Cold Comfort Farm

by Stella Gibbons
Cold Comfort Farm cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Comedy/Humor
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9001
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780141441597
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2006-10-26
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

When the sophisticated Flora Poste is orphaned at nineteen, she decides to take control of her life by moving in with her rural relatives at Cold Comfort Farm. There, she encounters the Starkadder family, whose lives are filled with drama and misfortune. Flora, with her sharp wit and organizational skills, sets out to improve their lives, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming events. /n/n The novel is a classic comedy of manners, filled with eccentric characters and sharp social commentary. It's a delightful exploration of rural life in the 1930s, with a protagonist who is both charming and manipulative. The book is known for its witty dialogue and satirical take on traditional English novels.

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

Dear Author · 2020-08-07
heartwarming 4.00

Cold Comfort Farm is a light-hearted and humorous novel that provides a quick and enjoyable read. It's a perfect choice for those looking for a funny and heartwarming story.

After finishing a heavier book, Cold Comfort Farm was a refreshing and light-hearted choice. The novel's humor and quick pace make it an enjoyable read, perfect for those looking for a funny and heartwarming story. The characters are endearing, and the plot is engaging, making it a delightful escape from more serious literature. The novel's ability to stand the test of time is a testament to its enduring appeal. It's a book that will leave you smiling and appreciating the wit of Stella Gibbons. The novel's humor and clever storytelling make it a beloved classic that continues to entertain readers.

Quick quotes

    After I finished Little Women, a book it somehow took me five months to read, I wanted to read something a bit lighter, quicker, and funny

    Cold Comfort Farm is very funny, and a send-up of novels written about country life

    The plot has a real 1930's fairy tale-cum-panto feel to it that is such a joy to read

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.

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