A
Title: The Pigman
Author: Paul Zindel
Publication Info: Starfire February 1, 1983
ISBN: 0553263218
Genre: Top 100 Banned Books
Submitted by Collette
The Pigman is about John and Lorraine, two kids who start out pulling pranks on the unsuspecting. They eventually pull a prank on Mr. Pignati, who, through a series of events, becomes their friend. He is a kind, sweet, lonely old man who is good to these also lonely teenagers. What I remember most starkly is how badly it all turned out. At first, there’s the hope that, although they met through pranks, somehow something better, something bigger would come from this friendship. And, it’s true, for a while at least. They gain something from one another, a sense of belonging, as well as fun. But through their careless actions, John and Lorraine tragically wound the Pigman—a blow from which none of them will recover, either physically or, in the case of John and Lorraine, emotionally.
I remember the epiphany that I had. My parents were correct—you really needed to think before you acted. Little actions can have big consequences. (Who knew they were right?) The ending still makes me sad. For me to feel and remember even that much after 30 years (*sigh*), I think that’s the sign of an amazing book with a great lesson.
i’ve never heard of this book, so thanks for describing it.
but – why was it banned?
Oh, I loved The Pigman! I’ve given my tattered copy to my daughter, who hasn’t read it yet. It does have a sad ending and I seem to recall that all of Zindel’s books that I read have that strong strain of uncomfortable-ness in them. A lot like life.
Maya, my guess on the banning is that it has to do with the frank way that sex is addressed. The double standards applicable to girls and guys. How screwed up parents can taint their childrens’ perceptions of what sex is all about. Plus of course there’s that other old standby book banners love: The supposed disrespect of parental authority that’s displayed as the kids start examining their actions, taking responsibility for them, and deciding for themselves what moral code to live up to.
Thanks fiveandfour for addressing that. Maya, I have to admit that I really can’t remember specifics about why it would’ve been banned. [Did I mention how long ago I read it? ;-)]
I do remember what could be interpreted as the disrespect of parental authority—the feeling that these kids were “running wild”, doing what they wanted when they wanted which I can understand would be threatening in the do as I say school of childrearing. I of course didn’t (and don’t) see it that way, instead taking the lessons of learning about personal responsibility with the help of peers.
I really don’t remember sex in the book (30 years! did I say that?). Your description of uncomfortableness is spot-on and it’s probably what I remember most about the book.