OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "If You Leave This Farm" by Amanda Farmer.]

If You Leave This Farm: The Dream Is Destroyed by Amanda Farmer is her true story of growing up in a Mennonite family. The story takes place in Minnesota, on the family farm, and spans thirteen years of the author’s life. The preface alerts readers to the sequel, which describes the consequences of decisions detailed in this volume.

Mennonite children are taught to love and obey their parents. Amanda desired nothing more than to win the approval of her father. She tried to work as hard as her two brothers, rising early every morning to milk the cows, check on the pregnant cows, and tend to the animals that were sick. The workload was exhausting, but that didn’t stop her from dreaming about pursuing a career as a vet.

In spite of her best efforts, Amanda was incapable of eliciting any praise from her father. She frequently witnessed the abuse that her younger brother, Joseph, received from their father. The excessive workload and the resentment toward her father for frustrating her dreams of studying led Amanda to take steps that would determine her future. Will her desire to follow her dreams tear the family apart? Can she strike a balance between developing her own talents and still honoring her father?

Written from the first person point of view, Amanda detailed the facts and her feelings about daily life on the farm. The incessant responsibilities of caring for animals and crops resulted in a lack of social activities and few opportunities for interactions with other people. Amanda struggled with depression and profound feelings of loneliness. I cried with Amanda over dreams crushed by her father’s cruelty, cheered her emotional and spiritual growth, and hoped she would find the strength to move forward.

It was easy to become immersed in Amanda’s story. Her clear writing and vivid descriptions help readers form a mental image of the Mennonite community including their distinct dress style, their spotless houses, and the mouthwatering home-cooked meals. She goes on to describe how an orderly and disciplined life can mask loneliness and emotional turmoil.

The sections describing her brother’s physical and emotional mistreatment, at the hands of their father, were quite upsetting. There were also some mishaps with the animals that would be shocking for readers not familiar with farm life.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I only noticed four errors in this exceptionally well-written book of 232 pages. Readers who enjoy autobiographies or want to learn more about the Mennonite beliefs and way of life would enjoy this story. The authoritative parental figure and his method of managing the family could distress some readers.

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If You Leave This Farm
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Like kdstrack's review? Post a comment saying so!

Amanda’s story seems to be really engaging. Also, just four errors! I think the author has put in a lot of effort into the book before he sent it out to OBC for a review. It's really good to see that you enjoyed the book!

I've always been interested in the Mennonites and the difference between them and the Amish. This sounds like an interesting story; it's one I would enjoy for a lighter read, I think. Thanks so much for the review. I'll look into it further.

Samy Lax wrote: ↑29 Apr 2019, 23:15 Amanda’s story seems to be really engaging. Also, just four errors! I think the author has put in a lot of effort into the book before he sent it out to OBC for a review. It's really good to see that you enjoyed the book!

It is a pleasant experience to read a book that is so well written and edited. Thanks for commenting.

kandscreeley wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 08:42 I've always been interested in the Mennonites and the difference between them and the Amish. This sounds like an interesting story; it's one I would enjoy for a lighter read, I think. Thanks so much for the review. I'll look into it further.

I have read many Amish stories and wondered about their differences from the Mennonites. We ran into many Mennonites while living in La Paz, so that piqued my interest in this true story. I am anxious to read the sequel! Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.

This sounds like a very interesting and heartbreaking true story. I hope Amanda was able to find peace for herself and still maintain relationships with her family members. Thanks for a great review!

unamilagra wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 18:39 This sounds like a very interesting and heartbreaking true story. I hope Amanda was able to find peace for herself and still maintain relationships with her family members. Thanks for a great review!

That is the crux of her situation. Can she have peace in her heart and peace within the family?? It is a moving true story. Hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks for commenting.

I've always been interested in the Mennonite culture. Your review gives a great introduction to this book. Thanks!

angiejack456 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 21:05 I've always been interested in the Mennonite culture. Your review gives a great introduction to this book. Thanks!

This book is for you! The author shares information about the Mennonite beliefs, their work ethic, and her personal experiences. I hope you enjoy Amanda's story. Thanks for commenting!

I like your description about Amada's misfortunes. I also loved your choice of words to describe how you felt for her while reading the book. I'm not a fan of autobiographies but this reaview has made me long for this book. Thanks for this.

I like your description about Amada's misfortunes. I also loved your choice of words to describe how you felt for her while reading the book. I'm not a fan of autobiographies but this reaview has made me long for this book. Thanks for this.

juliusotieno02 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 01:22 I like your description about Amada's misfortunes. I also loved your choice of words to describe how you felt for her while reading the book. I'm not a fan of autobiographies but this reaview has made me long for this book. Thanks for this.

I hope you will enjoy it. Her story is so moving, and she shares openly things that happened in her life and motivated her decisions. Thanks for stopping by!

kdstrack wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 07:49

juliusotieno02 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 01:22 I like your description about Amada's misfortunes. I also loved your choice of words to describe how you felt for her while reading the book. I'm not a fan of autobiographies but this reaview has made me long for this book. Thanks for this.

I hope you will enjoy it. Her story is so moving, and she shares openly things that happened in her life and motivated her decisions. Thanks for stopping by!

pleasure is mine

Fantastic review! Amanda's character sounds very compelling and complex, especially with her need of approval from her abusive father, the potential character dynamics of this book seem to interest me the most

YL_Eytka wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 10:00 Fantastic review! Amanda's character sounds very compelling and complex, especially with her need of approval from her abusive father, the potential character dynamics of this book seem to interest me the most

I think you would enjoy the dynamic between Amanda and her father. The relationship between the younger brother and the father is also intriguing. Thanks for commenting!