The Yearling

I have just finished reading The Yearling, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' most popular book about a boy named Jody and his yearling fawn, Flag, growing up together in the Florida scrub. Jody and Flag live on Baxter's Island with Ma & Pa Baxter (Ory & Penny). I didn't want to leave Baxter's Island- for about a month and a half I felt like I had moved right in with the Baxter family. Marjorie does wonders with her words, describing every little inch of the scrub in a way that brings tears to your eyes. This was a beautiful book and I certainly wish I would have read it as a child, like my father suggested. The Yearling is one of his favorite books, and now I know why.

Though I have seen it before, I have just rented the 1946 blockbuster The Yearling to watch, though I know that it won't be nearly as good as the book. The thing that bothers me most about the film is that Ory Baxter in the book is supposed to be one round brute of a woman and she has the personality to match, and in the movie she is played by Jane Wyman- a slight blonde woman- hardly fitting. Also, Penny Baxter is supposed to be a puny and unattractive figure- yet he is played by the anything but, Gregory Peck- Oh Hollywood!! With that said, I do remember the movie being pretty magical itself and I can't wait to watch it again and to relive my Baxter's Island imaginary vacation!