The Pond

by Robert Murphy

This inspiring tale about respecting and preserving animal and plant life, perhaps even more relevant in today's climate than when it was first published, is finally back in print.

Fourteen-year-old Joey spends his childhood visiting a beautiful back-country pond in Virginia. His humorous and heart-warming adventures in and around the pond, with the faithful dog Charley at his side, broaden his understanding of his place in the world and awaken in him a protective instinct towards all nature. In an era of climate-change debate and animal rights movements, The Pond delivers an important message to readers of all ages, at the same time never failing to delight.

Genres: Nature, Fiction, Animals, 20th Century

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Todd Settimo]

This was one of my favorite young adult books. I read this when I was 14 as one of many books I read for extra credit for Mr. Eggleston; an old smelly teacher who insisted I was better than my grades. I argued my stupidity with him but he wouldn't be fooled and he demanded better. Mr. Eggleston, a shining example of the many unsung teachers who, every day, make lasting differences to people's lives and are remunerated all too little for it.

[Paul Maher Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just obtained permission from the Murphy Estate to adapt this into a screenplay for an indie film! : )

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads says that this book was just reissued after having been out of print. I think I've got one of the original printings...60 cents in 1964.

The book won the "Dutton Animal Book Award" that year. The Award was short-lived: it was only given 1963-1969, and then once again in 1975. It was for new fiction or non-fiction publications about animals.

I think I will give my copy to Archy Zemke, who likes both animals and children's books.

It is a sweet, sleepy story of a time both near and very, very far away. It takes place in eastern Virginia, near Williamsburg, where I know the landscape and have spent some very happy and nostalgic times. The trees, waterways, and ramshackle country dwellings remain. But the simplicity, the deep reflective process of growing up, and the strained respectful close-knit separateness of many inter-racial relationships before the civil rights era have no modern analog.

I imagined the farm house and pond in the story as those of Heptinstall House in Halifax, NC, where we used to visit when I was a child. Joey is a sensitive, thoughtful adolescent getting his first taste of independence from his parents while staying at the farmhouse with Mr. Ben, the property's caretaker. Among his boyish larks he begins to have the more complex, ambivalent emotions and confusing experiences of growing up. He diverges from his boyhood best friend, Bud. He befriends Charley, the abused, neglected, half-starved working dog who accomplices his first successes with squirrel hunting. He develops sympathy for - and carefully manages his tentative relationship with - the abused sons of Mr. Smith, who owns Charley as well as the farm next door where they get their well water. He ponders his multifaceted feelings about hunting and killing, and discovers deep love of nature and loyalty to his friends. Throughout, Mr. Ben provides a steady touchstone and voice of wisdom, and Sharbee, a shy African American hermit, provides a steady, silent, retiring protection.

It's a little hard for me to formulate why this book is as special as it is. It's hopeful, and fresh, and reading it kind of felt like an ablution...

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really slow going and it just takes you through an enjoyable journey with the two boys. Appreciating nature and working with nature are really the 2 main themes in this book. I recommend it to anyone who LOVES a great classical book!! But to those who enjoy fast-paced action or are too impatient to go with the flow of the story, then this book is definitely not for you.

[ShellyG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to my 13 yr old son. While it was a slow paced book he enjoyed it. It is a book perfect for a young man interested in hunting & fishing. Life lessons are all over the book. We both liked it. Wholesome read.

[Tim Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book as a kid and deeply enjoying it. Great sense of time and place as well as the wonders and sensitivities of the boy and his dog.

[Ingrid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cool mostly because I found this book behind and under and inside who knows what, and I had given it to my parents 40!!! years ago for a Valentine's Day gift. I'll keep it for that same reason, but likely only recommend it to young (early-teens) readers.

[Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

its kind of a slow book at times but other wise it is a very fast read

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

animal lover book on hunting