A Child Called It
by Dave Pelzer
Category: Biographies / General
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Publication date: 4 January 2001
Number of pages: 240
Interest Age: From 16 To 99
Description:
A harrowing, yet inspiring true story of a young boy's abusive childhood, from internationally bestselling author Dave Pelzer
Review:
The media continue to report shocking and almost unbelievable stories of child abuse. Invariably the same questions are asked. Why is this still happening? Why did no one notice what was going on? There are never any satisfactory answers, often because the child is dead. Pelzer courageously allows us to be a fly on the wall throughout his terror-soaked childhood. We are with him every day, through every incident and every minute of toture. This is the story of a tiny soldier battling to keep alive in the face of horrific treatment by his alcoholic mother. Like all real wars, it's wholly encompassing for both participants and observers, engaging every nerve and sinew, every ounce of suffering. From primary school onwards, Dave is continually denied food, denied even the contents of the trash can, forced to eat faeces, burned over the gas stove, stabbed in the stomach, asphyxiated with ammonia and sent to sleep in the unheated basement like a dog or an 'It'. Why didn't he tell someone? With Dave's help we realize that the power of an aggressive parent is absolute and the fear instilled is paralysing. Dave explains how difficult it was for outsiders to connect the well-dressed, public spirited neighbour with the alter ego who succumbed to drunken rages and sadistic acts within the security of their own home. Dave's survival rests entirely on his will to live which he keeps alive with small acts of defiance. There is something in suffering and surviving that builds an inner strength and the suvivor may well, as Pelzer has done, go on to enjoy a successful and worthwhile career in the world. This is the first of a trilogy; the second and third books will be eagerly awaited, especially if they flesh out more of the background and circumstances of his mother Catherine Roerva and his ineffectual father. (Kirkus UK)
Author's Biography:
Dave Pelzer is recognised as one of America's most effective and respected communicators. His unique accomplishments have garnered personal commendations from Ronald Reagan and George Bush. He has dedicated his life to helping others help themselves.
In Stock: 50+ copies
