Introduction

A Child Called 'It' is a harrowing memoir by Dave Pelzer that chronicles his nightmarish childhood from the early to mid-1970s. Set in Daly City, California, the book offers a firsthand account of severe child abuse from the perspective of David, the author himself, as a young boy. The story unfolds in a home that appears outwardly perfect, with David's father, a fireman, and his mother, who initially glows with love for her children. However, as the narrative progresses, it reveals a drastic transformation in family dynamics, particularly the abusive relationship between David and his mother. This memoir not only sheds light on the dark corners of familial abuse but also on David's incredible resilience and will to survive under the most horrific conditions.

Plot Summary

The memoir opens with a young David in the school nurse's office, facing questions about his injuries and his mother's treatment of him. The arrival of the principal and a police officer marks the beginning of a turning point in David's life. The officer's assurance of his freedom sets the tone for David's journey from victim to survivor.

David reminisces about the early years of his life when his family resembled the ideal household seen on television. His parents, especially his mother, were loving and nurturing, making holidays and family outings memorable. However, this idyllic period was short-lived. David's mother's behavior towards him began to change drastically. Initially relegated to standing in a corner for supposed mischief, David's punishments escalated to severe physical and psychological abuse. His mother's erratic behavior, fueled by alcohol, led to David being isolated from his brothers and subjected to dehumanizing treatments, including being forced to eat ammonia and sleeping in the garage without proper bedding.

School became a refuge for David, though it also brought its challenges, including bullying and further scrutiny into his home life. Despite the suspicions of teachers and the involvement of social workers, David's mother managed to manipulate each situation to avoid intervention. David's father, once a source of safety, became increasingly absent, leaving David to endure his mother's abuse alone.

The abuse escalated over the years, with David being starved, beaten, and subjected to sadistic punishments that threatened his life. His mother's manipulation and control extended to forcing David to perform exhaustive and futile tasks, further isolating him from his family and the outside world. Despite the intervention of teachers and social workers, the abuse continued, largely due to David's mother's ability to present a facade of normalcy to outsiders.

David's resilience is tested to its limits as he navigates the constant physical and emotional torture. His survival instincts lead him to find ways to cope with the hunger and pain, including stealing food and enduring his mother's cruel punishments with a determination not to let her break his spirit. The memoir details David's struggles to maintain his sense of self and his desperate yearning for love and normalcy amidst the chaos of his home life.

The turning point in David's story comes when he is finally removed from his home and placed in foster care, marking the end of his years of abuse. The memoir closes with David reflecting on his journey, now a father himself, determined to break the cycle of abuse and offer his son the love and security he was denied as a child. A Child Called 'It' is not just a tale of survival; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.