Country Matters: The Pleasures and Tribulations of Moving from a Big City to an Old Country Farmhouse

Michael Korda

Quick Take

With his inimitable sense of humor and storytelling talent, New York Times bestselling author Michael Korda brings us this charming, hilarious, self-deprecating memoir of a city couple's new life in the country.At once entertaining, canny, and moving, Country Matters does for Dutchess County, New York, what Under the Tuscan Sun did for Tuscany. This witty memoir, replete with Korda's own line drawings, reads like a novel, as it chronicles the author's transformation from city slicker to full-time country gentleman, complete with tractors, horses, and a leaking roof.When he decides to take up residence in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in Dutchess County, ninety miles north of New York City, Korda discovers what country life is really like:Owning pigs, more than owning horses, even more than owning the actual house, firmly anchored the Kordas as residents in the eyes of their Pleasant Valley neighbors.You may own your land, but without concertina barbed wire, or the 82nd Airborne on patrol, it's impossible to keep people off it!It's possible to line up major household repairs over a tuna melt sandwich.And everyone in the area is fully aware that Michael "don't know shit about septics."The locals are not particularly quick to accept these outsiders, and the couple's earliest interactions with their new neighbors provide constant entertainment, particularly when the Kordas discover that hunting season is a year-round event -- right on their own land! From their closest neighbors, mostly dairy farmers, to their unforgettable caretaker Harold Roe -- whose motto regarding the local flora is "Whack it all back! " -- the residents of Pleasant Valley eventually come to realize that the Kordas are more than mere weekenders.Sure to have readers in stitches, this is a book that has universal appeal for all who have ever dreamed of owning that perfect little place to escape to up in the country, or, more boldly, have done it.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Country Matters: The Pleasures and Tribulations of Moving from a Big City to an Old Country Farmhouse

Introduction

In "Country Matters: The Pleasures and Tribulations of Moving from a Big City to an Old Country Farmhouse," Michael Korda, a renowned writer and novelist, shares his humorous and engaging memoir of the challenges and joys of leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquility of a rural farmhouse. With his inimitable storytelling talent and witty prose, Korda takes readers on a journey through the ups and downs of country life, offering a relatable and entertaining perspective for those who have ever dreamed of escaping to the countryside.

About Michael Korda

Michael Korda, the author of "Country Matters," is an English-born writer and editor who served as the editor-in-chief of Simon & Schuster in New York City. With a wealth of experience in the publishing industry, Korda brings his keen eye for detail and storytelling prowess to this memoir, offering readers a unique and engaging perspective on the life of a city slicker turned country gentleman.

Analysis of Views

Entertaining and Relatable: Readers praise Korda's ability to write engagingly about his experiences in the countryside, making it relatable for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to the country. His witty prose and humorous anecdotes keep readers entertained throughout the book.
Realistic Portrayal: Korda's portrayal of rural life is both realistic and relatable. Readers appreciate his honest depiction of the challenges, such as dealing with pigs, fixing leaking roofs, and navigating local customs. His stories provide a candid look at what it's like to live in the countryside, making it a valuable resource for those considering a move to the country.
Humorous Insights: Korda's humorous observations and self-deprecating humor add levity to the book, making it a delightful read. Readers appreciate his ability to find humor in even the most mundane aspects of country life, such as hunting season on their own land or dealing with nosy neighbors.
Universal Appeal: The book has universal appeal, attracting readers from various backgrounds and experiences. Whether you've lived in the city or the country, Korda's stories resonate with anyone who has ever sought solace in a peaceful retreat or embraced the challenges of rural living.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: Korda's ability to weave engaging stories throughout the book makes it a compelling read. His witty prose and humorous anecdotes keep readers entertained from start to finish, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a lighthearted and entertaining memoir.
Realistic Portrayal: Korda's honest portrayal of rural life provides readers with a realistic glimpse into what it's like to live in the countryside. His candid stories offer valuable insights for those considering a move to the country, making it a valuable resource for those looking for practical advice.
Humorous Insights: Korda's humorous observations add levity to the book, making it a delightful read. His ability to find humor in even the most mundane aspects of country life makes it a refreshing and enjoyable experience for readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Stereotyping: Some readers express disappointment with Korda's tendency to stereotype people, particularly his neighbors and community members. They feel that he judges others based on their perceived lack of education or ambition, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Elitist Tone: A few readers find Korda's elitist tone off-putting, particularly in his descriptions of his wealthy lifestyle and his ability to afford luxuries such as sports cars and horses. This elitist tone may be unappealing to readers who prefer more relatable characters and experiences.

Conclusion

"Country Matters: The Pleasures and Tribulations of Moving from a Big City to an Old Country Farmhouse" by Michael Korda offers readers an entertaining and relatable memoir of life in the countryside. With his witty prose and humorous anecdotes, Korda provides a realistic portrayal of rural life that resonates with readers from various backgrounds. While some readers find his stereotyping and elitist tone off-putting, overall, the book is recommended for those seeking a lighthearted and engaging look at country living. Whether you're considering a move to the countryside or simply looking for a refreshing read, "Country Matters" offers an enjoyable escape into the world of rural living.