Cold Comfort Farm

Cold Comfort Farm cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 9001
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780141441597
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2006-10-26
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Cold Comfort Farm is a classic comedy of manners that follows the adventures of Flora Poste, a bright and determined young woman who, after being orphaned, decides to take control of her own destiny. She moves in with her rural relatives, the Starkadders, at the aptly named Cold Comfort Farm, where she encounters a cast of quirky and troubled characters. Flora's mission is to bring order and happiness to their lives, using her wit and charm to navigate the complexities of family dynamics and rural life. The novel is renowned for its sharp humor and satirical take on the romantic novels of the 19th century, particularly those by Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. /n/n The story is told with a blend of irony and affection, as Flora's interventions lead to unexpected and often hilarious outcomes. The novel's unique narrative style and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic of English literature. It explores themes of tradition versus modernity, the power of storytelling, and the transformative nature of love and understanding.

Reviews
A Little Book Problem · 2020-12-30
hilarious 4.75

The book is praised for its hilarious and ruthless parody of rural melodramas. It is considered one of the best-loved comic novels of all time.

The reviewer describes Cold Comfort Farm as a hilarious and ruthless parody that expertly skewers the conventions of rural melodramas. They appreciate the novel's sharp wit and clever satire, which make it a standout in the genre of comic fiction. The reviewer also notes that the novel's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.


Quick quotes

    A hilarious and ruthless parody of rural melodramas and purple prose

    Cold Comfort Farm is one of the best-loved comic novels of all time

    The novel's sharp wit and clever satire make it a standout in the genre of comic fiction

The Idle Woman · 2020-05-18
mixed 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed the book but found it a bit self-indulgent and overly clever. The protagonist, Flora Poste, is both charming and frustrating.

The reviewer enjoyed Cold Comfort Farm but felt that it occasionally veered into self-indulgence and cleverness for its own sake. They found the protagonist, Flora Poste, to be a charming yet frustrating character, whose actions and decisions drive the narrative in unexpected ways. Despite these reservations, the reviewer acknowledges the novel's humor and wit, which make it a memorable read.


Quick quotes

    I enjoyed it but found it a little too self-indulgent and showily clever

    Our heroine is Flora Poste, who has been expensively educated and is determined to impose order on the chaotic lives of her relatives

    The novel's humor and wit make it a memorable read

The Guardian · 2013-12-17
endearing 4.50

The novel's enduring popularity is attributed to its timeless humor and humanity. It remains a beloved classic despite its initial parody intent.

The reviewer highlights the novel's unique blend of humor and humanity, which has allowed it to transcend its origins as a parody. They note that the book's characters and situations are so well-crafted that they continue to resonate with readers today. The novel's ability to make readers laugh while also touching their hearts is what makes it a timeless classic.


Quick quotes

    It's a parody that outlived the original objects of its scorn.

    Just why is Gibbons's novel so enduringly popular?

    The novel's ability to make readers laugh while also touching their hearts is what makes it a timeless classic.