I had read How to be idle and The Idle Parent so was keen to read this latest book by Tom Hodgkinson. The book is broken down into month by month chapters, detailing what to grow, things to do and miscellaneous historical information, much of which I found superfluous but some was interesting. Being vegetarian I skipped over all the slaughter related bits but learned loads about growing produce and going back to some of the old fashioned ways of living.
A mostly gentle and enjoyable book that is worth reading.
With grateful thanks to Netgalley, Unbound and Tom Hodgkinson for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Since I am a born and bred city girl I found the book eye opening and entertaining.Living in the country raising animals gardening in one way sound idyllic and on the other hand a lot of work.I really enjoyed entering the authors world his life guide.#netgalley howtoliveinthecountry

I found it entertaining and thought provoking but I also found it a bit entitled and preaching.
I live in a city but I spent part of my life living in the country and I know what it means not having central heating and other experiences.
All is good and great if it's a choice, it's less entertaining if didn't choose it.
The book is structured as a farmer almanac plus some very erudite quote and very funny experiences.
I enjoyed it even if I don't always agree with the author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

For the most part, I applaud the sentiment of this book: Return (at least in part) to the “Brave OLD World”, a sensory experience of hard toil but huge rewards for the individual’s life. I respect and at times am in complete awe of the author’s endeavours and his drive. I also applaud his “fessing up” when one of the brilliant plans does not pan out.
I learned a lot about crops, beekeeping, planting, seasons, Roman and Greek authors, WWOOFers and the ups and downs of sustainable living.
However: Sometimes the author comes across as a teensy bit biased when it comes to “his” way of life and his rants against the “Brave New World” become a bit repetitive.
He sings the praises of woodburners and bonfires. Both are the greatest polluters with particulate matter. No wonder that bonfires are confined to certain areas/times of year and woodburners slowly being phased out.
Only the most disciplined of people will have dried their logs to a “clean” dryness - in a city environment there will rarely be enough space to store two- to three-years’ worth of logs - plus your neighbours will probably lynch you for the chainsawing/chopping noise involved.
In summary:
You need a looooot of space.
You need neighbours that are either far enough away or attuned to your lifestyle.
You need to be moderately to highly fit and fairly young.
Nonetheless, a highly entertaining ramble through the seasons.

With a combination of age old wisdom and new, more scientific information, the author takes readers on a month by month journey of living in the country off the grid. A fun and entertaining read whether you plan to homestead or stay very much in the modern world