Summary

"A Child Called 'It'" is a harrowing memoir by Dave Pelzer that chronicles his horrific childhood abuse at the hands of his mother. The book opens with a scene of rescue, March 5, 1973, as school officials and police intervene in Pelzer's life, removing him from his abusive home. The narrative then delves into the escalating abuse, contrasting it with earlier, happier times when his family resembled the idyllic "Brady Bunch."

Pelzer recounts the transformation of his mother from a loving caregiver into a cruel tormentor. Initially, punishments were mild, such as being placed in a corner. However, they soon escalated to severe physical and emotional abuse, including beatings, starvation, and psychological torture. The book details the specific forms of abuse, such as the "mirror treatment," where Pelzer was forced to stare at himself and repeat that he was a "bad boy," as well as being forced to search endlessly for lost items. As the abuse worsens, Pelzer is isolated from the rest of his family, denied food, and forced to sleep in the basement garage.

The narrative describes Pelzer's desperate attempts to survive. He steals food from classmates, leading to further punishment and isolation. He develops elaborate fantasies and coping mechanisms to endure the pain and hunger. His father, initially a source of hope, becomes increasingly distant and unable to protect him. School offers a temporary refuge, but the abuse at home intensifies, especially after a teacher reports concerns to the principal. Pelzer details specific incidents of extreme cruelty, including being forced to eat soiled diapers, swallow ammonia and Clorox, and lie on a hot stove.

Pelzer's story reveals his resilience and determination to survive. Despite the horrors he faces, he finds ways to endure, developing an inner strength that allows him to resist his mother's attempts to break his spirit. The book culminates with his removal from the home and the beginning of his journey toward healing. The epilogue reflects on his life after the abuse, his service in the Air Force, and his commitment to helping others who have suffered similar experiences. He emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse and finding hope for a better future, and reflects on the beauty and peace he finds at the Russian River, a place that holds cherished memories from his childhood before the abuse began. The Afterword underscores the prevalence of child abuse and the need for awareness and intervention.