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Cinnamon: A dairy cow’s (and her farmer’s) path to freedom
Whoever heard of a talking cow? Meet Cinnamon, who in
a dairy cow’s (and her farmer’s) path to freedom,
tells us about the joys and sorrows of her life. She has difficulty warming up to the farmer who “owns” her. Cinnamon reflects that “everybody knows that humans eat cows,” but overcomes her trust issues to pursue a friendship with Jody the farmer. Cinnamon trusts that it will somehow help her to become friends with the farmer and she is right. Cinnamon gets to know the farmer by spying on her through the kitchen window.
Cinnamon's special cow friend Spice has a health emergency, which jolts the farmer into awareness. She is nursing Spice back to health only so that she can be sent to slaughter, with the other dairy cows, in a few years. As Spice recovers, she and Cinnamon have lively conversations in the What is money – and what does it have to do with them?
Cinnamon, the cow, and Jodi, the farmer, become friends and by loving Cinnamon, Jodi (nicknamed Sunflower by Cinnamon) discovers she can no longer eat animal products. Meanwhile, she finds that by eliminating animal products from her diet, she is able to heal her own health issues. As her previous unhappiness disappears, Jodi concocts a plan to turn her small farm into an animal sanctuary where Cinnamon, her special cow friend Spice, and the others can live out their natural lives in peace and harmony.
a dairy cow’s (and her farmer’s) path to freedom is Janet Mason’s third novel from Adelaide Books. Her novels THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders and The Unicorn, The Mystery were published by Adelaide Books in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Her book Tea Leaves, a memoir of mothers and daughters (Bella Books; 2012) was chosen by the American Library Association for its 2013 Over the Rainbow List. Her novel Loving Artemis, an endearing tale of revolution, love, and marriage was published by Thorned Heart Press in 2022. She is a lay minister for the Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy in Philadelphia and her talk which includes an excerpt from Cinnamon and was given on International Pig Day can be found at Pig Day Revisited — #GoVeganForLent or just #GoVegan #amreading Janet Mason, author (wordpress.com)
Cinnamon's special cow friend Spice has a health emergency, which jolts the farmer into awareness. She is nursing Spice back to health only so that she can be sent to slaughter, with the other dairy cows, in a few years. As Spice recovers, she and Cinnamon have lively conversations in the What is money – and what does it have to do with them?
Cinnamon, the cow, and Jodi, the farmer, become friends and by loving Cinnamon, Jodi (nicknamed Sunflower by Cinnamon) discovers she can no longer eat animal products. Meanwhile, she finds that by eliminating animal products from her diet, she is able to heal her own health issues. As her previous unhappiness disappears, Jodi concocts a plan to turn her small farm into an animal sanctuary where Cinnamon, her special cow friend Spice, and the others can live out their natural lives in peace and harmony.
a dairy cow’s (and her farmer’s) path to freedom is Janet Mason’s third novel from Adelaide Books. Her novels THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders and The Unicorn, The Mystery were published by Adelaide Books in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Her book Tea Leaves, a memoir of mothers and daughters (Bella Books; 2012) was chosen by the American Library Association for its 2013 Over the Rainbow List. Her novel Loving Artemis, an endearing tale of revolution, love, and marriage was published by Thorned Heart Press in 2022. She is a lay minister for the Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy in Philadelphia and her talk which includes an excerpt from Cinnamon and was given on International Pig Day can be found at Pig Day Revisited — #GoVeganForLent or just #GoVegan #amreading Janet Mason, author (wordpress.com)
282 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2024
2 people want to read
About the author
Janet Mason
22 books132 followersJanet Mason (born 1959) is an American writer and poet. Her poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and essays have appeared in literary journals including the Brooklyn Review and the Exquisite Corpse.
Her work includes the poetry collections When I Was Straight (Insight to Riot Press, 1995),
A Fucking Brief History of Fucking (Insight to Riot Press, 1992), and A Woman Alone (Cycladic Press, 2001), and the nonfiction work Tea Leaves: A Memoir of Mothers and Daughters (Bella Books, 2012). Her novel Loving Artemis, an endearing tale of revolution, love and marriage was published in August of 2022 by Thorned Heart Press.
Her novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders was published by Adelaide Books in 2018 and
The Unicorn, The Mystery was published by Adelaide Books in 2020.
She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Her work includes the poetry collections When I Was Straight (Insight to Riot Press, 1995),
A Fucking Brief History of Fucking (Insight to Riot Press, 1992), and A Woman Alone (Cycladic Press, 2001), and the nonfiction work Tea Leaves: A Memoir of Mothers and Daughters (Bella Books, 2012). Her novel Loving Artemis, an endearing tale of revolution, love and marriage was published in August of 2022 by Thorned Heart Press.
Her novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders was published by Adelaide Books in 2018 and
The Unicorn, The Mystery was published by Adelaide Books in 2020.
She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 8, 2024
Mason’s compelling latest novel lays bare the quiet yet relentless struggle for freedom within the heart of a dairy farm, where survival and empathy collide in the bond between a cow and her conflicted farmer. Wary of her fate, Cinnamon, a talking cow, hesitantly befriends Jody, the farmer who “owns” her, hoping this bond might bring freedom. When Cinnamon’s friend, Spice, falls gravely ill, Jody’s caregiving instincts surface. Yet, as she helps Spice recover, she’s forced to confront the inevitable—soon, these beloved cows will face slaughter. Cinnamon’s influence leads Jody to abandon animal products and rethink her purpose. Freed from old habits, Jody conceives a plan to transform her farm into an animal sanctuary, a place of peace for Cinnamon, Spice, and their herd to live safely.
The affecting narrative alternates between Cinnamon’s and Jodi’s perspectives, offering a rare and intimate view into two interwoven lives caught in the paradox of nurture and exploitation. Cinnamon’s voice—a blend of humor, innocence, and insight—brings a unique depth to the narrative. Her sharp observations reveal the often-hidden suffering within modern farming, shedding light on the cycles of forced pregnancy, calf separation, and relentless milking. Through Cinnamon’s growing awareness, Mason subtly confronts readers with the emotional cost borne by animals and prompts them to question deeply ingrained views on animal welfare.
At its core, this is a story about freedom—both physical and emotional. While Cinnamon seeks release from her physical confinement, Jodi begins to recognize the emotional toll of her livelihood. Mason captures Jodi’s transformation with skill, portraying her struggle to balance financial survival with her evolving empathy for her animals. This shift in perspective reflects the complexity of modern farming, where the economic realities of production clash with a growing awareness of animal worth and environmental responsibility.
The farm itself—a landscape of pastoral beauty and hard realities—serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting Mason’s nuanced critique of agricultural practices. The setting captures both the allure and toll of farming, allowing readers to explore ethical questions without feeling guided toward a particular stance.
Mason’s restraint in moralizing encourages reflection on the ethical responsibility humans hold toward animals and the land they manage. The novel also weaves environmental themes into Jodi’s journey. As Jodi awakens to the ecological impact of intensive farming, readers are prompted to consider the hidden costs of dairy production, from water depletion to soil degradation. This dawning awareness provides a poignant counterpoint to her connection with Cinnamon, emphasizing the complex, intertwined relationships among humans, animals, and the environment. Ultimately, Cinnamon becomes more than a story about a cow’s quest for dignity: It is a profound meditation on empathy, autonomy, and humanity’s responsibility to the natural world. With its blend of humor, gravity, and hope, the book makes for a resonant, unforgettable read.
The affecting narrative alternates between Cinnamon’s and Jodi’s perspectives, offering a rare and intimate view into two interwoven lives caught in the paradox of nurture and exploitation. Cinnamon’s voice—a blend of humor, innocence, and insight—brings a unique depth to the narrative. Her sharp observations reveal the often-hidden suffering within modern farming, shedding light on the cycles of forced pregnancy, calf separation, and relentless milking. Through Cinnamon’s growing awareness, Mason subtly confronts readers with the emotional cost borne by animals and prompts them to question deeply ingrained views on animal welfare.
At its core, this is a story about freedom—both physical and emotional. While Cinnamon seeks release from her physical confinement, Jodi begins to recognize the emotional toll of her livelihood. Mason captures Jodi’s transformation with skill, portraying her struggle to balance financial survival with her evolving empathy for her animals. This shift in perspective reflects the complexity of modern farming, where the economic realities of production clash with a growing awareness of animal worth and environmental responsibility.
The farm itself—a landscape of pastoral beauty and hard realities—serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting Mason’s nuanced critique of agricultural practices. The setting captures both the allure and toll of farming, allowing readers to explore ethical questions without feeling guided toward a particular stance.
Mason’s restraint in moralizing encourages reflection on the ethical responsibility humans hold toward animals and the land they manage. The novel also weaves environmental themes into Jodi’s journey. As Jodi awakens to the ecological impact of intensive farming, readers are prompted to consider the hidden costs of dairy production, from water depletion to soil degradation. This dawning awareness provides a poignant counterpoint to her connection with Cinnamon, emphasizing the complex, intertwined relationships among humans, animals, and the environment. Ultimately, Cinnamon becomes more than a story about a cow’s quest for dignity: It is a profound meditation on empathy, autonomy, and humanity’s responsibility to the natural world. With its blend of humor, gravity, and hope, the book makes for a resonant, unforgettable read.
November 20, 2024
Janet Mason’s novel Cinnamon: A Dairy Cow’s (and Her Farmer’s) Path to Freedom offers an imaginative and layered exploration of life on a farm through the eyes of Cinnamon, a sharp-witted and observant dairy cow. The book captures the daily rhythms of pastoral life, blending humor and poignant reflections on the relationship between animals and humans. This story explores the concept of freedom and what it means for both the animals and the humans who care for them, all through a narrative that is tender and unflinchingly honest.
One thing I found most striking is the novel’s whimsical yet grounded narrative style. Mason writes Cinnamon with a voice that is alternately playful and tragic, and the cow's dry sense of humor adds levity to what could otherwise be a dark tale. I laughed when Cinnamon, spying on her farmer through a window, compares her captor to circus cowboys or when she judges the farmhands for not doing their chores properly, leaving dung everywhere. At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the injustices she observes, like the heart-wrenching scene where a young cow mourns the separation from her calf. The dialogue between the older and younger cows is raw and haunting, illustrating the cycle of exploitation and hopelessness on the farm.
The novel also excels in its rich emotional complexity. I found the relationship between Cinnamon and her farmer particularly compelling. There’s a part where Cinnamon describes feeling betrayed as her farmer wears a leather purse but then later experiences a strange comfort when the farmer pets her soft fur. These contradictions make the characters feel real. I appreciated how the farmer is also portrayed with nuance. In a telling scene, the farmer has a moment of guilt as she leads Cinnamon back to the pasture, recognizing her complicity in the system yet feeling too bound by tradition and necessity to act differently. The internal struggle of both cow and human creates a compelling tapestry of emotions.
While I enjoyed the story, at times I felt the pacing was uneven. The chapters dedicated to Cinnamon's musings on the existential questions of bovine life are thought-provoking but occasionally meander. These parts felt slower compared to the lively scenes of farm life, like when a group of young cows daringly escape, only to be herded back. Nevertheless, the slower moments did serve to emphasize the book’s philosophical undertones.
Cinnamon is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with animal lovers, vegetarians, and anyone interested in narratives that explore the human-animal bond. It made me smile, wince, and, at times, reflect deeply on our place in the world. Mason’s writing is accessible yet deep, making the book suitable for both casual readers and those who like stories that leave a lasting impact.
One thing I found most striking is the novel’s whimsical yet grounded narrative style. Mason writes Cinnamon with a voice that is alternately playful and tragic, and the cow's dry sense of humor adds levity to what could otherwise be a dark tale. I laughed when Cinnamon, spying on her farmer through a window, compares her captor to circus cowboys or when she judges the farmhands for not doing their chores properly, leaving dung everywhere. At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the injustices she observes, like the heart-wrenching scene where a young cow mourns the separation from her calf. The dialogue between the older and younger cows is raw and haunting, illustrating the cycle of exploitation and hopelessness on the farm.
The novel also excels in its rich emotional complexity. I found the relationship between Cinnamon and her farmer particularly compelling. There’s a part where Cinnamon describes feeling betrayed as her farmer wears a leather purse but then later experiences a strange comfort when the farmer pets her soft fur. These contradictions make the characters feel real. I appreciated how the farmer is also portrayed with nuance. In a telling scene, the farmer has a moment of guilt as she leads Cinnamon back to the pasture, recognizing her complicity in the system yet feeling too bound by tradition and necessity to act differently. The internal struggle of both cow and human creates a compelling tapestry of emotions.
While I enjoyed the story, at times I felt the pacing was uneven. The chapters dedicated to Cinnamon's musings on the existential questions of bovine life are thought-provoking but occasionally meander. These parts felt slower compared to the lively scenes of farm life, like when a group of young cows daringly escape, only to be herded back. Nevertheless, the slower moments did serve to emphasize the book’s philosophical undertones.
Cinnamon is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with animal lovers, vegetarians, and anyone interested in narratives that explore the human-animal bond. It made me smile, wince, and, at times, reflect deeply on our place in the world. Mason’s writing is accessible yet deep, making the book suitable for both casual readers and those who like stories that leave a lasting impact.
November 8, 2024
Mason invites readers on a heartfelt journey that transcends species boundaries, exploring the profound connections between animals and humans in her latest novel. Initially wary of her farmer-owner, Cinnamon, a talking cow, overcomes her doubts to form a bond with the farmer, Jodi, who is struggling with the ethics of consuming animals. As Jodi grows closer to Cinnamon, she begins to question her own diet and lifestyle, ultimately planning to turn the farm into an animal sanctuary. Will she succeed?
Mason’s evocative prose brings depth to Cinnamon’s reflections, portraying animals as emotionally complex beings with desires that transcend species. The first-person narrative offers an intimate view of Cinnamon’s world, drawing readers into her journey toward freedom. Cinnamon’s journey encourages readers to see farm animals in a new light, depicting them as creatures with intricate emotional lives who deserve empathy and respect.
This theme resonates powerfully in today’s society, where conversations surrounding animal welfare and ethical farming practices are gaining momentum. Additionally, Mason weaves in commentary on gender roles within the agricultural community, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Mason's ability to blend emotional depth with social commentary makes this book a compelling read for those seeking to understand the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of empathy in our daily lives. A powerful tale of connection and compassion that challenges our perspectives on freedom, friendship, and the lives of farm animals.
Mason’s evocative prose brings depth to Cinnamon’s reflections, portraying animals as emotionally complex beings with desires that transcend species. The first-person narrative offers an intimate view of Cinnamon’s world, drawing readers into her journey toward freedom. Cinnamon’s journey encourages readers to see farm animals in a new light, depicting them as creatures with intricate emotional lives who deserve empathy and respect.
This theme resonates powerfully in today’s society, where conversations surrounding animal welfare and ethical farming practices are gaining momentum. Additionally, Mason weaves in commentary on gender roles within the agricultural community, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Mason's ability to blend emotional depth with social commentary makes this book a compelling read for those seeking to understand the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of empathy in our daily lives. A powerful tale of connection and compassion that challenges our perspectives on freedom, friendship, and the lives of farm animals.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews