agklocke's Full Review: Dave Pelzer - A Child Called "It": One Child's Cou...
In just a few short hours, I started and completed A Child Called "IT". And when I was finished, I sat in deep thought. Unlike many others, though, my thoughts were a bit different. Am I cold-hearted and unfeeling? And why would I ask such of myself? Dave Pelzer's story is terrible; what a horrible way to grow up. But the presentation of it just didn't grab me like I feel it should have.
Let me explain:
In general terms of writing a book, the sequence of it all was terribly disjointed. One of the main running thoughts in the back of my mind was how I would have had "this" here, or "that" there. Its total set-up just left me confused.
But deeper than that, Pelzer tells his horrid tale in such a detached manner, I have a hard time making the connection I need to feel. I'm left the whole time cursing the mother and father in his life for being such terrible people, yet I don't feel his pain. Perhaps this is because the book itself is full of telling and not showing.
Now wait, you say, it isn't fiction and it shouldn't be enjoyable reading. This is true. However, to get the full affect of something, the whole picture, I need to be shown. I need to understand, even if not until the end. No, I don't need to be told how graphically painful some of the physical abuse was, nor do I have to get a lesson out of everything I read, but I want to be left with something. And unfortunately, the only thing A Child Called "IT" left me with was questions.
This is the true account of Dave Pelzer's life of abuse at the hands of his horrid mother. He shares accounts of his abuse, such as his mother's gassing game (locking him in the bathroom with a bucket mixture of bleach and ammonia), being starved, and even being stabbed with a knife. What's worse is, in this day and age of Susan Smiths and Andrea Yates', it isn't all that hard to believe this all happened. What IS hard to believe is that a supposedly loving mother suddenly turned evil, yet to only one of her children. In fact, according to this book, Dave's mother went on to have two more children after she began her terrible abuse. This is not to say that a parent can't and won't be abusive to one child while still being loving to another. I happen to know first-hand that this can happen. But...WHY? This book never explains what caused his mother to abuse him, why his father just stood by, and what ever happened to either of them.
Now, I hear there are sequels that answer many questions, but I am also told that they still leave questions unanswered. In fiction, I am fine with a few sequels - it builds up the suspense. But this isn't fiction, and I don't want to have to read 2 more books to get my answers. I find it unfair to the reader to drag us along like this.
I am in no way discounting Pelzer's experience. It is a horrible way to grow up and no child should ever be subjected to such cruelty. However, this book only does one thing - it shares some accounts of terrible abuse. Does it open my eyes to anything new? No. Does it make an abuser stop in their tracks? No. It certainly doesn't inspire me, as so often quoted as being. Yes, Pelzer is obviously a survivor, and he should be commended for that. He has apparently gone on to have a productive and successful life at a terrible cost. He says he broke the cycle of abuse with his own child. That's wonderful, except I wonder if Pelzer's own mother was abused… Did she have mental problems? As you can see, I have many questions still. And this disjointed account doesn't answer them.
I suppose the inspiring part that so many speak of is the person Dave Pelzer is today. I can admire him for being strong, indeed. But this book wouldn't be what I would feel inspired by. It's too much of a quick read for the price ($9.95 - glad I bought my copy at Half.com), it's too much tell, no show (anyone who writes knows exactly what I mean), and the sequence leaves a lot to be desired. I am torn in my thoughts, overall. I know many recommend it to others because it's a true and sad story, but I can't recommend it on that alone. I personally feel that all the sequels should have been combined into one book - yet a part of me is left feeling as though Pelzer is capitalizing on his childhood pain by writing and selling three different books.
Or perhaps it just wasn't my cup of tea.
This book does contain some graphic scenes, a small amount of cursing, and overall bad tale. I wouldn't recommend it for children or anyone too sensitive to the plights of children.
Dave Pelzer shares his unforgettable story of the many abuses he suffered at the hands of his alcoholic mother and the averted eyes of his neglectful ...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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