Everyman's rules for scientific living by Carrie Tiffany

16+ Set in the Mallee during the 1930's, this haunting novel brings vividly alive the trials of farm life during the Depression and the lead up to World War 2. Robert Pettergree and Jean Finnegan meet on the government 'Better Farming Train' which brings city advice to farmers. They settle on a small farm, and Robert is determined to live by scientific rules and change wheat farming by using scientific methods. However natural disasters cannot be ruled by science and neither can love. The author gives an authentic voice to the characters, highlighting their humour, struggles and disappointment, making this an engrossing historical book to read.

Pat Pledger