A slow-moving evocation of rural life in the early decades of the twentieth century. The chapter headings are like an almanac and follow the seasonal work of an agricultural economy, with a level of detail (shoeing a horse, harvesting, spring cleaning) that is almost forensic. Readers may find this either hypnotic and mesmerising - or tedious. There is little speech, a much quieter world than the one we're used to. The writing can be a bit jerky with dialect words - and after the slow pace of the first two-thirds, there is drama and incident at the end which must effect the following books.

I've seen comparisons with Flora Thompson and Thomas Hardy but other than a pastoral setting don't see other likenesses. The reconstruction of a passed society with rigid class and other barriers is done well, and has some poignancy given that WW1 is just a couple of years in the future.

A beautifully , lyrically written book I loved it. The pace worked well with the unfolding seasons on the farm and the carter's family's labours. A mutual love of horses forged an unlikely and uncommon friendship between the boy and the young mistress which ultimately led to disastrous consequences for his whole family. Life could be harsh but the skill, experience and expertise of those who worked on the land and with their animals was venerated and appreciated by their contemporaries and masters. Reminiscent of Cider With Rosie and Candleford in its flow.
I look forward to reading more.

A list of some twenty-eight characters at the beginning of the book is somewhat confounding. It is necessary to get your head around these from the start, otherwise confusion will spoil your enjoyment of this gentle, pastoral novel set in Devon in 1911/1912. Composed as a calendar through the months and seasons and following the daily, hardworking lives of the Sercombe family: Albert Sercombe, a ploughman, Ruth, his wife, Fred, Sidney and Leopold (Leo), the three sons and Kizzie, their daughter. These are the central characters - in particular the twelve year old Leo - along with Arthur, Lord Prideaux, owner of the estate and Charlotte (Lottie), his only child.

A bucolic blend of Flora Thompson, Laurie Lee and Thomas Hardy, sprinkled with countryside words and events through the seasons: how to groom a Shire horse, how to plough a field, how to slaughter and butcher a pig (in graphic detail), the harvest cycle of collecting, stack-building and threshing. It's all here in forensic detail. One wonders - where is this going? Is there a plot?

Remember Leo and Lottie? Working class, humble lad and privileged daughter of landed gentry. Leo loves horses. His mind is set on working with them, one day. Lottie is at first antagonistic towards him, but at the same time intrigued by this quiet lad. They share a love of all things equine. It will take them on a journey through their age of innocence to a simple act, misinterpreted, that leads to devastating consequences. The last ten minutes of this beautiful story left me stunned...

My thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for this ebook.

Really couldn't get into it. There were comparisons with Thomas Hardy, but I think Thomas Hardy would have us gripped by the characters more swiftly. The rural detail is rich and convincing, but I couldn't get a grasp of the people. Sorry!

This reminds me of what is known as 'Slow Television',. hours of beautifully crafted scenes with little or no sound.
It's a book that shows the gap between classes, but also a story of friendship within barriers. Farming life is lived, days go by with little or no fuss, no technology, just simple life.
Evocatively written, taking the reader back to a time when the world moved slowly and quietly.
Thank you NetGalley for a review copy.

This is a gentle,evocative tale of rural life in the early twentieth century. It is very descriptive but the almost silent leading character,Leo,carries the story. The social barriers and acceptance of the class you are born into are well described. For someone writing now,there is a remarkable understanding of life in an earlier decade. The beauty of this book is in its writing and descriptions. It is not a riveting,fast moving story.