3.5/5
In Rural, Rebecca Smith takes an interesting look at the land uses of rural Britain and the people who have historically (and presently) maintained the landscapes we love so much. It is informative without feeling too fact heavy. Smith takes a conversational style, discussing the sites as she visits them, giving tidbits about her life at the time of researching as she goes along. This style of writing is not to my taste, but it did help the reading process go quickly.
Smith clearly illustrates a lot of the issues that rural communities are facing in the modern day, and makes a strong argument for community ownership. Her perspective is shaped by her own childhood and the lives of her ancestors who have worked the land for generations. The history of the British countryside is brutal at times, and Smith handles the tragedies she brings up with care and compassion. It was nice to read a book about class in Britain from an different angle - and it reminded me just how much I love my home in the countryside.