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Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings - The Yearling
Travel back in time to the late 19th century and bushwhack your way into the thick woods and scrubland of northern Florida. Here you’ll find young Jody Baxtor living with his parents in a small, isolated house. Jody is the last of seven children, but none of his six siblings survived infancy. Jody’s father is a tough yet generous man, but the heartache and tragedy Jody’s mother has undergone have created a barrier that prevents her from growing close to her one living son. Life in these Florida woods is difficult, and Jody is lonely. He longs for a pet of his own, but feeding just the three people in their home is challenge enough without the added burden of an animal.
A series of unusual events involving a dangerous bear hunt and a serious rattlesnake bite eventually lead Jody and his father to an orphaned fawn, which Jody eagerly adopts and dubs “Flagg”. An unbreakable and happy bond develops. While Jody hangs on any tender moment he can capture with his parents, he depends on Flagg to help to fill the aching void in his young heart. Flagg becomes a bright spot Jody can’t live without.
As he grows up, Jody learns to cope with the sadness of strained relationships, the constant fight against starvation, the reality of death, and the numerous dangers that, given his location and the era, are par for the course. Catostrophic floods, fights with unrefined neighbors, and exposure to snakes, alligators, and other predators are just a few of the obstacles Jody will face and learn to overcome throughout his childhood. His is the life of a farmer, hunter, and survivor, and it is far from easy.
As Jody reaches adolescence, he is forced to recognize that his one stable and happy treasure, Flagg, may not be his forever. Turns out growing up and letting go is far more difficult than he could have imagined. Will Jody find the resolve to part with the one true companion he has come to cherish so deeply?
The Yearling is eye-opening for the average American child, who has no real concept of the kind hardship Jody experienced. It’s a window into another lifestyle in which survival was the first priority, forcing love and emotions to take a back seat. It’s also an educational look at what it was like to grow up in this part of Florida, isolated from most civilization and exposed to various dangers. And of course, the unique bond between a boy and his pet deer is a classic story sure to warm your heart. This is a long read, and feels slow in spots, but it’s worth the time if you’re willing to plow through.
Recommended read-aloud age: 10 and up
Recommended read-alone age: 14 and up
To read more of my book reviews, visit Larsen Reviews.
Travel back in time to the late 19th century and bushwhack your way into the thick woods and scrubland of northern Florida. Here you’ll find young Jody Baxtor living with his parents in a small, isolated house. Jody is the last of seven children, but none of his six siblings survived infancy. Jody’s father is a tough yet generous man, but the heartache and tragedy Jody’s mother has undergone have created a barrier that prevents her from growing close to her one living son. Life in these Florida woods is difficult, and Jody is lonely. He longs for a pet of his own, but feeding just the three people in their home is challenge enough without the added burden of an animal.
A series of unusual events involving a dangerous bear hunt and a serious rattlesnake bite eventually lead Jody and his father to an orphaned fawn, which Jody eagerly adopts and dubs “Flagg”. An unbreakable and happy bond develops. While Jody hangs on any tender moment he can capture with his parents, he depends on Flagg to help to fill the aching void in his young heart. Flagg becomes a bright spot Jody can’t live without.
As he grows up, Jody learns to cope with the sadness of strained relationships, the constant fight against starvation, the reality of death, and the numerous dangers that, given his location and the era, are par for the course. Catostrophic floods, fights with unrefined neighbors, and exposure to snakes, alligators, and other predators are just a few of the obstacles Jody will face and learn to overcome throughout his childhood. His is the life of a farmer, hunter, and survivor, and it is far from easy.
As Jody reaches adolescence, he is forced to recognize that his one stable and happy treasure, Flagg, may not be his forever. Turns out growing up and letting go is far more difficult than he could have imagined. Will Jody find the resolve to part with the one true companion he has come to cherish so deeply?
The Yearling is eye-opening for the average American child, who has no real concept of the kind hardship Jody experienced. It’s a window into another lifestyle in which survival was the first priority, forcing love and emotions to take a back seat. It’s also an educational look at what it was like to grow up in this part of Florida, isolated from most civilization and exposed to various dangers. And of course, the unique bond between a boy and his pet deer is a classic story sure to warm your heart. This is a long read, and feels slow in spots, but it’s worth the time if you’re willing to plow through.
Recommended read-aloud age: 10 and up
Recommended read-alone age: 14 and up
To read more of my book reviews, visit Larsen Reviews.