I’ve always been fond of biographies, even as a child. I loved reading about other people’s stories and triumphs. As an adult, the more I read about other people’s lives, the more I realized that in this world, some are fortunate, while others are living the same horror every single day, over and over again.
As I read A Child Called “It,” I questioned myself- is this even possible? Is this true? Can a mother really do this to her own child? To her own flesh and blood?
Could it Be True?
Some of the things I’ve read in the book were unbelievable and yet, the sad part was, they were true… or were they? I also didn’t like the way the story ended, although I was happy that it was a bittersweet freedom for Dave, there were so many questions running through my head. Like, what happened to his mother and brothers? It was a cliffhanger.
While reading the book, sometimes I get the feeling that the stories were made up. I’m not sure, but supposing they were true, it’s utterly sad that a mom could be as abusive and evil. We moms should be protecting our brood from all the pain in this world, not dumping our own frustrations on our children.
Abuse Is Never Justified
I know children can be impossible at times. I should know because I have 3 boys who, on some days are often unpredictable and wild. And yet, I feel this is where we step in as parents, to discipline our children with utmost love and care. We sometimes have our shaky moments, where we tend to snap, but this is not an acceptable ground to physically, verbally and mentally abuse our kids, nor is it acceptable to say that it’s just discipline when in fact it’s not right.
In the book, Dave Pelzer’s mom often said that he was a bad boy and therefore needed rigid disciplinary measures. It was a twisted game. As time progressed, it turned deadly, and so are the games. I couldn’t understand that a mom treated her pets and other children like a doting mother should be and yet, left one child unloved, uncared for, without food and a proper bed, shivering in the darkness. It’s unfair, it’s sickening but it’s happening..everywhere.
Difficult to Read
I find it hard reading every narration of the abuse. I mean, as a mom, would you let any of your children eat the contents of a dirty diaper? Would you let your child eat his own vomit or even stab him? What kind of mother would? It’s unacceptable; it’s pure evil. I hope that, wherever she is right now, she’s suffering and punished.
Abuse Awareness
As I look at my children, I wish to God that they will be protected from all evil in this world. A home should be where our children feel the safest. It shouldn’t be a home where they dread going. A mom should be her child’s protector. We moms should be enveloping our children with all the love in the world to nurture a new generation who will still believe that a loving family is important.
And lastly, we should be aware of abused children in our society. Abused children need all the love and support we can give them. Sadly, a lot of people turn deaf and mute so as not to be involved in a sticky situation. In the book, if not for his teachers, Dave could have been dead. But he was freed. Freedom. Freedom from all the pain and torture. But there is not always a happy ending for other abused children.
Let’s love our children; let love start at home.
I remember reading this series when I was in college, almost 20 years ago. It was so sad and often times, very hard to read, however I couldn’t put the books down. It was hard to believe someone would treat another human being that way, especially a child. It is amazing someone who has been through so much can come out okay and really be an inspiration to others. I admire Dave Pelzer and he even inspired me at the time to choose my major and work with abused children. Thanks for this review.
You’re welcome Mommy Masters. It’s such a sad story.