Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. Summary of the book.

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Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

Cold Comfort Farm is a classic novel by Stella Gibbons, first published in 1932. It is a satire of the rural Gothic literature of the early 20th century, and tells the story of Flora Poste, a sophisticated and wealthy city girl who moves to the countryside to live on the dilapidated farm of the Starkadder family. With wit and humor, Gibbons weaves a tale of the eccentric Starkadders and the transformation of their lives under Flora’s guidance. The novel has been adapted into a film and a television series, and is considered to be one of the most popular English novels of the 20th century.

Plot Summary

When Flora Poste is orphaned at the age of 20, she decides to leave her life in London and move to the countryside. Her destination is Cold Comfort Farm, the dilapidated home of the Starkadder family. When she arrives, she finds the family to be a motley bunch of eccentric characters, including the matriarch Aunt Ada Doom, her son Seth, and the wild and unruly children of her daughter-in-law Judith. Flora quickly takes charge of the family and sets about reforming their chaotic lives. She encourages them to pursue their dreams and take responsibility for their lives, while she helps to bring order and stability to the farm. In the process, she also forms a strong bond with the Starkadders and helps them to discover the true meaning of family.

Lesson and Teachings

Family: Cold Comfort Farm emphasizes the importance of family and the bonds formed between its members. Flora helps the Starkadders to realize the importance of loving and supporting each other, and that family is more than just blood ties.

Responsibility: The novel also teaches the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and choices. Flora encourages the Starkadders to take responsibility for their lives, rather than relying on fate or luck to determine their future.

Dreams: Lastly, Cold Comfort Farm emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. Flora encourages the Starkadders to make the most of their lives, and to strive for their dreams rather than settling for a mundane existence.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel was inspired by Stella Gibbons’ own experiences living in the countryside.
  • The novel has been adapted into a film (1995) and a television series (1960).
  • The book is considered to be one of the most popular English novels of the 20th century.
  • It has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who wrote Cold Comfort Farm?

A: Cold Comfort Farm was written by Stella Gibbons, an English novelist, poet, and journalist.

Q: Where is Cold Comfort Farm set?

A: Cold Comfort Farm is set in the fictional village of Howling, located in the English countryside.

Q: What is the main theme of the book?

A: The main theme of Cold Comfort Farm is the importance of family, responsibility, and dreams.

Q: What is the genre of Cold Comfort Farm?

A: Cold Comfort Farm is a satirical novel, combining elements of rural Gothic literature, romance, and comedy.

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