All Around the Year

All Around the Year by Michael Morpurgo is a beautifully crafted diary that offers an intimate glimpse into the rhythms of life at Parsonage Farm in Devon. Through the changing seasons, Morpurgo captures the essence of rural existence, portraying a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The Plot

The narrative unfolds across the span of a year, as readers are invited to witness the daily challenges and triumphs faced by the farm's residents. Each entry reveals the intricate connections between the people and the land, highlighting the delicate balance of nature and the impact of time on both.

Themes

• Connection to Nature: Morpurgo delves into the deep relationship between humans and the environment, illustrating the beauty and hardships that come with rural life.
• Tradition and Change: The book reflects on the tension between time-honoured practices and the inevitable changes brought by modernity.
• Community and Resilience: The strength of community and the resilience of individuals shine through as they face various challenges throughout the year.

Writing Style

Morpurgo's prose is rich and evocative, conjuring vivid imagery that immerses readers in the sights and sounds of the farm. His ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet profound observations makes this work a poignant exploration of life’s cycles.

“The heart of a farm is its people and their stories.”

Fans of Morpurgo’s other works, such as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion, will find familiar themes of love, loss, and the enduring bond with the natural world. All Around the Year stands as a testament to the beauty of everyday life, inviting readers to pause and reflect on their own connections to the world around them.