Although written in 1968, the story is timeless and can be applied or related to just about any decade. An important element, and one that may have helped it gain its popularity, is the way the author tells the story. The chapters alternate male and female points of view, which more successfully attracts both male and female readers. Young adults may often find that they can relate to John and Lorraine's feelings of parental neglect as well as the need to feel accepted by an adult. Older audiences may feel drawn to the endearing ways of Mr. Zindel and his need to socialize with someone. He has a strong need of company and feeling loved. Each of the main characters has different problems, but the author wonderfully brings them all together to fill the void in each other's lives and make each other happy even if for a brief moment. The author's use of language clearly shows what kind of persons are telling the story, yet the language is kept clean to avoid offending the reader. Some of the themes found in this story are friendship, trust, honesty, betrayal, broken families, coming of age, and death.
Zindel, Paul. 1968.The pigman. Bantam Books, Inc. ISBN 0-553-23540-0
