Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: Out now
Synopsis
Life is a lucrative business, as long as you play by the rules…
Ambitious businesswoman Mae Yu runs Golden Oaks – a luxury retreat transforming the fertility industry. There, women get the very best of everything: organic meals, fitness trainers, daily massages and big money. Provided they dedicate themselves to producing the perfect baby. For someone else.
Jane is a young immigrant in search of a better future. Stuck living in a cramped dorm with her baby daughter and her shrewd aunt Ate, she sees an unmissable chance to change her life. But at what cost?
Welcome to The Farm.
Taken from Bloomsbury
Review
As soon as I saw the synopsis for The Farm many months ago, I had to get my hands on it. I was approved for it on NetGalley back in March but sadly only just got around to reading it. Given that the book has now been out for a couple of months, I’ll keep this brief.
This is one of those books where you tell people you loved it, and when they ask why, you find yourself going “Well, I… er, it was… JUST READ IT!”. It’s so mind-blowingly complex and profound that it has been quite difficult to explain why it resonated with me on such a deep level.
It’s a fascinating commentary on so many crucial aspects of life – race, gender, socioeconomics to name a few. What it’s not is a thriller. There are a few twists and turns but it’s not a narrative depending on the shock factor or some unexpected development at the end of the story.
The Farm follows two women from very different backgrounds and experiences in life. One holds a lot of power and the other does not. When they come together, the gulf between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ widens – but the question is, will they be strong enough to stand up for what is morally and ethically right?
I would urge some caution when reading The Farm: I have seen comparisons to The Handmaid’s Tale, and whereas that is a very flattering statement, it can also lead to certain expectations. Go into this book with an open mind, and give it the respect it deserves as a monumental work all of its own.
Highly recommended for book groups as there is so much to discuss and debate.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Comment below
What do you think of The Farm? Will you be reading it? Let me know in the comments below.
Roachie's Reviews 
I’m always seeing this one around but I’m still not sure! I have seen a lot of good reviews. I will add to the ‘maybe’ list.
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Just finished reading this book. On some levels, I do agree on your commentary, especially the ones involving socio-economic circumstances. I’m kind of middling on this book. The premise is brilliant though.
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