Pony by R.J. Palacio
Published in 2021 273 Pages
Content: * * * (3.5)
A few scattered cuss-words would normally cause me little concern; however, this is considered a junior fiction novel which should have zero cuss-words in my mind. There is also somewhat gratuitous descriptions of wounds sustained by ghosts, observed by our main character, Silas. These ghosts harm no one; however, their presence is somewhat disturbing at times due to the fact that they are seen as they appeared in their suffering of a violent death while they were still human. One ghost in particular (who shows no signs of a grisly demise) is a friend and close companion to Silas. His character is enjoyable and important. Beyond this, there is some peril, death, a gun fight (which involves some bloody descriptions as well), and counterfeiting, thievery, and the like are involved as well as some shady characters. Silas’s dad is a pronounced atheist, though we get little discussion on religion and/or God.
Style: * * * * (4.9)
R.J. Palacio’s writing style reminds me of Kate DiCamillo. We all know how much I love DiCamillo . . . Reminiscent, sentimental writing draws me in – quickly – every time I encounter it. This novel is entirely different from any of Kate DiCamillo’s books; however, the descriptive tone, the first person perspective, and the story arch combined into a truly rich method of story-telling. It was long-winded at times, but for a purpose. There was not a word written that didn’t have a meaning and a reason. There are few authors who can handle a pen so well and so effectively. Character development easily wanders between over-done and under-done. Palacio succeeded in developing well those characters whom we needed to know well, and developing less those who played only a passing role. The balance between action and white-space (as they call it in art) gave a natural and easy-to-read flow to the story. I was enthralled by the writing, to say the least.
Overall Rating: * * * * (4.2)
I would hesitate to put this book in the junior fiction corner of the library. True, some definitions put the age range of junior fiction as wide as 8-18, with some clarifications in book length for specific ranges within that set of ages. However, the rather graphic and ghostly descriptions are violent enough that I would personally classify this as a youth fiction novel, despite our main character’s age of 12. This is the main reason for my lower rating of this book. I was struck by the thought as I read that I was surprised to actually somewhat enjoy this novel. I am not often surprised by books but this one did surprise me. As I finished reading, I came to the conclusion that this is what True Grit should have been. I have not read the original True Grit; however, I have watched both the old and new movies. I was unimpressed and felt that I had been left wanting something more. I found the “more” in Pony. Where True Grit lacked depth of feeling and character analysis, Pony delivered in spades. True Grit failed to deliver in story, philosophy, morals, and sentimentality. Pony provided a well-delivered plot, themes of compassion, philosophical thought on the result of death to those still alive, and an opportunity to reminisce on the well-worn bridge between adolescence and adult-hood. It’s not written for everyone – the violence guarantees that, but those willing to explore something new might find a little something to enjoy.
