The Farmer's Wife: The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller

The Farmer's Wife is a memoir by Helen Rebanks that offers a portrait of the labor and glory of keeping a home and raising a family. It is honest and heartwarming, weaving past and present to share her highs and lows. The book is a manifesto that every woman has the right to choose the life they want. Readers have praised it for its authenticity and affectingness, and it has been described as a beacon of light and a beautifully written manifesto for the life she has chosen to lead.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Faber & Faber

"The Farmer's Wife" is a remarkable memoir that delves into the life of Helen Rebanks, a farmer's wife in rural England. Written with honesty and heart, the book offers a captivating portrait of the labor and glory of maintaining a home and raising a family. Through a seamless blend of past and present, Rebanks shares her highs and lows, from the emotional journey of childbirth to the endless improvisations of nightly dinner preparations and the unexpected challenges of a dog devouring her daughter's freshly baked birthday cake. These experiences have shaped her and revealed her quiet strength in the face of adversity.

In its quiet way, "The Farmer's Wife" emerges as a manifesto, asserting that every woman has the right to choose the life she desires. Rebanks' story resonates with readers, evoking a range of emotions and inspiring contemplation. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in rural communities, who often face unique challenges and yet find ways to thrive and flourish.

The book's writing is exquisite, with lyrical prose that transports the reader into Rebanks' world. Her descriptions of the countryside, the seasons, and the rhythms of farm life are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of connection and appreciation for the simple joys of life.

What sets "The Farmer's Wife" apart is its authentic and affecting portrayal of rural life. Rebanks does not shy away from the realities of hard work, poverty, and the struggles faced by farmers and their families. She shares the joys and sorrows of her journey with honesty and humility, allowing readers to empathize with her and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of rural life.

The book has received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike. It has been described as enchanting, funny, and fearless, and a luminously beautiful memoir. Spectator praised it for its "authentic and affecting" portrayal of rural life, while Sarah Langford described it as "lovely, warm, and real, it made me cry and cook and think." Ella Risbridger praised the book as "absorbing, often magical," and a beautifully written manifesto for the life Rebanks has chosen to lead.

In conclusion, "The Farmer's Wife" is a remarkable memoir that offers a poignant and inspiring portrait of rural life. Written with honesty, heart, and lyrical prose, the book shines a light on the often idealized and understated role of the farmer's wife. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in rural communities, and a beacon of light for those who seek to live a life of authenticity and purpose. Whether you are a farmer's wife, a woman living in a rural community, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature and the complexities of human experience, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571370597
Edition number: Main