The Republic Of Dirt

Woefield #2

by Susan Juby

Prudence Burns is an overly idealistic Brooklyn girl who has inherited a derelict plot of land named Woefield Farm. Her motley crew of farm hands consists of Earl, an elderly, reclusive bluegrass legend; Seth, an agoraphobic heavy-metal blogger in early recovery from alcoholism; and Sara, an 11-year-old girl with a flock of elite show poultry.

When Prudence is felled by a thyroid condition, things on the farm begin to fall apart, resulting in valiant and sometimes ill-advised attempts to restore domestic bliss. Efforts are complicated by a renegade mule, attempts to turn a hideously ugly child’s playhouse into a high-yield roadside farm stand, and an electrical station’s worth of crossed wires. Will Prudence get well? Will Seth finally get rid of his pesky virginity? Will Earl rescue Sara? And will anyone, ever, admit they might be wrong?

Told in four highly distinct, unforgettably hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking voices, The Republic of Dirt is about what happens when passions collide with pride and what it takes to save each other, our small part of the planet, and ourselves.

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Humor, Contemporary, Book Club, Animals, Family

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2015

About the author

(from her website)

I was raised in Smithers, BC, Canada and lived there until I moved to Toronto at age 20. I had a brief and unsuccessful career as a fashion design student and, after I worked at a series of low paying jobs, such as server, record store employee, etc., I began a degree in English Literature at University of Toronto, which I finished at the University of British Columbia. After graduating I became an editor at a self-help/how-to book publishing company based in Vancouver. Later, I did a master’s degree in publishing.

When I was a kid I wrote fiction but gave it up for a life of crime. Okay, that’s not true, but I did get seriously sidetracked. That time in my life is the subject of my memoir, "Nice Recovery". When I was twenty, until I got myself together and when I was about 26 I started writing, in the morning before work, first on the bus, then in a coffee shop. This writing became my first novel, "Alice, I Think", which was published by Thistledown Press in 2000.

When I first started writing my intention was to write a book about a teenager who doesn't fit in, but doesn't allow that fact to crush her. The Alice MacLeod series is my homage to oddballs. I wanted to create a character who has the courage and integrity to find her own way and define herself independently of other people. I've always admired people who can do that.

After finishing three books about Alice and her family, I decided that my goal is to write every kind of book I love to read. I’ve always loved horse books. I was a lunatic for horses when I was younger. I owned several horses over the years (for a time when I was quite young I was convinced I was a horse, but let's keep that between us) and I became obsessed with an equestrian sport called dressage. I quit riding when I left home to go to college, but part of me always thought I could have been a "contender". (In retrospect, I'm not sure why I would have thought that.) Anyway, I got a nice pay day when Alice, I Think was made into a TV series, and the first thing I did was rush out a buy a horse and start working on a book about two young dressage riders. The story was initially about two girls, but soon I fell in love with a secondary character, a boy named Alex, and the book became mainly about him. That one is called "Another Kind of Cowboy".

I’m also a maniac for detective novels, which led to "Getting the Girl", a comedy about an inept detective and a high school conspiracy he is determined to stop. Book number six is my memoir. I developed a bit of a substance abuse problem when I was thirteen and I ended up getting clean and sober when I was twenty. Nice Recovery is about that time. The book includes information for people with addiction problems and interviews with amazing young people in recovery. My love for satire and the End Is Nigh novels led me to write "Bright’s Light", which is that rarest of things: a funny dystopian novel about young dunderheads in the last fun place on earth and the alien who wants to save them.

"Home to Woefield", as it’s known in the U.S. and "The Woefield Poultry Collective" as it’s known in Canada, is a comedy about a young woman from Brooklyn who inherits a derelict farm on Vancouver Island. It’s the first of my novels published specifically for adults, though I’d say at least half the readers of my other books have been adults. I hope all my readers will like it. (It does contain quite a bit of swearing. Just be forewarned!) I’ve always wanted to be self-sustaining and able to grow my own food. All I lack is land and skill. The sequel, "Republic of Dirt", is scheduled to be published January 2015 by HarperCollins.

My next teen novel is called "The Truth Commission". It will be published March 2015 by Penguin Canada and Viking U.S. The story is about a group of teens who attend an art high school who start a truth-telling club with consequences both dire and funny.

In addition to my writing, I teach creative writ

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More shenanigans on Woefield Farm, continuing the stories of Prudence, Seth, Earl, and Sara (and her chickens) with a few more characters. Set in the farmland of Vancouver Island, BC, and I read it when I was there!

(More info on the characters can be found in my review of the first book of this series.)

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm no author, but I'm beginning to understand that when you write an excellent first book, it's pretty much impossible to follow it up with a second in the series that's fills the hole left by the first.

The Woefield Poultry Collective was so, so, so, so funny! I adored this book. So I picked up the follow up, and it just didn't (couldn't?) do it for me quite the same way. Republic of Dirt is light and fun, but it ain't no Poultry Collective, and that's just that.

The Rosie Project and its follow-up was exactly the same. So, it's not a knock against Susan Juby, who I think is a very funny and competent writer -- it's more a knock against the attempt at second-in-the-series, I guess.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Sure, I ought to tell you what this is about if you are reading this in one of my groups, since it's unlikely you have ever heard of this award winning (for humour) sequel (or even the first one), but first let me tell you that I have rounded this up even though two of the four POVs curse a fair bit, and as some of you know, that irks me in writing. It is not just funny, but pithy in ways as well, and there are some serious issues being dealt with, too, plus a mule you have to "see" in order to appreciate, even though it's NOT the centre of the story.

This follows right on the heels of Home to Woefield, which is also good, but not as good (but it sure helps to read them in order). Prudence, Ms Energy herself, has a mysterious illness which has her muddled and exhausted. Seth is itching to lose his virginity now that he has past his agoraphobia and doing well in his 12 step AA program, but he's also very concerned about both Prudence and Sara. Sara's separated, dysfunctional and in-the-midst-of-divorcing parents take her back from the farm due to a mishap and misunderstanding, and she is not only separated from her beloved show chickens, she is not getting the care she needs, despite her leadership training with the poultry organization. Earl doesn't have any special problems of his own, but certainly has plenty of problems trying to cope with all of these drastic changes, not to mention this seemingly obstreperous mule Prudence has been tricked into trying out in order to buy.

There are still plenty of off-the-wall plans being hatched by Prudence, but more and more they make sense. I had a great time reading this book, and hope that people will actually stop by here and read this review, because they pretty much ignored Home to Woefield, and have NO idea just how witty Susan Juby can be. Pity.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people are born into really great families.
Some people are not.
Susan Juby's novel "Republic of Dirt" explores what it is like to be torn between the family we have and the family we want.
And chickens. The book is also about chickens.
Because I read this book directly after reading "The Woefield Poultry Collective" it feels like I read one large 700 page novel, much like I imagine Tolkien intended Lord of the Rings to be read. I highly suggest buying both novels at the same time, as I so cleverly did. You will want to spend as much time with these characters as possible.
I would like to refer you to my review for "The Woefield Poultry Collective", as I feel much the same way about the sequel as I did the first novel in the series.
This book twanged the old heart strings. As someone who works with kids, and is an avid animal lover, many of the moments in this book had me going "oh gawd-damn" in a "I'm going to cry" kind of way. Then it had me laughing ridiculously loud five seconds later.
I don't like to include spoilers, so that's all I'm going to say other than READ IT!

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simultaneously funny and heartbreaking, Susan Juby brings us back to Woefield Farm, shortly after the bluegrass concert. Prudence has new plans for the farm, which Seth, Earl, and Eustace have concerns:

Prudence adopts a mule, who has a tendency to bite and kick, and refuses to let anyone near him, which makes Prudence’s plan to use the mule to plough, which Lucky the mule has no interest in.

Also, Prudence’s health takes a downturn, and she’s diagnosed with a thyroid condition. Instead of taking conventional drugs to manage the condition, she chooses to solicit the help of a naturopath, whose treatments do nothing to eliminate Prudence’s exhaustion and fuzzy brain. She spends most days sleeping, and letting Earl and Seth manage things at the farm, which goes about as well as expected.

Then, something pretty bad happens, and Sarah’s parents and a social worker declare Sarah can no longer be at the farm, which takes her away from her beloved chickens, and subjecting her to the indifferent care and neglect of her parents.

Prudence, Earl and Seth are devastated, and want to change the minds of these people so Sarah can continue to hang out at the farm, which she loves to do.

And Seth gets involved again with his former drama teacher, imperilling the progress he’s made with his mental health and alcoholism.

So, lots going on, all delivered in the distinctive four voices of Prudence, Seth, Earl and Sarah. The novel has loads of charm, thanks to these four people who care for one another, but don’t listen all that well to one another. Susan Juby again deals with serious topics, but the humour throughout the book leavens what would otherwise be a sad and worrisome situation for Sarah.

Despite the three adults sometimes working at cross purposes, they’re united in wanting the best for Sarah, and I loved how crusty Earl and slacker Seth really exert themselves to find a way to make sure Sarah is safe and fed, while trying to carry Prudence’s load of work as well. The results aren’t always great, or expected, but this small found family, and their various animal inhabitants on the farm has totally won my heart. The only thing I want from the author with respect to this series is more stories about Woefield Farm.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, light read, with a great use of voices. It's the sequel to the Woefield Poultry Collective. I enjoyed this book, especially the characters and the farming information. :)

[Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, charming, uplifting and life-affirming. I read it in one long, happy gulp.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn't often that I pounce on a new book as soon as it is released, but I couldn't wait to read the sequel to Susan Juby's first novel, The Woefield Poultry Collective. This second book Republic of Dirt follows the paths of the main characters -- Prudence from New York, who inherits an old farm on Vancouver Island and decides to make it profitable; and a collection of island nutters who help/hinder her along the way.

This book is equally as charming and quirky as the first novel. I really admire the author's ability to create characters with such distinctive personalities and points of view. And folks, I don't think I will be issuing a spoiler alert if I tell you that this is a book that not only makes you laugh but also makes you feel good about the world -- my favourite type of book.

[Buried In Print]

Following Amazon's purchase of GoodReads, I no longer post my reviews here.

If you would like to read my thoughts on this book, you can view them in the following places:
BuriedInPrint
LeafMarks
BookLikes
LibraryThing

Posting these links does not constitute permission to duplicate these thoughts anywhere, including corporate-owned sites.

If you read/liked/clicked through to see this review here on GR, many thanks.

[MB (What she read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooh, a sequel to Woefield Farm!!! I hope this is available in the US soon.

Later: Yes, it was great. I was able to track it down to read with title: "Home to Woefield"

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the authorial ploy too self-conscious.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 5

Not having read the first in the series, it took a moment to acclimate to the people that comprise this story: a bit of a trick as there are four points of view telling the story: Prudence, Seth, Earl and Sara. Beginning with Prudence – she is the center around which the story begins: the person who brought the group together at the farm she inherited on Vancouver Island. Fast becoming the ‘foodie” destination with farm to table opportunities at their zenith – Prudence not only wants to make Woefield Poultry Collective a growing concern, but she hopes to make the world, and the people she encounters, discover a bit of goodness and kindness in all things. A bit mired in her own good intentions – she’s wonderfully earnest and good-intentioned, and not easily daunted. Fortunately she also inherited someone with knowledge of the farm and farming in Earl.

Earl’s no-nonsense approach to the world, and his seeming endless patience with the oft-frenetic (if good natured) energy of Prudence is adorable. He’s the ‘salt of the earth” in a very Canadian sense of it (meet a Newfie and you’ll understand) where the humor is quietly lurking despite an often gruff exterior. But Prudence is not ‘herself’ and is far less energetic and capable than she has been – leaving the management to Earl and his assistant, Seth. For his part, at 21, Seth is working his 12 step programme, listening to heavy metal, full of interesting (and often hilarious observations) while contemplating his next move into the dating world and the questions and anxiety that arises. Lastly, there is pre-teen Sara – she is obsessed (with a capital O) with chickens – and aside from that rather odd quirk and parents who have zero idea how to relate to her, she is also a voice of reason and keen observation – her parents alternate between helicopter style and borderline neglect – leaving Sara to manage her own life, mostly: or scheming her way back to Woefield and her beloved chickens.

What emerges between the laughter and imagery here – and some moments with Bertie the sheep and Lucky the mule with his own ‘way’ of accomplishing exactly what HE thinks is needed: is heart. Heart and acceptance, loyalty, friendship and belonging all underpinned with a determination to make a mark and a difference on one another, the farm and the world. Each character finds a moment to shine and contribute to the growth and understanding of the others: each moment of growth is evident, that makes the progression and growth of the group as a whole appear in a way that is natural and organic.

Narration for this story is a collective performed by C.S.E. Cooney,‎ Rudy Sanda,‎ Tom Perkins,‎ and Amy Melissa Bentley. Each narrator managed to embody the person presenting their version of the story as it progressed, with clarity and appropriate pauses, emoting and precise timing. While most of the characters are unaware of their ‘humor’ as they speak, there were subtle pauses that allowed the listener a moment to absorb and process that humor, or to reflect on the emotions brought forward. A completely unique and wholly Canadian-feeling sort of story that combined narration, emotion and intention with equal aplomb and leaves listeners smiling.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Recorded Books for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful, charming, funny book about an odd bunch of characters (an utterly optimistic back to the lander woman from NYC, a grumpy but heart of gold senior man, a 21 year old sober metal lover, and a nerdy 11-year-old kid who wants to be a farmer)--a kind of found family--living together on a farm on Vancouver Island. A read that is at once wholesome and also tackling some serious issues, like parental neglect. I loved the characters! Juby did an amazing job carving out their unique voices. I got this as a Christmas present from my dad and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it! I'm definitely going to go back and read the first one (although this second one is totally readable without having read the first installment).

[Melinda Worfolk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot, but not quite as much as the first Woefield book. However, just like with the first one, I definitely laughed out loud more than once while reading it.

There were a lot of sad/serious parts--I wanted to wring Sara's parents by the neck. They are horrible, both of them, and I was pissed at them for being such terrible parents.

But Sara! She is just so endearing. She and Seth are my favourite characters in this book, and frankly Sara is so charming I'd read an entire book from her point of view.

[Alison DeLory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a slow start for me (perhaps it grips those who read it's prequel sooner) but once I got to know the characters I enjoyed the goings on at Woefield farm. It's strength is humour (no surprise as winner of the Leacock award) and although I didn't laugh out loud, I was amused throughout. The comedic scenes aren't slapstick but entirely imaginable. The rotating first-person point of view was exceptionally well executed.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this quirky humorous story. Loved the chapters given to each character in their unique voice. Found this book on Storheart's shelves, thank you SH. This story made me smile. I only wonder why kindle has only this 2nd volume available and not the first one, didn't matter I enjoyed it anyway but would love to read more about these quirky people.

[MB (What she read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how sequels are rarely as good as the first book? Well, this is an exception to the rule. A true joy to read and it was a pleasure to catch up with old (and new) Woefield characters!

[Paul Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Susan's latest book. Republic of Dirt follows on from The Woefield Poultry Collective, with equal style, charm and humour. Best of all the same engaging characters come to life again on the page. Susan's 4 voices remain distinct. This time, as the pages were flying by, I didn't look at the chapter heading to see who was speaking. I knew the characters so well. Sara remains my favourite of the 4 great protagonists. Wholly real to her age, likeable and endearing. I found myself paying particular attention to the transition between voices. Subtle and clever -- the last sentence of one leading to the next in a surprising way.

Republic had a deeper, serious thread winding through it but it retains the laugh-out-loud humour Susan is known for. I'm especially partial to throw-away humour like this:
"We got to decorate this bastard," said Earl, getting to the point.
"He doesn't mean me," I said. "He's referring to the shack."

I'm so glad the Woefield gang is with us once again.

[Jacqueline Langille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from Canadian author Susan Juby. I am such a fan! A heartwarming, humorous, and compelling novel about found family. I recommend reading the first Woefield Farm novel (which is also excellent!) prior to this one, but it's not completely necessary. I enjoyed this novel very much. Highly recommended.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy, charming novel on the Woefield farmers and their misadventures.

[weaverannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In het Nederlands heet dit boek Terugkeer naar het Kippencollectief. Omdat ik het eerste deel, Het Kippencollectief zo mooi vond, nam ik dit natuurlijk onmiddellijk mee uit de bibliotheek, waar het op een tafeltje lag.
Het was een genoegen om opnieuw de belevenissen van Prudence, Earl, Seth en vooral Sara te lezen. Prudence met haar onhandige ideeën, die ze met zoveel enthousiasme uitvoert. Laat uitvoeren in dit boek, want Prudence wordt ziek en heeft hulp nodig. Dat is nieuw en moeilijk voor haar. Vooral hulp van haar vriend, dierenarts Eustace, kan ze maar moeilijk accepteren. Seth, de jonge, wat dwarsige ex-alcoholist, met zijn verlangen om nu eindelijk eens aan de vrouw te raken. Ook dat gaat met de nodige strubbelingen gepaard. De knorrige, maar zo lieve Earl, die niet als muzikant wil worden gezien, maar het wel is. En tenslotte Sara: heen en weer getrokken door haar ouders, die vresdelijk lijken, het wat ouderschap betreft ook zijn, maar die plotseling onverwachte kwaliteiten blijken te hebben. De maatschappelijk werker komt er niet best van af.
Geestig, snel lezend en zeer herkenbare, goed getekende personages.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book, but I did not particularly enjoy reading it. So, since the stars scale is about how much I liked the book, I can only give it two stars.

Why did I not enjoy it? Because I like to immerse myself in a book, and I simply cannot do that when it bounces back and forth between different first person narrators every couple of pages. If that doesn't bother you, you'll likely enjoy the book. For me, every switch is like starting over and I never get the chance to sink into the book. (I find the problem much worse with first person narration than with third person narration.)

The narrators themselves are perfectly interesting characters, and I would have enjoyed getting to know any and all of them better in a different format. The plot is well-constructed, and the pacing is good.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

--”finale” because it reads like a production rather than a novel. I'm guessing Ms. Juby is eager to get a tv or film deal.
--Republic of “dirt” a misnomer as we're told several times how little dirt there actually is on the farm. Kind of how book is: short on depth. The four-speaker format was interesting but interfered with real development. Sense of bouncing around 4 unfinished conversations.
--not a fan of “hickster” works: irritating, silly. Beverly Hillbillies.Obtuse.
--didn't laugh once. But I did get a tear when Sara allowed to return to farm.
--I found Prudence tedious, Sara annoyingly precocious and naive at the same time, Seth foul yet sensitive, and Earl the only one with limited but common sense. All cutouts. The rest were just caricatures.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a zany, hilarious sequel to "The Woefield Poultry Collective" -- I had to laugh out loud many times, not to mention the occasional tear. The group who are putting their lives and the farm into some kind of order are back for an autumn and winter of madness, leading up to a community Christmas celebration. Large in everyone's mind is how to get permission for young Sara to return after things go terribly wrong; and an uncooperative mule joins the animal life at Woefield Farm. I hope there are further books to come in this wonderful series.

[Kristina Pasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. I read the first book in the series a long time ago, but the author re-introduces the basic structure of the story and characters without awkwardness. With that, I could easily fall in love with each of the characters, and hope and despair on their behalves. Each has a distinct voice, especially eleven-year old Sara, who's at the center of this story. Together, they tell a story full of humor and heartache. The book asks the question of "what makes a family?" and answers it in a really frank, funny, feel-good way.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had heard not so great things about this and so had put off reading it for so long that I had (almost) forgotten what happened in the first book. Bit it was easy enough to catch on. Everyone at Woefield is still super quirky - to the point of being a little annoying at times, but I forgave them as they are all so earnest and trying so hard that I enjoyed spending time with these characters.

[Sheila Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute follow up to the Woefield Poultry Collective. Susan Juby makes wonderful characters come alive in her books. This colourful cast kept me chuckling and occasionally guffawing. I felt the plot was a bit of a stretch, but the characters made up for that big time. I love them. I hope to see them again in a future episode.

[Kat872 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, funny beginning and a heart warming end. The middle felt a little long, and drawn out at times. However, I gave it 4 stars because I loved most of the characters (although I wanted to slap a few of them).

[Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favourites. I'm a sucker for people of different backgrounds getting together out of necessity, but staying together out of love. This book made me laugh so much (!!). I just loved it!

[Jenn Estepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to love these characters and the wonderfully oddball world they share. Although I will admit to being SUPER frustrated with Prudence for much of this one. Juby is always a joy and has such a deft hand in balancing the humor and the pathos.