Third Leaf Books
Reviews and critiques (wot kind folks 'ave said)
'Scenes from a Smallholding'
Great fun to read...Money may be short, but Griffin's freedom, his love of
the country and the happiness of his family shine off the page'
'It is lovely'
This is a gem of a book .... well written and genuinely funny... a very funny and heartwarming book
'I love this book!'
'... very very well written, and very funny...
You have a gem of a piece in 'Scenes' and a fantastic, God given talent to make people laugh out loud with your humility and perfectly articulated thought processes. You touch so many raw nerves with your readers too; the book should carry a health warning
'...hilarious and traumatic experiences...'
'Witty, passionate, and inspiring. An immensely readable and hugely entertaining book.'
..incredibly witty.... filled with a passion...
Hugely amusing and compelling... Should be made compulsory reading for a) anyone who is thinking of 'escaping' to a life of self-sufficiency, and b) anyone who likes to laugh out loud. We loved it.
A minor classic.. informative, provocative, and frequently hilarious. Griffin is a natural writer, whose easy wit combines with an obvious passion for his subject to provide an unrivalled insight into a tough but satisfying way of life.
Scenes from a Smallholding'... is far superior to the usual 'we moved to the country' type books. ... huge amounts of commonsense and 'how to do it' type information. Its 248 pages sum up what it means to be a smallholder - the laughter and the pain and the sheer utter persistence!
On one level, Scenes from a Smallholding can be looked at as an excellent and amusing read - a Bill Bryson 'down on the farm'. Yet, for anyone contemplating growing organic vegetables commercially as part of a self-sufficient lifestyle change, I would say make sure that you read this book first!
I must confess that often when I review books it is on the basis of a quickish scan rather than devouring them from cover to cover. Not so with Chas's book. I couldn't put it down. It has become essential bedtime reading, ensuring that I go to sleep with a smile on my face.
If you buy no other book this year, get this one.
...it is, by turns, hilarious, touching, and challenging; it is also highly informative. 'Scenes from a Smallholding' has now been promoted to bedtime reading... largely because that ensures that it stays a safe distance from my desk. I go to sleep laughing. The funniest book I've read all year.
.. apart from the poignant moments, there are a lot of laughs in this book,
so beware of strange looks if you find yourself reading in the company of
strangers.
I've no doubt that 'Scenes' will prove just as much a hit with would-be Good
Lifers, who are contemplating a switch to rural 'bliss', as with those living
cosily in suburbia, who buy Country Life magazine every month and make a point
of asking loudly in restaurants if the veg is organic, but would never dream
of getting their Hunter wellies dirty.
'Scenes from a Smallholding' is sure to find its way into Christmas
stockings this year.
'The Book' is great Chas....Having already read it several times I still often dip into it and it don't arf make me larf....people don't know what they are missing.......
..a fascinating account of learning a new life out in the sticks... the tears but also the laughs
'...hilarious..'
In all the years I have been reading, and out of all the thousands of books I have read, 'Scenes from a Smallholding' by Chas Griffin is up there with Waugh's Decline and Fall as being the only two books ever to have made me laugh out loud! Brilliantly funny and entertaining, but informative too, from someone who has actually done what he is writing about. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Keep them coming! I can't wait for your next book. I haven't laughed out loud whilst reading a book for ages. You really have a great sense of humour.
Laughter aside though, I also learnt a lot from your down to earth (sorry) advice. You didn't dress up the whole thing in some sort of fluffy, romantic way or pretend that everything went smoothly from beginning to end and I appreciated that. Thank you.
What an excellent book-sure to become a classic of its genre- it will inevitably become better known!
Ive read a few books over the last couple of decades concerning the smallholding vibe but this is without doubt the most refreshing and vital bit of writing about the experience that I have come across in a long time. "Warts and All" might sum up the account of life on the familys ten acre holding in rural Wales but that would not encompass the sensitivity of the superb writing style and the excellent humour throughout- its a very funny book indeed, filled with poignant and hilarious moments.
Its also amazingly full of good sense for anyone thinking of going down that road. Basically unputdownable from the start- I would say buy it for someone you love (like someone did with me!) they won't be disappointed.
... your book.. was fantastically good Sir! I have just finished it today and it was like saying goodbye to an old friend. I will have to read it again.
You should have seen mum and me last week. Both nose deep in your book, sitting in the front room, whilst the kids were at school, having a lazy 'Chas Griffin book reading session'. BLISS! We were wetting ourselves with laughter. (bring on the Tena Ladies) We kept reading bits out ~ we both had a copy each, you'll be glad to know ~ and we crying with laughter as we read.
It was a brilliant read. I enjoyed it so much. If it had been as long as War and Peace I would still be sitting here reading it now. PITY. War and Peace? No chance mate.
..read it and giggled my way through it ..laughed until I was breathless ..and blue in the face about the dog!;-)
''It was a damn good read. And if a yokel like me can understand it, anyone can.'
'..It is such a good read - more people need to know about it. You are a hidden gem!'
'Thanks again for a wonderful and entertaining read.'
'Scenes from a Smallholding' is the funniest book I've ever read, and I read a lot. In fact, it is an addiction...'
Let me begin by saying how much I enjoyed your book. At points I literally howled with laughter.
What's the current rate for four copies? Again, I found your book delightful and look forward to passing it on!
(I SO liked how each chapter went into one thing, and thoroughly and well -- I think it's what makes the book such a universal read for those who don't have your experience, and what immerses the reader in your experience. )
'I loved this book. I loved the slightly chaotic and informal style of story telling, and I almost cried with laughter when I read the tale of the knee-capping ram!'.
...I banned it from bedtime reading as his chortling was disturbing, but he read it at lunchtime at work and really enjoyed it - also said he learnt quite a bit...
Anyway, its on my reading list now.
I just finished reading your book last night. Bravo- both delightful
and helpful. When will your second book be published (written)?
I really enjoyed it. It takes a lot to get me to laugh loudly, especially when absolutely knackered trying to deal with the idiocies of the ******** with whom I am supposed to be working.
Your book was a superb read.... Thankyou for your writing.. it is hugely enjoyable.
Enjoyed the book very much.. it is life-affirming..
Enjoying the book very much half way through, brilliant bedtime reading..
..your lovely book..
Really entertaining. ...when are you bringing out a sequel!!
We love the book. Thanks for writing it and getting it out there.
And we're right with you on the philosophy bit at the end!
Your book was a good laugh - very like Bill Bryson
I laughed till I cried
..what words could complement Scenes from a Smallholding enough ? I thoroughly enjoyed the
"in your face" humour, the subtle humour and the anecdotes.
Thanks again for a terrific book..
It’s too short – I finished it in a few hours and want more !!
...your words of wisdom and sense of humour..
..thoroughly enjoyed your book - when is the sequel coming out?
I really enjoyed 'Scenes'. It takes a lot to get me to laugh loudly...
I thought it was a great book. Obviously not an american writing it.
Scenes from a Smallholding' is a wonderful little book which I've enjoyed immensely. Thanks
First let me say how much I enjoyed your book and eagerly await volume 2...
It looks to be a fantastic read, and exactly what myself and my partner need to read before venturing off on that path towards a smallholding. In fact, my partner had his nose in the book for the whole rest of the evening after I gave it to him, with no sound except for the occasional giggle and an 'Oh you have to listen to this....'
Thanks again and I look forward to reading it (when I can get my hands on it!)
I have finished 'Scenes' and am sorry that I have because I was enjoying it so much. There are not many books which can make you laugh and cry at the same thing in the same page and on almost every page. Your description of your tussle with the 'Cow' when she split your lip! for example, and the chickens observing the 'man-up'. You have such a succinct, quirky way of putting things, a lovely mix of life and humour. As in one of my favourite's MASH.
Many thanks for forwarding me the copy of your delightful book 'Scenes from a Smallholding' which I am thoroughly enjoying...'
I've just finished it and have to tell you how much I loved it, or how I can't tell you how much I loved it. ... killing myself laughing I wiped the odd tear away as well.
There was just so much in your book that I loved - thought provoking and
all put together in a way that made it read like a novel. You have a real
gift, and I can only
hope that this book will be so successful as to prompt a sequel. Every worthy
person I know will be receiving a copy of it for their birthdays.
Anyway, good luck with it - it's what the world needs.
With thanks and best wishes, Louise
.....just to say thankyou! Wow! Great, funny, brill....etc. etc. I have read a few books and this one of yours is particularly well written from all kinds of angles...
I cried when I read about the calf being born. It's also very funny...
(and later…)
We're very much enjoying 'Scenes'. We read a chapter aloud before bed. We'd like to order three more copies for our friends...
Just finished reading your book and wanted to say well done and thanks for making me laugh. Is there another installment in the pipeline?
..and having now read it myself I am moved to write and let you know how
much we have both enjoyed it.
..Thanks for your book, and keep up the fine work
Most Impressed with your book. Really good read. Funny and had plenty of useful hints in.
"Scenes from a Small-holding" is a rare book. It is a beautifully written and totally absorbing read, on a theme that many have tried and many have failed. "Scenes" is anything but that. As un-put-downable as the best travel writing. And it is a journey. A hard, colourful, amusing and learning journey.
I enjoyed your book immensely - as did all those we sent it to as a Christmas pressie....
p.s. any sight of a second book on the horizon?
It's one of the few books I have ever read which makes me laugh out loud - not a book to read on a train if laughing in public places embarrasses you! Perhaps you ought to publish a government health warning with it!
I was delighted to receive a copy of your fantastic book. I would like to purchase two further copies to surprise some friends..
I really did enjoy the book. It made me laugh and chuckle out loud all the way through. It also provided a glimpse of what it must be like to do what you did (are doing).
(and later)
Please find enclosed two books with thanks from myself and Abbey for your lovely book. Please also find enclosed a cheque for yet another (sixth) copy of your delicious book..
...Thanks for the book. I know I'll be enjoying a good laugh from beginning to end, and don't we need one in this catastrophic world..? I hope the book is a terrific success. Maybe a second volume will emerge..? I'll certainly be recommending your book in between chuckles. Please send copies to my friends in Pau and Sydney.
I've finished the saga which i really enjoyed. i laughed like a drain at the bee-keeping chapter and in lots of other places too. when i got to the end of your masterpiece i was disappointed it had finished and was dying to know what came next.
Want to place an order for the book. Have managed to find 6 folk on the Christmas list who will be thrilled to receive such a good read !!
.....The Book has been a great success with the recipients - so thanks again for helping out with the Christmas shopping. 'Nother one for next year ??
I actually laughed out loud in several places, and was sorry to only have
the five chapters. Please order me a proper copy or three when it's all
done and dusted. (Jean)
I also laughed out loud. A very good read. (Bernard)
Finally finished your book - I really enjoyed it and found people giving me funny looks on the train for chuckling out loud!
…really enjoyed it. Smashing stuff.
I nearly choked on my toothbrush just looking at the back cover. I've now reached page 40 reading on the bus, over sandwiches etc and think it's brilliant! …
…finished this lunchtime! Still brilliant! No exaggeration, it deserves to become a classic, cherished by thousands, if not more, over the decades, if not longer. You strike exactly the right balance between the narrative and the technical detail, and the wonderful touches of humour and quirky points of view which will keep even the most urban and unorganic reading on. I loved every page of it. Now get out there and sell it - you've got a great product. Just make sure everybody knows it!
I thought the structure worked well -- organically you might say, with one topic and incident growing naturally out of and into another. I also enjoyed the reflective, philosophical side of the book, which again worked well. In part it's a polemic against modern agriculture, but the more effective for being reasonable and restrained and because of the richness of the alternative you describe, with the animals and even the plants sharing your life and being almost as individual as the humans. There were also some very moving moments.
Both Ruth and I thought it very funny. As we visited you lots of times we know some of the background. Ruth says to remind you about Daisy's bra. What about Caity and her duck and the daft sheep who dragged a gate about with him? What about the caravans and the STORM that removed the door?
I think my chunk of the book is a great read: I was a half-hour late for lunch if that's a guide. It informed me on stuff I had always wondered about:60K garlic plants - can't conceive! Will read it again.
Jan thinks it's great too; put us down for a copy.
Many thanks for that spot of light relief! Was getting very carried away; shame you couldn't have sent the entire book!!! Seriously though, not knowing what to expect I thoroughly enjoyed what I read and believe me I've read a whole range of books!
I seldom read whole books any more but I intend to read all of this one!
What you are addressing is so basic and important to all humans everywhere.
I laughed all the way through the acknowledgements and the back cover,
so I already have my money's worth.
I made it thoughtfully through the economic,
philosophical, and nutritional questions to page 77 last night and couldn't
turn the page. In fact, I made about five or six attempts to breath and see
at the same time so that I could read that last sentence about you with your
head in the meter box.
I only stopped reading now because I was laughing so hard at the sheep story that I was crying and couldn't see. I'm laughing out loud at all of it, and it's really a pity that I don't have anybody here to say "And how about the courgette wall-hanging packaging?" Scream with laughter. This is the funniest stuff I've read in years. I love it! It's really too good to read silently.
The tears last night were for the sheep, sad ones. I also appreciated the reflections on life and living and beauty. I went on to my giggles and guffaws at the goose story.
Many thanks, books received today. Both of us have started reading bits of it over again, and are loving it just as much as before. Its great to have a new copy again - I don't know what my sister is going to think when she receives our rather second hand version.
Please send me another copy of 'Scenes from a Smallholding'.... it is amazing, informative, funny, thought and anger provoking, heartbreaking, etc, etc, etc... terrific.
'...found myself giggling a lot.’
That book is GREAT. I went to bed last night feeling pretty low and wanted something easy and funny to read and have started it; isn't it a hoot? I love it, thanks so much.
"Scenes" kindled a desire to be free: to feel the sun and rain (and muck and mud) every day. To do work we decide to do; to have room in our heads to think about the real stuff... But mostly, to laugh - a lot! "Scenes" is very very funny and the cartoons are a delight. We are far away from the 5 acre farm in Wales but after reading Scenes, it has kind of become a part of us . . .
...and I very much liked how you showed us the inside of your house through the eyes of folks who may have lived there centuries before. That was very nice.
...a brilliant read with great
humour (I laughed out loud many times) and it really stirred longings
of getting back to nature and living naturally.
The story is very down to earth and almost magical...
I look forward to hearing if the sequel of 'Scenes from a Smallholding'
is in the making!
I've finished the book: excellent. Anyone remotely interested in horti/agriculture will be rivetted, educated, and doubled up by this! Talk about "trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows etc"! I never realised there was so much to it!
Congrats on a super book. I await the next instalment...
We were recently given your excellent book by friends from England...
...thanks for giving us such pleasure and amusement through your writing
Great read!
It convinced us we were not alone and not mad! It's good to have a book that
the whole family can read - full of practicle advice and humour. I would
reccommed it to anyone escaping urban life for rural.
Excellent book - well done - writing another??
What words could complement your book enough ? I thoroughly enjoyed the
writing style, the "in your face" humour, the subtle humour and the
anecdotes. It is reassuring to know that someone with no real experience
can, through hard work and dedication, make a go of such a venture.
Thanks again for a terrific book
This book is heaps of fun as well as being deceptively informative!
Through a series of often hilarious and sometimes moving anecdotes we learn,
in an enjoyable and effortless way, about the practicalities of smallholding.
“Scenes” deserves to become a classic of its kind.
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