Novel Review - A Day No Pigs Would Die-TWU LS5623-Su2012

Novel Review - A Day No Pigs Would Die Peck, Robert N. A Day No Pigs Would Die. New York: Laurel-Leaf, 2000. Print. ISBN 978-0-394-48235-4 In a moment of fear-induced bravery Rob saves the life of a neighbor’s cow and her unborn calf. The sweet white piglet he is given as a gift of gratitude becomes his friend, confidant and pride and joy as Rob grows to manhood through the struggles of farm living. As the son of a pig slaughterer Rob is no stranger to hard times but the true test of his courage comes when becoming a man conflicts with the desires of his heart. As a work of classical young adult literature A Day No Pigs Would Die is considered a model of the coming-of-age story. Both joy and sorrow are woven through its pages as the author shares moments of his life growing up hard on a 5 acre Vermont family farm. By its very nature this work may connect more with some young readers than others as urban children may find the tale of growing up a farmer foreign to their understanding. Additionally certain elements of the language specific to both the Vermont country vernacular as well as farm life can make more reticent readers pause. “With a handturn, papa sunk holes into the fresh planks at both ends, and into the old wood beyond. In each hole he used a mallet to pound in a trunnel peg of white oak that he had soaking in linseed oil. And the sty was done” (pg. 39) Struggling readers and readers whose native language is not English may find drawing meaning from the context more difficult, however this book provides all of the knowledge necessary for understanding and enjoyment to the capable young adult reader. The story of Rob and his sweet pig Pinky still has the power to draw readers in, though, as the care and love given to and received from an animal can transcend urban and rural boundaries. This story line, more than those related to farm life and rural education, specifically makes this book still viable for most young adult readers. That being said the violence of Rob’s difficult choice and the loss of his father as well as the abruptness of the conclusion can be somewhat jarring. Reality sets in quickly for readers of this book and the subtleness of the relationship of Rob and his father may be less tangible than modern readers are accustomed to. This book has much to offer as a classic description of Vermont farm life in the 1930’s and still holds value for modern readers, even if there are moments that may be painful or slightly difficult to grasp. In many ways the story is timeless and the boy’s love for both his family and his pig still communicate even in the 21st century.