A Day No Pigs Would Die (edició 1982)

I liked this book...but I don't think I'd hand it over to my 11-year-old. It's not that it's overly violent - although there's definitely some rough scenes - it's just that it might be a little too much for younger kids. The story was quick, it kept me reading, and I enjoyed references to Rutland (which is only 30 minutes away). It was a look into the past that I enjoyed along with some references local and of that time that I recognized. The semi-autobiographical nature of the book (with the author coming from and writing about a Shaker upbringing) also made it more interesting. ( )

semi-autobiographical

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This semi-autobiographical novel is a coming of age story that tells of Robert Peck growing up in a Shaker household in Vermont between the World Wars. Live is hard, but simple. Robert's loving but firm father, who can't read, teaches him the value of education, hard work, honesty, neighbors, family, responsibility, and many more things. Somewhat episodic, the series of story-chapters frequently focus on Pinky, a pig given to Robert by a neighbor in gratitude for a significant service Robert provides in the opening chapter. Robert loves Pinky - the only thing that has ever truly been his own. The book is sometimes quite funny, though its overall mood is a serious one. The last two or three chapters become quite somber, as Robert learns some of the most difficult lessons of his young life.
I always am left wondering in these "semi-autobiographical" books, just how much is fiction and how much isn't. One thing is certain though, Robert Peck, author of dozens of books for intermediate readers, loves honors and respects the illiterate father who raised him. In many ways, the book is a love song to his father. ( )

This was a realistic depiction of coming of age on a Shaker farm in Vermont. Peck described all the ins and outs of farm life, and some of it was pretty hard for me to take at times. I'll admit to bawling my eyes out at the ending. This book was very well-written, but I'd have liked one more chapter. We got to see Robert become a man in the eyes of his neighbors. I'd have like to see his new journey start. ( )