit down to write this review, as I definitely wasn’t in the right mindset to fully appreciate Pyg: The Memoirs of Toby, the Learned Pig. This is a case of misplaced expectations, and so you`re welcome to take the little I have to say about Russell Potter`s latest with a grain of salt.

'Had it not been for the fortuitous circumstances of Sam's youthful sentiment, there can be little doubt that, instead of this my Book before you on your Table, you would have a r...more I feel a slight tang of guilt as I sit down to write this review, as I definitely wasn’t in the right mindset to fully appreciate Pyg: The Memoirs of Toby, the Learned Pig. This is a case of misplaced expectations, and so you`re welcome to take the little I have to say about Russell Potter`s latest with a grain of salt.

'Had it not been for the fortuitous circumstances of Sam's youthful sentiment, there can be little doubt that, instead of this my Book before you on your Table, you would have a rasher of Bacon and a Rack of Ribs—and that these would be my only mortal remains.' So begins the memoirs of Toby. However, these are no ordinary memoirs; these are the memoirs of a pig; the most gifted, charming, distinguished (and luckiest) pig in recorded history.

After escaping the butcher's knife with the help of his steadfast companion Sam, Toby soon finds himself under the order of the volatile impresario Silas Bisset and his travelling menagerie of performing monkeys, horses, turkeys, and canaries. Before too long, he is packing out theatres and concert halls, impressing the crowds with his ability to count, spell and even read the minds of ladies. But celebrity comes at a cost.

Despite the evident seriousness of the synopsis, I had assumed that a book called Pyg: The Memoirs of Toby, the Learned Pig would have a sense of humor (if not about itself, then about 18th century England ... I mean, look at the cover ... it's a pig wearing a sweater). This, as it turned out, was totally off-base. There`s very little humor involved, and when there is, it`s often of the crusty, Jane Austen style of which I`m not a fan. Because I expected something a little more playful, Pyg was a bit too stuffy for me. The story itself is only 232 pages (and small pages at that), and yet I was more than eager to just finish the damn thing to get it over and done with. That`s about all I have to say about the experience.

But since you`re wanting at least a half-hearted review, I`ll mention a few more things.

Read my full review at http://www.thebookaweekproject.com/20...(less)

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Sep 25, 2011 Sam Woodfield rated it 2 of 5 stars

I have just finished reviewing this novel for a major UK retailer.
Pyg follows the life of a pig, Toby, as he escapes the butchers knife and embarks on a career as a performing 'sapient' pig. The tale follows Toby, as he travels around the country performing in theatres counting, spelling and reading minds.
I'm a little unsure what I think about this novel. It is important to remember that this is a novel and not really life as it is cleverly written to imply. It is the style of writting which I r...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Vicki rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This little jewel of a memoir is recently republished after being thoroughly authenticated by the editor Russell Potter. He has gone back to the original, published in 1809, and has seen documents of authentication by several academicians of the era in question. The memoir is the product of an extraordinary pig, or perhaps an ordinary pig who received an extraordinary opportunity to master written language. Toby the pig narrates his own life story.

Toby began his life on a small farm near Salford...more This little jewel of a memoir is recently republished after being thoroughly authenticated by the editor Russell Potter. He has gone back to the original, published in 1809, and has seen documents of authentication by several academicians of the era in question. The memoir is the product of an extraordinary pig, or perhaps an ordinary pig who received an extraordinary opportunity to master written language. Toby the pig narrates his own life story.

Toby began his life on a small farm near Salford, not too far from Manchester, England in 1781, or thereabouts. His owner, Mr. Francis Lloyd, had a nephew, Samuel Nicholson, who took a special liking to Toby the piglet, and favored him with extra treats, which led in short order to Toby's becoming the biggest and ruddiest pig of the farrow (a word Toby defines for our benefit as "a word then used to Signify the Pigs born alongside one.") In telling how he came to have been given a name, Toby compares Sam's fondness for him with that of a boy and his pet dog. Toby sardonically explains though, that most men of the day saw little need in naming pigs, unless with terms associated with supper, such as Loin or Roast.

Toby's adventures begin with a trip to the Salford Livestock Fair, where he is awarded a Blue Ribbon. In short order, he and Sam both realize the unfortunate ramifications of that "honor," as Toby's new owner transfers him to another cart and takes him to another farm in another town. Thankfully his Benefactor (Sam) sneaks onto the cart and travels with Toby to save him from his fate. He is able to rescue him and they strike out on their own. Before too much time has passed, they run across a farm with happy animals who seem very well trained. They have happened on to the property of Silas Bisset, a man with an exceptional talent for training animals. Lives are about to change!

Mr. Bisset treats Sam and Toby as guests for awhile, but gradually works his way into a training mode with Toby. As he has with his other animals, he uses patience and a reward system to teach Toby to select certain letters on alphabet cards at the subtlest of signals, so that he will appear to be answering simple questions. Sam is not present in the room during these sessions, but he privately works with Toby until Toby actually associates meaning with sounds and can actually spell words.
Mr. Bisset is pleased with Toby's response to his training and has no idea how much further his understanding goes.

Bisset, the animals and Sam as a helper, go out on the road, travelling from village to village and entertaining at fairs and performance halls. Toby, the Sapient Pig, quickly emerges as a star. It is only when Bisset discovers that Toby can answer questions with the alphabet cards without the benefit of Bisset's subtle clues, that he perceives that Toby and Sam have colluded against him, and in anger separates the two.

Toby is eager to step away from show business, but his fate seems to be tied to Bisset's ambitions.
In spite of some pretty harrowing experiences, Toby eventually has an opportunity to study in an academic setting, meeting some poets and other literary giants along the way. He eventually has the leisure time and the opportunity to write his own memoirs, and we are the richer for it.
(less)

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Jan 19, 2013 Dan Verner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Thanks to former student Lisa Hope Vierra-Moore for recommending this delightful book, ostensibly written by Toby, the "sapient pig" who is saved from the butcher and sets out on journey whereby he learns to communicate using letters on cards. I won't disclose more of the story, except to say that the narrative puts me in mind of the readings in my 18th century lit classes, and particularly the picaresque novels (or should I say in this case the PIGaresque novels). Toby encounters the literati o...more

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Aug 17, 2012 Bagtree rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

If you've read the back cover of the book, you already know everything that's going to happen. Toby is smart, does tricks, goes to college, runs into various famous people. That's it. There isn't much of an overarching plot and never much of a sense of urgency. While the premise, and Toby himself, are charming enough, I found it difficult to get invested in what happened. Many potentially interesting things are brought up and then abandoned in favor of Toby facing random mild setbacks and then c...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-writers, animal-protagonist

In what purports,tongue in cheek, to be a memoir, Russell Potter recounts the life and times of Toby, the sapient pig. Narrowly escaping the butcher, Toby along with his human friend Sam serendipitously find themselves at an extraordinary farm where the animals are treated as family. Turns out that they are trained for a traveling animal act, thus Toby learns to read. He them makes his way to Oxford, later to London where he is the toast of the town. He meets with the era's clerisy including S....more

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Jul 23, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book as part of a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.

Pyg is written from the point of view of Toby, the very educated pig. It was different and refreshing to have the point of view of the animal as opposed to it's human "benefactors." Pyg follows the later years in life of Toby (he was not intelligent enough to remember the early years), as he escapes the butcher block, learns to communicate with humans and later on attends college. I was always curious whether he learned actual speec...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Larry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Was there really a pig who could read and write English? Reading this finely-crafted narrative is like watching an expert magician perform. Deep down you know it couldn't be real, yet from the first page onward, there is a nagging feeling that maybe, just maybe, it might have really happened.

The book begins with an Editor's Note (Potter credits himself as the book's Editor, not its author), which in scholarly language states that the present volume is based on Toby the Pig's original published m...more Was there really a pig who could read and write English? Reading this finely-crafted narrative is like watching an expert magician perform. Deep down you know it couldn't be real, yet from the first page onward, there is a nagging feeling that maybe, just maybe, it might have really happened.

The book begins with an Editor's Note (Potter credits himself as the book's Editor, not its author), which in scholarly language states that the present volume is based on Toby the Pig's original published memoir of 1809. There was indeed a "miraculous sapient pig" named Toby, who toured the fairs and performing halls of late 18th Century England and Wales.

As he tells it, Toby begins life on a farm, has a narrow escape from the slaughterhouse, and ends up in the care of a traveling entertainer with his troupe of performing animals. His linguistic skills are developed subtly, from first hints of understanding to training in card tricks and onward to...well, no plot spoilers here. Toby's travels through England and Ireland are depicted with nicely drawn details of places, clothing and transport.

But this is not a cute, archaic "Babe the Pig". More like Charlotte's Web meets Stromboli's Circus in Pinocchio. The relationships between Toby and his human caretakers, and the portrait of the cruel world of late 18th Century traveling circuses, are touching, funny, sad and gut-wrenching, and often terrifying.

The real joy of Pyg is the language. At first the slightly archaic terms and spelling might seem off-putting, but by the second page they meld into the rich and sonorous voice of Toby, which sweeps you along for the next 230 pages.

The book ends with a generous section of historical notes. It turns out that most (or all) of the people and places which appear in the narrative actually existed. As did a short book published in 1805, entitled The Life and Adventures of Toby, the Sapient Pig.

At the end you'll feel happy at having just enjoyed a well-told, unique and eccentric story, and you'll be scratching your head wondering just how much of it was true.

Finally, if you can get your hands on the original British hardcover edition, you won't regret it. Rarely do you find books these days with so much craft put into the design. From the exquisite, tactile cover to the slightly yellowed paper to the typeface, which mimics the look of 18th Century metal type, the book is a treasure to hold and look at. (less)

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Aug 05, 2012 Abria Mattina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, review-2012

Pyg is a novel written to look like a genuine memoir, assembled and edited by Russell Potter from original late eighteenth-century manuscripts, allegedly held in the Bodleian, University of Edinburgh, and the National Library of Ireland in Dublin. This is all established with great care, including a doctor’s endorsement that the author is indeed, “anatomically and in every other sense, a pig.” By the time the narrative begins, the reader is expected to have suspended disbelief that this is a wor...more Pyg is a novel written to look like a genuine memoir, assembled and edited by Russell Potter from original late eighteenth-century manuscripts, allegedly held in the Bodleian, University of Edinburgh, and the National Library of Ireland in Dublin. This is all established with great care, including a doctor’s endorsement that the author is indeed, “anatomically and in every other sense, a pig.” By the time the narrative begins, the reader is expected to have suspended disbelief that this is a work of fiction, and to interact with the text as though it is a genuine memoir.

The book is set in Calson Antique, a font meant to imitate the old printing fonts of the late eighteenth century. This adds some dimension to the text in the same way that costumes contribute to a play, but Calson Antique is a bit hard on the eyes. Its rough edges are intended to mimic the chips and cracks that lead letters would acquire with frequent use, and I found my eyes getting tired much more quickly than usual.

Pyg is narrated entirely in first person by Toby, using the language and capitalization common to the time and place when he lived. Toby’s life is initially unremarkable, but by luck he has a series of encounters with humans who view pigs as something more than bacon-in-waiting. These characters elevate Toby above the fate of a common pig and give him the tools and knowledge necessary to become The Sapient Pig — his claim to fame.

The premise of this book is very interesting, and the manner in which Potter establishes its context makes it easy to suspend disbelief, but by the last third of the book I found Toby tiresome. He pontificates so quietly, padding his opinions with manners and professions of gratitude, that his hubris would be easily missed if he didn’t repeat himself so often.

For example, Toby makes his opinion on the practice of eating animals clearly known on many occasions. Animals are represented as intelligent, emotional beings whose earthly remains are cut up according to the whims of Man’s tables, so if you’re teetering on the edge of vegetarianism, this book might just push you over.

Toby frequently compares the behaviour of animals and humans in terms of moral quality, and always finds the innocence of animals superior, to the point of painting anything non-human with the same brush used to render the Noble Savage. Toby’s statements imply that the the casual cruelties engaged in by animals are somehow better because they are not premeditated and are undertaken for survival, whereas human cruelties are engineered and endlessly justified.

Toby’s entire life is spent consorting with humans. First with Sam, his Benefactor, and then with Mr. Bisset, his trainer, and with many other teachers, handlers, and businessmen — some of them men of note, whose names the reader will recognize. Throughout all these anecdotes, Toby is careful to imply that, though he is grateful to these people for their generosity and skill, their race is flawed and he is somehow above them for possessing both animal innocence and human knowledge.

Though Toby got on my nerves, he’s not all bad. I was somewhat amused by Toby’s interactions with Miss Seward, the closest thing to a love interest in Pyg. I think it’s fair to say that Toby has an intellectual crush on Miss Seward, which is quite sweet.

Later in the novel, after Toby has stopped performing in order to pursue his education, his pride — one of the character’s most humanlike faults — is wounded by word that other performers are imitating his act and profiting by it. Toby endeavours to retain his title of The Sapient Pig against imitators and successors, with mixed results. He struggles with the opposing desires to retire from the stage and to remain relevant to the public. To accomplish the latter, he must be in public, something that Toby eventually accomplishes on a more permanent basis by publishing his memoirs. If Toby had no pride, he would have never cared enough to have written the book. I daresay he has not totally escaped human vice, despite his preaching.

As a novel / pseudo-memoir, I’d recommend Pyg to fans of the classics. The writing style and vocabulary aren’t the most easily accessible, and casual readers of fiction might struggle to get into the book unless they’ve already trained their brains with eighteenth and early-ninteenth century works. Other than that, Pyg is an interesting representation of England and Ireland at the end of the eighteenth century — its social geography, its economy, even its morality. Give it a try if you’re in the mood for something totally outside the box (but remember: vegetarianism may result).

(I received an advance copy of Pyg from Viking, an imprint of Penguin Canada, in exchange for an honest review.) (less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Matt rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book had much potential, I thought. Unfortunately, it was simply the bland journey of a learned pig around the British Isles in the eighteenth-century. Other than an opportunity to name-drop the shining lights of the late 1700s, there's really not much to the book. I almost stopped reading when the titular Toby recruits William Wilberforce to help him free a mistreated (predictably) black pig. No other episode was quite as cringeworthy, but none was more interesting, either. The footnotes s...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Maya Panika rated it 4 of 5 stars

Beautifully presented and hugely enjoyable, ‘Pyg’ is the tale of Toby the Celebrated Sapient Pig, commencing with his escape from the butcher and subsequent journeys across Britain and Ireland, peppered with Latin quotes and other examples of his great learning.

The cod- 18th century style is written as a first-person memoir, with echoes of Boswell’s travelogues, Gulliver, Tristram Shandy and Fanny Hill, and all perfectly rendered in an appropriate typeface. Start to finish, it feels absolutely r...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Chelsey rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

I won this book from first reads. My thanks go out to the website, author, and publisher for getting me the novel.

I didn't think this book was anything special. I quite liked the font and the old time feel of the book, however, the random capitalization and style of writing made it a little hard to read. I also felt that the novel had a very weak connecting plot. Usually there is one main story that follows throughout the book, however, in this book I guess it was just how Toby ends up writing...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Jaclyn Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://wineandabook.com/2013/02/19/re...

Premise: The author, Russell Potter, assumes the persona of “editor” is this novel, the (obviously) fictitious “found memoirs” of a sapient pig named Toby, the porcine embodiment of the phrase “knowledge is power.” The story itself is very sweet and follows Toby from his piglet-hood to adulthood. With the help of his human companion, Sam, Toby narrowly avoids the slaughterhouse and finds himself the main attraction of an animal circus where he is accidenta...more http://wineandabook.com/2013/02/19/re...

Premise: The author, Russell Potter, assumes the persona of “editor” is this novel, the (obviously) fictitious “found memoirs” of a sapient pig named Toby, the porcine embodiment of the phrase “knowledge is power.” The story itself is very sweet and follows Toby from his piglet-hood to adulthood. With the help of his human companion, Sam, Toby narrowly avoids the slaughterhouse and finds himself the main attraction of an animal circus where he is accidentally, then intentionally, taught to read. Over the course of his life, he trods the boards in London, studies at Oxford, and encounters luminaries such as Samuel Johnson, William Blake and Robert Burns. Not bad for a pig…I wish the “editor” himself were nearly as successful.

To really convey a sense of time and place, Potter appropriates the construct of historical diary. As I was reading, I kept having flashbacks to high school readings of The Dairy of Samuel Pepys…which was part of the problem. Historical diaries aren’t written to be read as novels; in Pepys’ diary, there are lots of entries that consist of events and descriptions of the day to day, which aren’t exactly the most riveting to read. Interesting: yes. Exciting: no. And unfortunately, Potters’ piece consists of a lot of listing of events, mostly of traveling. You know how there are entire passages of the Bible that read like “and ________ begat __________, who in turn begat ______ and _________”? I feel like there were entire stretches of the narrative that read like “from thence we traveled to __________ via _________, whence we happened upon the __________ Inn, and four miles hence is ____________, where we played but a fortnight ago.” I get it, Potter. You researched. You know stuff about English history. A little bit of that is fine to establish a sense of historical setting, but gets a tad tiresome after fifty pages or so. It became what the book was ABOUT, and the book was supposed to be about an intellectually curious pig.

And then there was the Random Capitalization. Once and a while, the Author, would choose to Capitalize important Nouns and Verbs, with the occasional Italics thrown in for good Measure. It felt real Schtick-y, real Quick.

Finally, the themes that Potter references are not new (what it means to be intelligent, man’s inhumanity toward man and nature, the danger of ignorance and assumption, etc). Which would be fine, if Potter had anything new or unique or particularly compelling to add to the subject. Unfortunately, he does not. I requested to read and review this book because, as a former teacher myself, I saw in the premise a lot of potential for classroom use in maybe 5th or 6th grade…it seemed like the type of piece that may serve as a side door into history, a piece that might complement some of the established classics. Alas, Potter has explored nothing in this book that Charlotte’s Web or Animal Farm hasn’t already tackled, and tackled FAR better. It felt to me like Potter got so caught up in the Style of the narrative that Substance suffered.

In all, I feel like he really just scratched the surface of the story he meant to write. Toby, as a character, was flat. Underneath all the name-dropping, the Ye Olde English-y font, and the excessive historical referencing, and damned TRAVELING, there really wasn’t much Story there.

Rubric rating: 3.5.(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Hester rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blerg, it-has-pictures, little-books, read-in-2012, wanna-be-brit-lit, why-am-i-even-reading-this

See this little guy?

description

See how he's giving you the "Please don't eat me" sads? Doesn't he just fill your heart full of the awwwws? Don't you just want to scoop him up and give him a hug and go find a little rain coat to match those boots?

This little piggy is making me feel that way, most animals and animal stories give me the awwwws, Toby the sapient pig of PYG, didn't. I didn't want to hug him or go find pants to match his little jacket. While the piggy in the picture looks like a cute little but...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Charlene rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, 2012-releases, arc-owned

[Original Review posted on my blog]

Source: Won from a Goodreads FirstReads giveaway hosted by Penguin Canada. Thank you!

Written like a memoir would be written, except the subject is simply a very very smart pig.

From birth to retirement, this is Toby’s story. The story of a pig living in the eighteenth century. On the surface it sounds very interesting. What did a pig do in that age? Were there any differences to today’s age? In fact, Toby’s story is very unique and likely not the norm amongst al...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: animals-dogs

I WAS A LUCKY GOOD READS FIRST READS WINNER OF THIS BOOK.I just love reading books about animals. this one was very fun to read. Toby is a very smart pig. he was born in the late 1700s and his life spanned into the early 1800s. he was taught to read and spell. at first he traveled with his beloved friend Sam was taken away from him by Mr. Bisset. at first Mr. Bisset is nice to Toby until he could teach toby to read and spell and turn him into a circus type attraction. after awhile Toby gets away...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Allison rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's a very cute premise for a book: a learned pig writes the memoir of his life and how he became so learned. It's actually written like an 18th century memoir as well. Trouble is, this can get in the way sometimes. I was looking forward to a quick cute read, which it is at times, but it often feels like a legit 18th century memoir (which, I suppose, was the point). Overall, I did enjoy the book; it's a very unique idea. I just had trouble staying 100% engaged throughout.

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Oct 28, 2012 Serena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: autumn-2012

Wonderfully and cleverly written. By way of the introduction, the reader is expected to have a willing suspension of disbelief and to read this work of fiction as the actual 18th century memoir of Toby, the Oxford and Edinburgh educated learned pig. I had no trouble suspending my disbelief and after a few pages it was easy to lose yourself in this delightful and witty "memoir." I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! Very unusual book and enjoyable to read.

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Jul 27, 2012 Libby rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think the best word to describe Pyg is charming, followed perhaps by fun, especially if you are into the literature of the late 18th, early 19th centuries. Potter gets the voice of that time spot on. I got so lost in the charm that I forgot how preposterous the premise was. I definitely recommend this.

It should be noted that there are notes in the back that I did not realize were there till the end. They seem like they would come in handy for understanding the famous people and the Latin in th...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Steve Wilson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I receieved this book through the First Reads Program.

A clever and witty book which engages the reader from the opening pages. The author is to be commended for the incorporation of historical references and personalities throughout. The so-called Learned Pyg comes off as a delightful character.

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Aug 26, 2012 Ronald Barba rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not really sure why I expected much more from this. The story was okay, at best, and the mimicry of 18th c. style and syntax seemed unnecessary and only distracted from the story. Maybe I expected a much more comedic tone..since it's a talking pig...that ends up in college? Maybe I was motivated by the book cover? Oh, well.

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Mar 13, 2013 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For some reason, I couldn't resist reading a pig's memoir. Toby himself is absolutely charming but I couldn't help but wonder if the motive for this book wasn't propelled by animal rights vegans (sneaky and bravo).

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title link	preview: Pyg: The Memoirs of a Learned Pig
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