Greene Ferne Farm   By: Richard Jefferies (1848-1887)

Greene Ferne Farm takes readers on an immersive journey into the idyllic countryside, capturing the essence of rural life in the late 19th century. Richard Jefferies masterfully delineates the beauty and struggles of nature, weaving his love for the land into an engaging narrative.

Jefferies' descriptive prowess shines throughout the book, painting vivid pictures of the agricultural landscapes, the farm animals, and the changing seasons. His attention to detail transports readers to Greene Ferne Farm, where they can almost feel the fresh breeze, smell the blooming flowers, and hear the songs of birds. This vivid imagery creates an intimate connection with nature, enabling readers to appreciate the simplicity and richness of rural existence.

Beyond its captivating descriptions, Greene Ferne Farm showcases Jefferies' deep understanding of the delicate balance between man and the natural world. Through the lens of the two main characters, Job and Elsie, Jefferies explores the challenges faced by farmers striving to harmonize with the cycles of nature. He delves into their daily struggles, their closeness to the land, and the symbiotic relationship they share with their animals—their constant companions and vital sources of livelihood. This thought-provoking exploration intensifies readers' appreciation for the interconnectedness of the ecosystem and serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of sustainable practices.

Jefferies' prose possesses a certain timelessness that transcends the boundaries of his era. His writing style is remarkably engaging, allowing the reader to become fully immersed in the characters' lives and experiences. While the story unfolds at a leisurely pace, each page fosters a sense of anticipation, as readers find themselves eagerly turning one after another.

One element that might leave some readers longing for more is the lack of a gripping plotline. Greene Ferne Farm primarily focuses on the experiences of the characters and the intricate bond between them and their surroundings. It is more a meditative and introspective work than an action-packed tale. However, it is precisely in this unhurried approach that Jefferies provides a reflection space for readers to contemplate life's simpler pleasures and reevaluate their relationship with nature.

Overall, Greene Ferne Farm is a luminous celebration of rural life and a manifesto for environmental stewardship. Richard Jefferies transports readers to a time and place where simplicity and nature coexist harmoniously, urging introspection and appreciation for the world around us. This exquisite work of literature resonates long after the last page, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's heart and mind.

First Page:

Ding ding dill! Dill ding dill! This last was the cracked bell of the village church ringing "to service." The speakers were two farmers, who, after exchanging greeting, leant against the churchyard wall, and looked over, as they had done every fine weather Sunday this thirty years. So regular was this pressure, that the moss which covered the coping stones elsewhere was absent from the spot where they placed their arms. On the other side of the wall, and on somewhat lower ground, was a pigsty, beyond that a cow yard, then a barn and some ricks. "Casualty," used in connection with weather, means uncertain. Mr Hedges, the taller of the two men, stooped a good deal; he wore a suit of black, topped, however, by a billycock. Mr Ruck, very big and burly, was shaped something like one of his own mangolds turned upside down: that is to say, as the glance ran over his figure, beginning at the head, it had to take in a swelling outline as it proceeded lower... Continue reading book >>