Lincolnshire, 1910. Shunned by her own family, desperate for work a place to stay, Esther Everatt walks through the night to Sam Brumby’s farm, seeking the chance to earn her keep. Reluctantly, the old man takes her on. Able to work alongside any man, Esther soon earns Sam’s grudging respect and affection, and at last feels she has found a home she can call her own. But her peace and security are cruelly shattered when old Sam as a woman, she has no right to inherit the lease on the farm. Believing that her passion lies solely with the land and a place of her own, Esther prepares to risk everything to secure her future seeking marriage with a local farmhand. But as war arrives to dash the hopes of a generation, Esther begins to discover that it is only the truest of love that can survive the passing of the seasons …
Embark on a captivating journey through the sweeping Lincolnshire countryside in Margaret Dickinson's poignant novel, *Plough the Furrow*. This new edition of a beloved classic transports readers to 1910, immersing them in a world of hardship, resilience, and the enduring power of love amidst the changing seasons. Esther Everatt, a woman ostracized by her own family and desperate for a place to belong, seeks refuge at Sam Brumby's farm. Facing a bleak future and haunted by a past she cannot escape, she bravely walks through the darkness, hoping for a chance, any chance, to earn her keep. Old Sam, a gruff but ultimately kind man, reluctantly takes her in, unaware of the profound impact this young woman will have on his life and the future of his farm. Working tirelessly alongside the men, Esther proves her worth, her strength and determination earning her Sam's grudging respect and, eventually, deep affection. For the first time, she begins to feel a sense of belonging, a sense of home she has long yearned for. The land, the rhythmic toil, the simple life it all resonates within her soul. But her fragile peace is shattered when Sam unexpectedly dies. In a patriarchal society, Esther discovers that, as a woman, she has no legal right to inherit the lease to the farm, the very place she has come to cherish. Facing the prospect of losing everything, Esther is forced to make a difficult choice. Believing her passion lies solely in securing her future and remaining on the land, she contemplates marriage to a local farmhand, a practical arrangement rather than a love match. She is willing to sacrifice personal happiness for the security of owning her own piece of the earth. However, the winds of change are blowing across Europe. The impending shadow of World War I looms large, threatening to engulf the hopes and dreams of an entire generation. As young men leave to fight, and the realities of war impact every aspect of life, Esther begins to question her priorities. She discovers that the land, while important, is not the only thing worth fighting for. Perhaps, just perhaps, there is something more, something deeper, that has been missing from her life. Perhaps the truest kind of love is what is needed to sustain people through difficult times. Margaret Dickinson masterfully weaves a tale of hardship and hope, illuminating the lives of ordinary people caught in the currents of history. With vivid prose and richly drawn characters, *Plough the Furrow* explores themes of family, belonging, social injustice, and the transformative power of love. Dickinson's intimate knowledge of Lincolnshire and its people shines through, creating an authentic and unforgettable reading experience. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, romance, and stories that celebrate the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Prepare to be captivated by Esther's journey as she navigates the challenges of her time and discovers the true meaning of home and love. This edition provides a perfect opportunity to rediscover this heartwarming saga.
