46 pages • 1 hour read
The Pigman
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
166
Novel • Fiction
Staten Island, New York • 1960s
1968
YA
12-16 years
880L
Super Short Summary
In The Pigman by Paul Zindel, high school sophomores John Conlan and Lorraine Jensen develop a deep friendship with an eccentric, lonely man named Angelo Pignati, whom they meet through a prank phone call. As they spend time with him, they enjoy a sense of family and adventure but ultimately face consequences due to their careless actions. The novel includes themes of teenage drinking, cursing, and disrespect of adults.
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
29,726 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Pigman by Paul Zindel receives praise for its realistic portrayal of teenage angst and friendship, capturing the complexities of adolescence. The narrative's humor and emotional depth resonate well. However, some critics note the dated language and certain plot elements that may not appeal to modern readers. Overall, it's a compelling, if slightly aged, coming-of-age story.
Who Should Read The Pigman?
Readers who would enjoy The Pigman by Paul Zindel are typically teens drawn to coming-of-age stories marked by humor, poignancy, and relatable characters. Fans of novels like S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret will appreciate the emotional depth and exploration of adolescence.
29,726 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
166
Novel • Fiction
Staten Island, New York • 1960s
1968
YA
12-16 years
880L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.