Rural
The Lives of the Working Class Countryside
Format:Hardback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:8th Jun '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£10.99(9780008526313)
This insightful book delves into the lives of those who work in rural areas, shedding light on their challenges and connections to the land. Rural offers a poignant exploration of these themes.
In Rural, Rebecca Smith explores the deep connections between people and the land they work on, revealing the intricate tapestry of rural life. Through her vivid storytelling, she highlights the often-overlooked experiences of those who labor in nature, from foresters to farmers, and examines the impact of changing industries on their lives. The book raises important questions about the shift from traditional rural industries to tourism, prompting readers to reflect on the implications for local communities and their futures.
The narrative is enriched by personal stories that showcase the struggles and triumphs of working-class individuals in the countryside. Smith's writing is both thoughtful and moving, as she captures the essence of their daily lives, the challenges they face, and their enduring love for the land. By weaving together these diverse experiences, Rural offers a compelling portrait of a way of life that is often romanticized yet frequently misunderstood.
Ultimately, Rural is a call to recognize and appreciate the value of those who contribute to the fabric of rural communities. It encourages readers to engage with the issues affecting these areas, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and their environment. This book is a must-read for anyone who cherishes the countryside and seeks to understand the complexities of rural existence.
‘Eye-opening and persuasive… effective and affecting. Smith is trying to understand what it means to work on the land but not own it'
Sunday Times
'How we manage people’s competing claims to ownership of places is one of the great questions for the world in the 21st century. As Rural shows, the British countryside is a good example of how not to do it'
The Observer
‘A brilliant book about another side of working-class life, not a tower block in sight. Clever and honest, tackling slavery, loss and aspiration with humour and candour. I loved it’
Kit de Waal, author of My Name is Leon
‘Intelligent, multifaceted… revealing parts of society that are too often simply forgotten'
Independent
‘A thoughtful, moving, honest book that questions what it means to belong to a place when it can never belong to you … Timely and illuminating’
Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment
‘An educational and moving read that I believe no matter where you fit in society, you can enjoy … a fascinating history lesson’
Scotsman
‘Rural sets out to identify some of the huge and near-invisible changes to rural life… should be considered by anyone with an interest in the future of the British countryside'
Country Life
‘Rural tenderly reveals the precarious lives that underpin the beauty and the wealth of our countryside. Essential reading for lovers of the land and its people’
Katherine May, author of Wintering
‘A love letter to life in the countryside and a distinctive rural working-class identity. As Smith and countless others attest, rural life may be challenging, but it’s a lifestyle worth defending.’
Dazed
ISBN: 9780008526276
Dimensions: 240mm x 159mm x 30mm
Weight: 440g
256 pages