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 However, some find its pacing slow and certain themes outdated.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.

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.

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

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Yearling | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Yearling Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Yearling Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

The Yearling Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-17

The Yearling Chapters 11-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-25

The Yearling Chapters 18-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-33

The Yearling Chapters 26-33 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Yearling Character Analysis

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Themes

The Yearling Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Yearling Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Yearling Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Yearling Essay Topics

The Yearling

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Yearling?

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Book Details