Rooted
How regenerative farming can change the world
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:2nd Mar '23
Should be back in stock very soon

This engaging narrative explores the challenges and triumphs of modern farming, as experienced by Sarah Langford in Rooted.
In Rooted, Sarah Langford takes readers on an insightful journey through the complexities of modern farming. Transitioning from her life as a barrister to the rural landscape, she confronts the stark realities faced by contemporary farmers. Unlike the idyllic memories of her grandfather, who was celebrated for his role in feeding a nation post-war, Sarah discovers a world grappling with accusations of ecological mismanagement, extreme weather challenges, and political turmoil. Through her experiences, she highlights the struggles and resilience of a new generation of farmers committed to regenerative practices.
The narrative of Rooted is not only a personal reflection but also a broader commentary on the interconnectedness of land and community. As Sarah immerses herself in the farming lifestyle, she learns valuable lessons from those around her, revealing the human stories behind agricultural practices. The book emphasizes that farming is not just about crops and livestock; it is about relationships, mental health, and sustainability, showcasing how these elements are intertwined in the fabric of our lives.
With eloquent prose, Langford captures the essence of farming today, making Rooted a timely and essential read. The book resonates with both heartache and hope, illustrating the urgent need for a revival in farming practices that honor the land and its stewards. It is a poignant reminder of the role agriculture plays in our global ecosystem and personal well-being.
Enthralling ... An unignorable call to understand the challenges facing not only farming but the Earth itself. * Spectator *
Absorbing, compassionate [and] galvanising. * Guardian *
Langford writes so movingly of the countryside and its effect on her heart and her family. * TLS *
More than a memoir; Langford manages to contain and convey the whole scale of the coming agricultural revolution. * Daily Telegraph *
A refreshing perspective on a overwhelmingly masculine world * Financial Times *
Sarah Langford's book on farming is really a book about healing. All of life and death is here: family, politics, nature, climate, history, humanity. Rooted is a beautifully written, powerful reminder of where we've gone wrong, what is at stake, and how we can change. I loved it. * Christie Watson, bestselling author of The Language of Kindness *
Rooted offers us an honest look at the farming life today. It is not an easy way to make a living, but through Langford's personal story - and those of who she meets - we appreciate how it offers a connection with the land, and a firmer sense of our place in the world. Raw, earthy and inspiring. * Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment *
Moving, startling, uplifting, galvanising and unsettling, this plainly beautiful book is one of those rare few that changes how you see the world around you: the shape of fields seen from a train, the vegetables in a supermarket chiller cabinet, the earth beneath your feet and falling through your fingers. * Ella Risbridger, author of Midnight Chicken and The Year of Miracles *
A beautifully written, incredibly timely book addressing not just where our food comes from and why this matters so much, but also fundamental questions relating to our relationship with the land, and the definition of home. * Clover Stroud, author of My Wild and Sleepless Nights *
Heartbreaking and hopeful, this story of a farming revival has never been more important. It opened my eyes and touched my soul * Esther Freud *
ISBN: 9780241991824
Dimensions: 196mm x 130mm x 28mm
Weight: 260g
368 pages