The Pigman and Me is a novel written by Paul Zindel, published in 1968. It tells the story of John Conlan, a high school student who is struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. John is the narrator of the novel, and he tells his story through a series of diary entries.
One day, John meets a man named Mr. Pignati, who is also known as the Pigman. Mr. Pignati is a lonely old man who lives by himself in a rundown house. John and his friend Lorraine become close with Mr. Pignati and begin to visit him regularly. Mr. Pignati becomes a kind of surrogate father figure for John and Lorraine, and they begin to see him as a mentor and a friend.
However, as John and Lorraine spend more time with Mr. Pignati, they start to realize that he is not as well-adjusted as they initially thought. Mr. Pignati is still grieving the loss of his wife, and he has a tendency to drink heavily and behave erratically. Despite this, John and Lorraine continue to visit him and try to help him in any way they can.
As the novel progresses, John and Lorraine's relationship with Mr. Pignati becomes more and more complicated. They begin to feel responsible for him and his well-being, but at the same time, they struggle with their own personal issues and their growing attraction to each other.
In the end, Mr. Pignati's health takes a turn for the worse, and John and Lorraine are forced to confront the reality of his mortality. As they say goodbye to the Pigman, they are forced to confront their own feelings of grief and loss, and they come to understand the importance of family and friendship in their lives.
Overall, The Pigman and Me is a poignant and heartwarming novel that explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and loss. It is a coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
