3.5 stars. I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Farm, but the description piqued my interest. Golden Oaks is a retreat for women where they get free healthy food, massages, and a pristine view along with a hefty salary... but they have to follow strict rules while acting as surrogates for mostly-unknown clients. The book addresses the idea of women (especially minority women) as commodities, with hosts ending up at Golden Oaks due to financial strain and the desire to have more control over their lives. This doesn’t sound TOO bad until we meet Mae, the manager of the Farm, who has no qualms about lying to and manipulating the hosts in order to keep them in line so the rich clients will be happy. She brings a subtly sinister feel to the book, though if you’re waiting for a crazy thriller-type twist you’ll be disappointed. It’s more of a slow build, using different perspectives to show us what Golden Oaks is really like. The book got me thinking about what I would do in the situation of someone like Jane, who has a baby of her own and needs money to get out of a dormitory into her own place. I found myself taking my time with the portions told from Jane’s perspective, because she seemed to embody the typical host: an immigrant who has few options and is led to believe this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I was less pulled in by Reagan, Ate, and Mae’s portions and found myself speeding through them at times. Overall, though, it is a worthwhile read that had me cheering for Jane. The epilogue seemed a bit out of place (no spoilers here so I’ll be vague) but the more I thought about it, the more I figured that’s how things would likely play out in a capitalist society 🤷‍♀️

I was so excited to be able to read The Farm. The cover is great, and the story was so unique - the potential was there. Unfortunately, it didn't do it for me. I expected a dystopian novel, and it wasn't that at all.
I wanted to read more about the Farm, and the ending was just thrown together.
The book was ok, but man, it could've been great!

The ending was just slapped on.

The book would have been better if it lost the farm aspect and focused on the new immigrant struggle.

I had high hopes for this book and I wish I could rate it higher. It sounded like a really good, intriguing dystopian novel. Unfortunately, it was instead a story of several very different women, none of whom I connected with much at all. It did a good job showing just how difficult being an immigrant in the United States can be; how hard it is to get anywhere in life when you’re constantly struggling to stay above water (especially when other people are dependent on you). The conclusion was also really disappointing, which is not what you want for literary characters you’ve gotten to know over the course of a book.

There is so much that is intriguing about this book. It explores the struggles of immigrants trying to better their lives and the lives of their children and how difficult it is for them just to make ends meet. That is why, when Jane, a young, Filipina single mother, is told about Golden Oaks (aka The Farm), a private, exclusive, surrogate agency for the uber-wealthy, she is willing to be separated from her daughter for the duration of the pregnancy because she knows this is the opportunity to make more money than she would ever see in her life. Jane doesn't aspire to be wealthy, she aspires to be a good mom and provide a good life for her daughter. The story unravels through multiple perspectives, Jane's, her cousin Ate's, fellow surrogate and Farm roommate Reagan, and Mae, the overseer of The Farm.

I really enjoyed this book and found it not only entertaining, but thought provoking. Golden Oaks is essentially a boarding school for surrogates, not allowing them to leave the property, micro-managing their lives, and surveying them 24-7. They are allowed minimal contact with the outside world, all of which is supervised. Secrecy is the keyword. I can see a future where places like this exist (if they don't already?). The characters aren't always likeable but that's true of people. The one complaint I have about this book is the epilogue wraps everything up in a tidy little bow. I would have been more satisfied with an ambiguous ending where I was left questioning some people's intentions. Still, this is a book I have continued to think about, which is the mark of a good story to me.

The second I discovered what The Farm was about I immediately knew I had to read it. This alternative baby-making factory storyline (mirrored on the cover as well!) popped onto my head and I was like, "oh this could get crazy and twisty in the most delicious of ways!" I went into this expecting something, but getting something else. I think I just wanted a different book, and I think there was so much potential here, that just went unlocked.

We start off meeting several women - all with different stories, lifestyles, families and economic classes. We definitely got the spectrum of women who enter into the farm (or are already there) and they could not be more different. We also delve into the head of Mae, who runs The Farm, driven by money, ambition and class, while innocent women are lied to and secluded. But Mae's not entirely the bad guy here. There's a host of reasons why the women are there, most borderline on selfishness, but the stories are intriguing and interesting just the same.
This book is more of an exploration of personal emotions and drive, and what you'd do for yourself, or your family, or to get ahead - and how far would you go. But it is not a story about a baby making factory... okay maybe a tiny bit, but not much. Not as much as I craved it to be.

I ended up wanting MORE farm, and less of those personal stories and emotions though. I understand there needs to be a "where did they come from?" and "what are their reasons?" but The Farm could have been such a central character here, and more front and center, and I think that is the nook I wanted to read.

I did like the book. The ending was a bit too neat and blah for me, but it was still enjoyable and a pleasant read.

2.5 ‘Meh’ Stars

A bit predictable, one-dimensional, the only thing that wasn’t flat for me is the image on the cover. The ending is oddly disconnected to the rest of the book, as though there’s an entire thought process or some key information missing. That being said, I do think that this will likely be commercially successful because it seems to promise so much more.

If you’re thinking this is some sci-fi or dystopian story, it’s not. If you’re thinking of reading this with some idea that this is about women or couples or gay couples so desperate to have a baby or babies that they hire a surrogate to do the physical labor for them, that’s closer to the truth, but even there I felt the story fell flat, and felt untrue. If you’re thinking it’s about poor women, perhaps especially immigrants, who choose to carry another’s child through gestation for financial rewards, it is – but it’s more about those who prey on those weak enough, desperate enough, or whose upper-class privileged background has them wanting to give back in some way.

The Farm, called Golden Oaks, transports these women into a comfortable dorm-like setting, where they are then monitored, what they eat, where they go, who they talk to, etc. for the duration of their pregnancy. For some, this is a step up, in terms of setting, but they all seem to have issues with the level of monitoring for one reason or another.

The message of this novel seems to be summed up in one sentence:

”Because in America you only have to know how to make money. Money buys everything else.”

I kept reading thinking this would have more redeeming value at some point, and when I finished reading it I realized I was wrong. The writing is good enough, without being poignant or beautifully written. The epilogue seemed pointless and I was confused why it was even included since it seemed to detract some from the main story and added nothing to it for me.

Surrogacy is an ancient practice that has evolved since Sarai directed Abraham to go to her maid that she might bear his child through her, but this story seemed to wander in the desert for too long, leaving me thirsting for more.


Pub Date: 07 May 2019

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group – Random House

Excellent story of a Filipino immigrant who feels that her only option to make enough money to support her daughter is to become a surrogate in an exclusive facility called "The Farm" (set in Bedford, NY according to the author, but not named in the book). There she finds that she has made a deal with the devil, so to speak. Every movement is monitored, as is everything she eats or drinks, and even what she reads, listens to, and exercises. There is very little contact with the outside world. When she finds out that the old woman who is caring for her child is missing, she bolts - but realizes that her options are so limited that she must return. The tangled web of the Farm administration is deep and consequences are sharp. Deeply moving and thought-provoking.

Stick with this book. It begins a bit slow, but that's okay - it is a laying a really good groundwork for what is to come for the (well-developed) characters. This isn't just "Handmaid's Tale Lite" - it really explores the contemporary class and race issues inherent in the wealthy farming out reproduction - because of infertility or inconvenience. Non of what would normally be considered the villains are outright evil, just like in real life, there are takers who take a bit and takers who take a lot more. While the ending may not be satisfying for some readers, I found it incredibly believable. This book doesn't pull its punches and I liked it that way.

This will be ideal for book clubs composed of ladies - there is much to discuss. I am still thinking about it even a week later. Is it exploitative? Yes. Realistic? Yes. The 1% always, always win.

I'd be interested to hear what others think of the portrayal of Jane, and her ultimate fate. "Happy" immigrant or happy immigrant?

A book to get you talking.

The Farm is a business for surrogacy. The Clients get to select a Host for their baby - and know that the Host and baby will get the best care imaginable throughout pregnancy. Each woman will be on a strict diet and exercise regime, scheduled prenatal massages, music for the baby - everything to optimize the Clients’ satisfaction.

However - life as a Host may not be the ideal dream world it seems to be. They are cut off from their friends and family, observed at all times, unable to even email or have a snack without a Coordinator knowing and potentially stepping in.

We get the story from 4 perspectives - 2 hosts, the head of the facility and one family member of a Host. I didn’t really feel a connection with any of them.

Unfortunately - this was a book that felt like a lot of buildup for a really disappointing payoff. There were some issues I thought were being foreshadowed through the book and I was ready for them - but they never came. The ending was extremely abrupt - but I also was ready to be done so I was glad it didn’t continue longer.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

Ramos's debut tackles tough topics such as class, privilege, motherhood, and immigration. A true storyteller, this can't-put-it-down read will be everywhere. Highly recommended!

Jane, living in poverty with her illegitimate daughter Amelia is given the opportunity by her cousin Evelyn to become a surrogate mother at Golden Oaks (The Farm). She will be paid a wage and receive a bonus when the baby is born. She realises it would give her the opportunity to get out of the poverty in which she now exists. But the drawback is she has to leave Amelia (Mali) behind. Her cousin Evelyn promises to take care of her. Soon after she arrives at Golden Oaks she discovers that Evelyn is paid a sum to find young girls to become surrogate mothers. The rules of the house are very strict, no contact with Amelia, which she is devastated about and also she has to follow a strict routine of food and exercise etc to ensure the baby is born in the best of health.
She struggles every day to abide by the rules and it is only the money at the end that keeps her going. She wants to provide a better life for Mali.
Then she discovers Evelyn does not always look after Mali herself and Jane becomes upset. Evelyn ends up being ill and in hospital and Jane has some difficult choices to make.
The author keeps the reader interested, it is well written and believable that these types of places exist. Rich women in their forties, or women unable to have kids, or don’t want to interrupt their careers or maybe don’t want to spoil their figures, are usually the ones seeking surrogate mothers, and are willing to pay for the service..

I really liked the basis of the story and it was a good read. Poor immigrant women becoming the surrogate mothers for wealthy women. They get paid and the wealthy mothers control everything through The Farm but the ending wasn't as powerful as I wanted. Some social commentary on how upper class Caucasian surrogates are the most profitable.

The Farm by Joanne Ramos is a unique exploration of a resort for surrogate mothers of wealthy clients. Told through several perspectives, it explores how this "farm" came to be, why surrogates have chosen/been selected, and who the clients are. In particular, it focuses on the struggles and challenges of the surrogates. Drawn by a wealthy payout, these women have agreed to this role for a variety of reasons. They realize that part of this agreement does mean a loss of freedom which they each feel a certain kind of way about, and they also each react/rebel/conform differently. This was dystopia grounded in motherhood, and honestly y'all, it wasn't something that is totally out of the realm of possibility. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this upcoming May release.

Fascinating and thought provoking. The whole time I was reading this I kept thinking this is totally happening somewhere right now.
From the beginning I was both rooting for Jane while simultaneously wanting to shake some sense into her. The plot line with the aunt was a very insightful look into the dynamics of another culture.
As I started the last chapter my anticipation was high. I enjoyed the ending but was really hoping for more finality. Most books wrap it up in a tidy bow and this one left you drawing your own conclusions and really wanting more. I found myself questioning Jane’s final decisions and think I will be “carrying this one around” for a while.
Definitely a book that will become the choice for a number of book clubs. It takes a hard look at the difference between social classes and speaks to options that are becoming more relevant to today’s society.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It is reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale but less scary. At least these women are compensated for being surrogates and free to leave after they have given birth. I felt like the ending was kind of rushed. I would have liked to know more about what happened to Lisa and Reagan.

This book surprised me, in a good way. The story was intriguing and I was hooked immediately. It not only brought forward the topics of surrogacy and wealth, but it also discussed life issues that are relevant to many people. How far would you go for your family and your children? Would you leave them for months, or even years, if meant you could provide them with what you think is a better life? So many people can relate to the struggles of the main character, Jane, in this book. As a mother of a young daughter I empathized with her and wanted the best outcome for her and her daughter. I could understand many of her choices and actions. This book would make an excellent book club selection as there are so many topics for discussion and reflection.

This book was a super interesting peek into the world of high-class surrogacy. It examines themes of race, class, and gender as we learn more about the Hosts who decide to come stay at “The Farm”—how they got to where they are, and why they made the choices that they did. I mean...this book hit ALL of the sociology-major boxes for me.

I’ve seen this book be compared to The Handmaid’s Tale, and although The Farm is sort of in a similar vein, I’m not sure that’s the comparison that I’d make. It’s less dystopian fiction, and more of a contemplation of the choices that we make and why we make them. I think The Farm is definitely going to be one of those books that everyone is talking about once it releases on May 7th.

More like 3.75 stars

I don't like the comparison to The Handmaid's Tale. It has nothing in common with that. This isn't some post-something society; this is present-day. In fact, I'm pretty sure something like this already exists.

But the best part of this novel? How it's not centered around white women. How it pokes fun at the SJW 20-something white female stereotype by showing how harmful and misguided it can be. It shows sacrifice and what mothers would do for their children.

It's gonna be one of those "book club books." I can sense it. The author leaves so much open, so many questions unanswered, that it begs the reader to talk about it. There will be a waiting list at your library, be warned now.