A Child Called It

Overview of "A Child Called It" by Dave Pelzer

"A Child Called It" is a memoir written by Dave Pelzer, first published in 1995. The book chronicles the author's experiences with severe child abuse at the hands of his emotionally unstable and alcoholic mother, Catherine Roever Pelzer.

Plot Summary

The memoir begins in 1973, when Dave Pelzer is a fifth-grade student living in Daly City, California. His life takes a drastic turn as his mother's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and abusive. She subjects him to physical and emotional torture, forcing him to perform inhumane tasks and denying him basic necessities like food and a clean living environment. His bed is an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes are often torn and filthy. The outside world remains unaware of his suffering, and he has no one to turn to except his dreams of being loved and cared for.

Dave's father fails to intervene, and the other children in the family are treated with affection and care, while he is treated as a servant and eventually referred to as "It." The abuse continues until the teachers and school administrators at his school notice the severe physical and emotional abuse he is suffering. In fifth grade, they call the police, and Dave is finally removed from his mother's custody, marking the beginning of his journey toward healing and recovery.

Key Themes

1. Child Abuse: The book vividly describes the severe physical and emotional abuse Dave endured at the hands of his mother.
2. Survival and Resilience: Despite the unimaginable suffering, Dave finds ways to survive through his dreams and inner strength.
3. Family Dynamics: The memoir highlights the stark contrast between the loving relationship Dave's mother had with his older brothers and the brutal treatment he received.
4. Isolation and Loneliness: Dave's isolation from the world and his family members is a central theme, emphasizing the psychological impact of such abuse.
5. Redemption and Healing: The book concludes with Dave's journey toward healing and redemption, symbolized by his visit to their old vacation spot with his own son, where he emphasizes his love for him.

Critical Reception

"A Child Called It" has received significant attention and critical acclaim for its raw and powerful portrayal of child abuse. The book has been widely read and discussed, helping to raise awareness about child abuse and its long-lasting effects. Critics have praised the book for its unflinching honesty and the author's ability to convey the depth of his suffering without resorting to sensationalism.

The book has also been recognized for its impact on readers, many of whom have reported being deeply moved by the story and inspired to help prevent similar abuse. However, some critics have noted that the book's graphic descriptions of abuse may be disturbing for some readers, particularly children.

Overall, "A Child Called It" is a powerful and haunting memoir that sheds light on one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history, serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering.