The Light Through the Trees: Reflections on Land and Farming

by Luanne Armstrong

The Light Through the Trees is a remarkable and deeply wise reflection on land, farming, a sense of place, connecting with nature and what it means to live on this earth. As a third-generation farmer, the author’s roots go deep into the land but her work also captures her thoughts on such current issues as the environment, environmental identity and animal ethics. Her writing is poetic, lyrical and engaging. Part farmer, part poet, part activist, Armstrong engages her readers through her fascination and close involvement with both the natural and the human worlds.

Genres: Nonfiction

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Riley M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book weaves autobiography with observations of nature and farming and a philosophy of, and defense of, the concept of place. Of being connected to a place and choosing it, despite it sometimes being easier not to. It wanders all over the place, back and forth in time, sharing a very personal story and how her story is linked to the place that she calls home. It tells some harsh truths and doesn't romanticise the difficulty of living on the land, and the complex thoughts and emotions involved in finding your relationship to the land, yet it made me want to find my place and take care of it.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luanne Armstrong takes us through a year and a lifetime on a farm in the narrow valley that embraces Kootenay Lake in southeastern British Columbia. Luanne may have some shortcomings when it comes to farming, but not as a writer. This little gem of a book captures the essence of one life in the Kootenays and is destined to become a regional classic.