Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
An interesting and thought-provoking book set in the late 18th century in France: “Wild Boy- The Real Life of the Savage of Aveyron” by Mary Losure.
Not long ago a television show aired on cable told of a woman who searched a backward area to learn more about a boy who was said to “cluck like a chicken and dig the earth for bits of food.” It was mind-boggling to think of this in our time and further research showed this does sometimes happen in cultures where ignorance and lack of oversight is common. That child grew up being the subject of “scientific study and observation” until a Samaritan lady was given permission by authorities to care for him so that he grew to adulthood, although with significant disabilities.
The boy in our book was evidently deliberately left to die in the wind and it was not ever known how he survived to roam the forests, learned what to eat, learned to swim, and survived bitter winters. Until a woodsman captured him, he did not wear clothes. Escaping after every capture, he nevertheless learned to enjoy warmth of fires, cooked potatoes, and kindness of people. Although he seemed to understand something of language, he did not learn to speak.
Again there was a motherly woman who was able to care for him with government help; he no longer escaped but could be trusted to lope throughout the town and enjoy openness. He showed caring and feelings up to a point towards people who were kind to him.
Need a break from sappy soap operas? This book is for you.
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