The Yearling is a classic coming-of-age novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, set in the backwoods of Florida in the late 1800s. The story follows the life of 12-year-old Jody Baxter, who lives with his parents, Ora and Penny, in a small cabin in the woods. Jody's life is filled with hard work and loneliness, as his parents struggle to make ends meet. When Jody finds an orphaned fawn, he takes it in and names it Flag. Jody and Flag quickly become inseparable, and Jody's parents allow him to keep the animal. However, Flag's presence causes tension between Jody and his father, who is worried about the deer eating their crops. When Flag is shot by a hunter, Jody is devastated. He must learn to cope with his loss and come to terms with his father's decision. The Yearling is a timeless tale of family, friendship, and growing up. It is a story of love, loss, and the power of nature.
By Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings · First published 1938 · Genre: Southern Gothic, Coming-of-Age, Realism · 33 chapters