Absolutely awful

Any book on animals I will pretty much read. Was glad to see someone wrote about cows, such misunderstood and abused creatures. Enjoyed reading about the unique characteristics of each individual. All animals have distinct personalities, but rarely ever seen by us human beings. However, I would have enjoyed more and believe there was a missed opportunity. I hope one day she shares more stories along with more enhanced day to day life with them. ( )

Neither surprising, nor very enjoyable to read. I was particularly annoyed by the format (like reading through someone's notes to themselves), the "dialogue" she writes for the cows (it just made the stories read really bizarrely), and the fairly fact-free speculation on science and agricultural policy. I would never deny that animal welfare is very important, and industrial farming a travesty, but finding a better way doesn't mean rejecting science overall. Her ideas about homeopathy and vaccines were not reality-based. This book was part personal observations, and part rousing essay, but didn't do either very well.

I may be biased by the fact that I've already read similar books about invertebrates, meaning that I wasn't remotely surprised by any of the intelligence or personality displayed by the farm animals. The Soul of an Octopus made me very attached to the charismatic molluscs, and Dave Goulson's books make insects come to life. I would recommend them over this.

I added back a star because it did make me laugh a couple of times. ( )

Most people probably don’t even consider where the milk comes from when they reach to get it from the fridge for their morning cuppa. When they do venture into the countryside, the may be vaguely aware of these black and white animals in the fields as they flash past in the car. It is only when they have left the climate controlled atmosphere that they realise quite how big they are. Sadly, modern factory farming sees them as machines to either pump milk from or to be dosed full of antibiotics to grow at a rapid rate for slaughter.

At Kite’s Nest Farm, Rosamund Young sees all her animals in a very different way, and her cows hold a special place in her heart. Each cow is named and rather than being forced to stay in a single field, they are allowed to roam freely around the farm so they can find the best grass or shelter as necessary. This freedom, coupled with the fact they there are not treated as commodities, means that their own personalities shine through. Her observations have shown that they are capable of forming life-long friendships, can hold grudges, play games when younger and grieve when another in the herd dies and in their own way can communicate with us mere humans.

In this gently written, quirky and charming little book, Young sets about rewriting everything that you thought that you knew about cattle. In telling the stories of her animals, there are amusing anecdotes, moments of sadness and examples that show just how highly intelligent they can be. They seek out the plants that can help them when they are ill, and many of them know when to approach the family for extra assistance. This a book that is strangely moving and shows what can be gained from treating animals with the respect that they deserve and is a compelling case against the horrors of factory farming. 3.5 Stars ( )

This was a delight to read. Rosamund Young's respect and affection for the animals in her care soon became clear - not just the cows, but the pigs, sheep and hens too! Although I didn't feel that I had learnt anything new by the time I had finished the book , this was probably because she was "preaching" to the converted! ( )