54 pages • 1 hour read
The Yearling
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Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Florida Backwoods • 1870s
1938
Middle grade
12-18 years
750L
Super Short Summary
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' The Yearling narrates a year in the life of Jody Baxter, living in 1870s northern Florida, as his family faces floods, plague, and death while he forms a tender relationship with an orphaned fawn named Flag. Jody learns to navigate hardship, responsibility, and loss, reflecting the harsh realities of rural life and the process of coming of age. Instances of animal mistreatment, and a mention of child death occur in this book.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
30,617 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' The Yearling reflect both admiration and critique. Praised for its vivid depiction of rural life and emotional depth, the novel captures readers' hearts. However, some find its pacing slow and certain themes outdated. Overall, its storytelling and character development receive commendation despite these minor drawbacks.
Who Should Read The Yearling?
A reader who would enjoy The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings likely cherishes coming-of-age tales set in nature-rich environments. Similar to fans of Wilson Rawls’ Where the Red Fern Grows and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, they appreciate emotional depth, family dynamics, and life’s hardships interwoven with the beauty of the natural world.
30,617 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Penny Baxter
Penny Baxter
Jody's father and a wise, compassionate figure who teaches his son about nature and survival. His role is pivotal in shaping Jody's character and understanding of the world.
Ora Baxter
Ora Baxter
The matriarch of the Baxter family who maintains a distant but loving relationship with Jody. She is pragmatic and often pushes for responsibility and survival over sentimentality.
The Forrester Family
The Forrester Family
Neighbors to the Baxters, they are known for their boisterous and carefree lifestyle. Their interactions with the Baxters highlight contrasts in values and lifestyles.
Flag
Flag
A wild fawn that Jody raises, representing his deep connection to nature. Flag is a companion to Jody during his formative experiences in the wilderness.
416
Novel • Fiction
Florida Backwoods • 1870s
1938
Middle grade
12-18 years
750L
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