OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Of Woodbridge and Hedgely" by Thomas Smyth.]

Of Woodbridge and Hedgely by Thomas Smyth is a story that takes place during the 1820's in England. It is a story about the fight for scientific discoveries to be accepted. Mr. Winter moves back to his hometown after working as an engineer in the city. Hoping to bring his scientific discoveries to help improve the soil in the fields of his hometown, he is met with resistance from local church members. Fortunately he has a few good neighbors willing to give his ideas a try. This story is filled with discussions on early geology, agriculture, Darwinism, and religion.

Of Woodbridge and Hedgely is also a bit of a love story. Mr. Winter falls for Harriet Moore, the daughter of one of his followers. The love story is definitely a side story. The author does not spend much time with it.

It is obvious that the author has quite a bit of knowledge about early agriculture and the scientific discoveries that have helped us progress to where we are today. He knows specific elements and calculations that show he has experience in the field. He is also very well versed in Darwinism and early views on the subject.

Mr. Smith's writing style is very eloquent. I was reminded of reading books like Kane Austin and Shakespeare. The writing flowed smoothly and was almost poetic.

I would love to read something else by this author but on a different subject matter. I really enjoyed his writing style but found the subject matter severely dry and boring. It almost reminded me of reading a play. You don't experience things as they happen. The author has the characters discuss many things later. Quite a few times I was wondering what the heck just happened? The characters would speak of things that had happened but we're not included in the succession of the story. There was no sense of time elapsing. Although a year passes, it feels like only maybe a couple months. Unfortunately I felt a total disconnect with the characters. It would benefit the story if the author allowed you to get to know the characters better.

Overall I give this book 2 out of 4 STARS. Because of the dry subject matter I was unable to connect with the characters. I found the book difficult to stay interested in and consequently found myself nodding off several times. The writing was good. Subject matter was not good. In order for me to love a book the story needs to evoke some emotion. This one did not do that for me.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading accurate historical fiction. I would recommend it to people interested in the historical progress of agricultire, science, and their relationship with religion.

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Of Woodbridge and Hedgely
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Like Melissa Coffield's review? Post a comment saying so!

The premise of this book does sound old, but maybe the author introduces a few things that make it interesting. You wrote of the characters being boring and how the book evokes no emotion out of you. Maybe the author will put your feedback to good use. Overall, a good review, Melissa!

Nice review. I can see how the subject matter would be a little dry. At least, you were able to appreciate the author's writing style.

This Mr Winter sounds like a good guy with a noble cause. Melissa, can you tell me a little bit more about Hariet and her personality?

I honestly felt like I didn't get to know the characters that well but the character of Harriet is one of a lovely, soft spoken woman whom cares deeply for people. She and her sister pine after the same man and Harriet is willing to give him up to stay with her sister into old age. Her sister, on the other hand, feels exactly the same way. Harriet is also very humble.

I would definitely consider reading this author again on a different subject. The author is very intelligent and obviously knows how to write. More practice will produce greatness

-- 26 Sep 2015, 21:16 --

And yes, Mr. Winter is a good man with a noble cause. It was not his intent to cause such controversy.

@Melissa

It's always the case when someone tries to do something everyone else are afraid to. Big ups to Mr. Winters!