A Child Called It is about the autobiographical account of Dave Pelzer's abusive childhood. It reveals the horrifying and heartbreaking experiences he endured, detailing his resilience and survival against all odds.
Table of Content
A Child Called It Book Summary
Dave Pelzer's childhood is a nightmare. His mother, descending into alcoholism, singles him out for the most severe abuse. She denies him food, force-feeds him ammonia, and makes him sleep in the garage without a blanket.
His father, paralyzed by fear and his own dependency, takes no action to protect Dave, leaving him to fend for himself. Dave endures this torment, clinging to the hope that things will get better.
As the abuse escalates, Dave is resilient. He sneaks food and fights to hang on to his dignity. His mother's cruelty is relentless, but Dave's spirit refuses to be broken.
Despite the physical and emotional scars, Dave finds solace at school. Teachers and staff begin to notice his injuries, and there's a glimmer of hope that someone will intervene on his behalf.
Yet, the abuse continues. Dave's mother subjects him to dehumanizing acts, playing sadistic games that threaten his life. His father's inaction becomes a source of deep pain for Dave, who longs for the days when his father was present and protective.
At his lowest point, Dave is a shadow of his former self. His body is emaciated, his spirit nearly broken. But the will to survive burns within him, and he clings to the memories of a happier time before the abuse began.
The turning point comes when Dave's teachers finally take notice of his suffering. They report his situation, and Dave is removed from his mother's custody. He is placed in foster care, beginning a long and uncertain road to recovery.
Through the foster care system, Dave experiences both kindness and further struggles. His journey is one of learning to trust again and to understand that not all adults are like his parents.
The book concludes with Dave's eventual emancipation from his family. He reaches adulthood, overcomes the traumatic events of his past, and begins to heal from the deep wounds that have shaped his life.
Dave's story is one of survival against impossible odds. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.
Despite the horrors he endured, Dave Pelzer's story is ultimately one of triumph and inspiration.
A Child Called It Quotes
- Inside, my mind was a steel trap, but my heart was a runaway horse.
A Child Called It Ending Explained
At the end of A Child Called It, the cycle of abuse seems to have come to an end for Dave. He is rescued from his mother's torment and placed in foster care, where he begins the long journey of recovery.
His mother's rights are eventually terminated, and Dave finds stability and hope through the kindness of his foster family. The book concludes with a sense of resolution and a new beginning for Dave, now free from the horrors of his past.
While the scars of his childhood will always be with him, Dave's resilience and courage have allowed him to move forward and build a life beyond the abuse he suffered.
Characters in book A Child Called It
- Dave Pelzer: The protagonist and author, he is a young boy who suffers severe abuse at the hands of his mother. His strength and determination to survive against all odds are central to the story.
- Mother: The antagonist of the story, Dave's mother is emotionally disturbed and becomes physically and mentally abusive towards him, leading to the harrowing events in the book.
- Father: Initially a loving and caring presence, Dave's father succumbs to his own fears and weaknesses, becoming an inactive bystander to his son's suffering.
- Brothers: Dave has two brothers, who are also subjected to their mother's neglect and abuse, albeit to a lesser extent than Dave.
Key Lessons
- Never Lose Hope: No matter how dire the circumstances, maintaining hope can be the key to survival and eventual success.
- Resilience is Transformative: The ability to rebound from adversity can change a person's life, leading to strength and growth.
- Seek Help: There are people willing to provide support and protection. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help when in a desperate situation.
My Personal Opinion
Is A Child Called It worth Reading? Absolutely yes, I found it to be a haunting and powerful book that left a lasting impact on me. The raw honesty with which Dave Pelzer shares his story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The graphic details can be difficult to read, but they are necessary to fully comprehend the extent of his suffering.
I was deeply moved by Dave's resilience and his ability to survive such appalling abuse. The book's narrative is straightforward and devoid of self-pity, which I found to be a remarkable aspect of his storytelling. On the downside, the book can be emotionally overwhelming due to the intense subject matter, and it may not be suitable for all readers.
I would recommend A Child Called It to readers who are seeking a powerful true story of survival. It is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of speaking out against abuse. This book is particularly impactful for those interested in psychology, social work, or advocacy for children's rights.