The Lonely Furrow by Pamela Kavanagh
| The Lonely Furrow by Pamela Kavanagh | |
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| Category: Women's Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Sue Magee
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| Summary: A light and undemanding read for when you just need to relax. | |
| Buy? Maybe | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 224 | Date: May 2012 |
| Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd | |
| ISBN: 978-0709096375 | |
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The loss of the family business was no fault of the Drummond family, but by the time that they'd repaid what was owed they had no home and no means of making a living. The elder son, Nathan, lost his fiancé and there was little left for them to do but to leave Glasgow and move to a farm which had been in Florence Drummond's family for some time. They weren't farmers, but there was little choice but for them to buckle down and make the best of the situation presented to them.
They were lucky in some respects: the servant who was prepared to come with them to Shropshire in return for being taught to read and write and in the knowledge that there would be no wages. Similarly men who had worked at a neighbouring farm who were to be laid off were prepared to work over the winter months in return for living accommodation but no wages. Florence's sister, Dorcas, lived nearby and supported the family in numerous ways. The family, it seemed, had suffered its share of misfortunes and now it was down to hard work. Or was it?
It's a very easy read - the sort of book which you find you're a hundred pages into before you know where you are. It's a light and undemanding story which is perfect if you want a relaxing holiday or wet-Sunday-afternoon read that will ask little of you but the ability to turn the pages - and there are times when we all need one of those! The characters are endearing, particularly Chrissie, the servant who gives the family a piece of her mind at just the right moment and Dorcas the spinster whom you'd be delighted to call a friend.
The men are perhaps a little more light weight, but this is compensated for by a real sense of location both in Glasgow and on the Shropshire farm. I loved the near derelict farmhouse which had to be made good and the upland scrub which was only good for sheep. The period is never specified, but we're probably talking at least a century ago and it's salutary to note that Banks got into difficulties in those days too.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag. It's set in a different time, but if this book appeals then you might also enjoy The Golden Thread by Monica Carly or for more of a similar period you could try The House of Eliott by Jean Marsh.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Lonely Furrow by Pamela Kavanagh at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The Lonely Furrow by Pamela Kavanagh at Amazon.com.
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