Montana - Davids childhood and loss of innocence

In the summer of 1948 David Hayden is a 12 year old boy living an innocent childhood.

However, as the season changes, so does David’s perception of the world around him. The

dramatic events that occurred revealed to David so much of the dark-side of life, in

particular of his family, that he was somewhat forced prematurely into an adult

understanding of what life can be like.

At the beginning of the novel David loves his life in Bentrock. He has a nanny who he

adores, is part of one of the most respected families in the town, and he amuses himself

in such an innocent way. As he says in the text he “did what the boys usually did…rode

horseback…swam…fished…hunted…explored…scavenged.”

He was just a young-boy living a carefree life, as you’d expect of a 12 year-old.

However, when David first heard the shocking accusations about...