What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics
When Maisie Peterson leaves university in 1977 without a job to go to, she decides to help her mother save her large and impractical country property in the wilds of rural Dorset by trying her hand at self-sufficiency. Ma is just a tad eccentric, though, and Maisie has no clue about farming. Her efforts are thwarted at quite a few turns by a flock of willful sheep, a dotty aunt, a charming but ineffective boyfriend and a swarthy, but highly desirably agricultural auctioneer. Emily, the ewe, runs rings round her while Ma drifts in and out of the scene in an ancient wedding dress, causing havoc in Maisie's attempts to sort out her personal as well as her agricultural problems.
289 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2013
21 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 7, 2020
How uplifting to read a book with such an amazing ‘feel good’ factor in a story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end!
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the characters in this book, Maisie in particular. The prospect of turning a rundown small-holding into a successful working farm seems formidable, yet she tackles this with relish and a determination that knows no bounds, despite all the obstacles; and there are obstacles aplenty!
Having scant knowledge of what’s involved in rearing livestock, I could relate to Maisie’s naivety and marvel at the way she dealt with the nightmare situations that arose. And, boy, are they funny! Even more so, given the antics of her eccentric mother with whom she shares a warm relationship.
The animals are a delight, from Emily, the first of her Jacobs sheep (and star of the show) to Wellington the ram. Add the gaggle of geese, the hens, ponies and Claudius - her mother’s loopy great Dane – and the picture is complete; enough amusing material to satisfy any animal lover.
I liked all the characters in this story, including Alan the auctioneer. I couldn’t help but feel a tad sympathetic towards him, the speculation about how things develop with Maisie an interesting aspect of the plot.
This is the first of Val Poore’s books that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last. She has a wonderful way of bringing scenes to life in such a way that I actually felt as if I were standing with Maisie in the moonlight at the end of a hectic day. There is a real sense of time and place, her descriptions of the Dorset countryside, the markets, the locals and the farm itself, evocative and very interesting.
Her writing flows with ease, the subtle sense of humour shining between the lines. I cannot recommend this book highly enough – one of the most enjoyable I have read this year. Hats off to you, Ms Poore!
October 16, 2020
Ever fancied escaping to the country and trying your hand at self-sufficiency? Maisie did, and with hilarious results. This is a first-rate, feel-good, beautifully written novel well deserving five stars.
Young Maisie, fresh out of Uni, returns home to save her somewhat eccentric Ma (why shouldn't she wear her old wedding dress around the farm?) and her delightful but slightly dotty Aunt Mags, from slow decay in their crumbling farmhouse. Maisie has big dreams of turning the rambling buildings into a productive smallholding and she's not one to be put off by lack of knowledge. As she says herself she's "feet first into everything and clumsy to boot..." but what she lacks in know-how is made up for by her enthusiasm and she doesn't intend to let anything get in her way.
Add into the mix a boyfriend who is a bit of a wimp (though bless him he does finally redeem himself), a disturbingly handsome auctioneer, a particularly wilful and canny ewe, a gaggle of geese with attitude and a Wwoofer volunteer who is accident prone and you have all the ingredients of a laugh-out loud rattling good story.
As a novice shepherd myself I completely related to Maisie's comic experiences with her sheep. It was a true reflection of my own trials and tribulations. I have tagged, dagged, wormed, dipped, sheared and spun with hilarious results, and if I didn't know better I would think this delightful book was not a novel but a memoir in disguise!
I loved this book and I felt real sadness when I reached the last page. All the characters were a delight, so real, and I miss them.
Young Maisie, fresh out of Uni, returns home to save her somewhat eccentric Ma (why shouldn't she wear her old wedding dress around the farm?) and her delightful but slightly dotty Aunt Mags, from slow decay in their crumbling farmhouse. Maisie has big dreams of turning the rambling buildings into a productive smallholding and she's not one to be put off by lack of knowledge. As she says herself she's "feet first into everything and clumsy to boot..." but what she lacks in know-how is made up for by her enthusiasm and she doesn't intend to let anything get in her way.
Add into the mix a boyfriend who is a bit of a wimp (though bless him he does finally redeem himself), a disturbingly handsome auctioneer, a particularly wilful and canny ewe, a gaggle of geese with attitude and a Wwoofer volunteer who is accident prone and you have all the ingredients of a laugh-out loud rattling good story.
As a novice shepherd myself I completely related to Maisie's comic experiences with her sheep. It was a true reflection of my own trials and tribulations. I have tagged, dagged, wormed, dipped, sheared and spun with hilarious results, and if I didn't know better I would think this delightful book was not a novel but a memoir in disguise!
I loved this book and I felt real sadness when I reached the last page. All the characters were a delight, so real, and I miss them.
August 16, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I can't recall the last time I laughed so much while reading a book.
Masie, along with her partner, her eccentric mum, an aunt and a nervous accident prone hippy , struggle to maintain a smallholding in Dorset.
They amass a collection of eclectic animals and birds with some very strange idiosyncrasies. As I grew up on a farm, this brought back many memories for me.
Well written and entertaining from beginning to end.
I can't recall the last time I laughed so much while reading a book.
Masie, along with her partner, her eccentric mum, an aunt and a nervous accident prone hippy , struggle to maintain a smallholding in Dorset.
They amass a collection of eclectic animals and birds with some very strange idiosyncrasies. As I grew up on a farm, this brought back many memories for me.
Well written and entertaining from beginning to end.
September 19, 2020
What a delightful book this is! I read it over a couple of dreary winter days and it was a real tonic. I can guarantee it will make you smile and even laugh out loud in places. Set in rural Dorset in the 1970’s it features a wonderful cast of characters, not the least of which is Emily the Jacob Sheep. Her antics are hilarious as she is definitely a ewe of character. From the very first page I was totally hooked – who does that to a car? Fresh from university and with no real idea of a future career Maisie undertakes the task of turning her mother’s neglected smallholding into a paying concern. Of course with no experience and with rather romantic ideas about farming things are never going to be straightforward. Valerie Poore has such a talent for description you can visualise every scene. What a super storyteller. I could see this as a TV series or play. I loved it.
November 6, 2020
An endearing and enchanting book – I loved this.
I am a big fan of Val Poore’s writing, so I was delighted to find this fictional tale in her collection. I know the west country very well, and I could fit the characters in this book straight into the small village that I used to live in there. They would not have been at all out of place! This is one of Val’s strengths as a writer, she creates a fictional series of people that you can imagine are real. She then wraps around them a hilarious series of events, drops in some challenges and adventures, and voilà! you have the perfect book to while away a few hours reading. I do hope that the author writes more in this genre. Highly recommended.
I am a big fan of Val Poore’s writing, so I was delighted to find this fictional tale in her collection. I know the west country very well, and I could fit the characters in this book straight into the small village that I used to live in there. They would not have been at all out of place! This is one of Val’s strengths as a writer, she creates a fictional series of people that you can imagine are real. She then wraps around them a hilarious series of events, drops in some challenges and adventures, and voilà! you have the perfect book to while away a few hours reading. I do hope that the author writes more in this genre. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable read
I was gifted this book by the author Valerie Poore
What a wonderful story about a young lady who, after finishing university, has no idea what she would like to do with her life. Arriving home in the month of May of 1977 not knowing in which direction she wanted her life to lead Maisie settled back in to life at home. Home was where her rather eccentric Mother and Aunt lived and she was gently reminded of her love of animals and how she had always wanted to keep animals.
Deciding that if she were to stay there she would rather have her own independence Maisie made plans to move out of the house so she went about setting up home in the flat above the stable block. As she had just recently started to see a young man they could at least be afforded some privacy and there would be no sneaking around.
Once established she went about turning the vast grounds into useable areas to house horses, sheep and any other such animals that may take her fancy. Having very little knowledge on what it would entail in creating her farm and rearing livestock she and her friend Jeanie set about making the grounds suitable. With vast amounts of fencing posts and barbed wire they made an enclosure for sheep.
The two friends attended auction day at the local livestock market which was where they met the rather dashing young livestock auctioneer who was to become a thorn in Maisie´s side in more ways than one. With the help of an elderly gentleman they came away with Emily the sheep, Emily was of the Jacob breed. With a rather wilful mind of her own Emily was about to cause much laughter and despair, there followed lots of antics and laugh out loud moments.
Val makes all the characters both the human and the animals she farmed come to life, I had very vivid pictures in my minds eye and I could even smell the farm. This was a very uplifting book and one I can highly recommend reading.
Thank you Valerie.
I was gifted this book by the author Valerie Poore
What a wonderful story about a young lady who, after finishing university, has no idea what she would like to do with her life. Arriving home in the month of May of 1977 not knowing in which direction she wanted her life to lead Maisie settled back in to life at home. Home was where her rather eccentric Mother and Aunt lived and she was gently reminded of her love of animals and how she had always wanted to keep animals.
Deciding that if she were to stay there she would rather have her own independence Maisie made plans to move out of the house so she went about setting up home in the flat above the stable block. As she had just recently started to see a young man they could at least be afforded some privacy and there would be no sneaking around.
Once established she went about turning the vast grounds into useable areas to house horses, sheep and any other such animals that may take her fancy. Having very little knowledge on what it would entail in creating her farm and rearing livestock she and her friend Jeanie set about making the grounds suitable. With vast amounts of fencing posts and barbed wire they made an enclosure for sheep.
The two friends attended auction day at the local livestock market which was where they met the rather dashing young livestock auctioneer who was to become a thorn in Maisie´s side in more ways than one. With the help of an elderly gentleman they came away with Emily the sheep, Emily was of the Jacob breed. With a rather wilful mind of her own Emily was about to cause much laughter and despair, there followed lots of antics and laugh out loud moments.
Val makes all the characters both the human and the animals she farmed come to life, I had very vivid pictures in my minds eye and I could even smell the farm. This was a very uplifting book and one I can highly recommend reading.
Thank you Valerie.
December 31, 2019
I was so envious of Maisie when I read this wonderful story. Moving back home after university she had the chance, and challenge, to start up a smallholding and as a huge fan of The Good Life I can’t imagine any better way of life.
How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics is filled with terrific characters, such as Ma, Mags, Ralph, Alan and of course, Alistair, but not all of them are in human form. Take Emily the sheep as just one example.
Although Maisie’s boyfriend, Simon, moves in with her his input is rather half-hearted to begin with, mainly because he knows even less than she does about the venture she has undertaken and I originally thought he was a bit of a sponge but he eventually redeemed himself, many times over.
Fortunately, Maisie has a friend in the form of country girl, Jeannie, who sets her on the right track and soon her ambitions start to be realised, until trouble comes knocking. Has Maisie built up enough of a business to save the day? And will she manage to survive by seeking help from an unexpected source? You’ll just have to read it to find out. Beautifully written this was a wonderful tale of escapism for me and I highly recommend it.
How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics is filled with terrific characters, such as Ma, Mags, Ralph, Alan and of course, Alistair, but not all of them are in human form. Take Emily the sheep as just one example.
Although Maisie’s boyfriend, Simon, moves in with her his input is rather half-hearted to begin with, mainly because he knows even less than she does about the venture she has undertaken and I originally thought he was a bit of a sponge but he eventually redeemed himself, many times over.
Fortunately, Maisie has a friend in the form of country girl, Jeannie, who sets her on the right track and soon her ambitions start to be realised, until trouble comes knocking. Has Maisie built up enough of a business to save the day? And will she manage to survive by seeking help from an unexpected source? You’ll just have to read it to find out. Beautifully written this was a wonderful tale of escapism for me and I highly recommend it.
March 15, 2017
Step back into the 1970s and follow along with Maisie as she dives into country living and begins a small farming enterprise on a large, undeveloped property in the lush rural landscape of Dorset. An eccentric mom, a boyfriend who loves photography and a clueless WWOOF inductee are in the mix of rich characters along with her small menagerie of sheep, geese and chickens. Can she tame the land and manage to make a living with the help of a few savvy friends?? Although the story is not set in suburbia by any means, it made me think of the classic British TV series from the 70s, The Good Life (a/k/a Good Neighbors). It is well written and a fun read.
November 10, 2013
This is a Feelgood, funny, a heartwarming easy read.
The humour is English, understated and sometimes fairly subtle, and that is why it works so well. It reminded me a lot of the James Herriot ‘vet’ books, because benevolent and delightful absurdity is Valerie Poore’s speciality, both in animals and people, and the surprising situations are not overdone. Crucially, the crazy happenings have the ring of truth, because most of the individual incidents (though the plot itself is fiction) actually did happen to her in real life. It also reminded me a bit of the 1970s sitcom ‘The Good Life’.
Heroine Maisie launches into a farming career with only her friend Jeannie to help and guide her, and Maisie’s innocence and inexperience lead her into uncharted waters, even into the promise of illicit romance. She has a mad but charming mother, who often wanders around the muddy fields in her wedding dress, a head-in-the-clouds boyfriend, who’s more interested in his own photographic career than helping her, a handsome enigmatic admirer, and a more-than-eccentric aunt. Most important of all are the wonderful animals, whose personalities assume epic proportions. Emily, the wily ewe, who’s a born leader, and has a knack of escaping and leading her peers astray; wonderful Wellington, the sweet natured young ram, who occasionally rams people in the bum with his horns, before apologising afterwards; not to mention Miss Gee, the devilish goose who leads her wing-flapping cronies to terrorise visitors and friends alike.
If you like animals, you’ll love this book, likewise if you like people who’ve got more charm than common sense you’ll love it too. It’s funny because it doesn’t set out to make you roar with laughter, it lulls you into a ‘laughing mode’ where the laughs are quieter, longer and much more satisfying.
Most of all it’s an easy read that leaves you smiling. You’re let into charming, clever and resourceful Maisie’s world of faltering romance, sheer hard work, and her willingness to ‘have a go’ at anything, whether it’s transporting a ewe in a saloon car, or bidding against seasoned farmers at an auction. Like all true British heroes, Maisie never gives up, whatever the odds, and she always stays optimistic. Next I’m going to read Valerie’s ‘Watery Ways’ which sounds like it’s going to be just as rewarding a read.
The humour is English, understated and sometimes fairly subtle, and that is why it works so well. It reminded me a lot of the James Herriot ‘vet’ books, because benevolent and delightful absurdity is Valerie Poore’s speciality, both in animals and people, and the surprising situations are not overdone. Crucially, the crazy happenings have the ring of truth, because most of the individual incidents (though the plot itself is fiction) actually did happen to her in real life. It also reminded me a bit of the 1970s sitcom ‘The Good Life’.
Heroine Maisie launches into a farming career with only her friend Jeannie to help and guide her, and Maisie’s innocence and inexperience lead her into uncharted waters, even into the promise of illicit romance. She has a mad but charming mother, who often wanders around the muddy fields in her wedding dress, a head-in-the-clouds boyfriend, who’s more interested in his own photographic career than helping her, a handsome enigmatic admirer, and a more-than-eccentric aunt. Most important of all are the wonderful animals, whose personalities assume epic proportions. Emily, the wily ewe, who’s a born leader, and has a knack of escaping and leading her peers astray; wonderful Wellington, the sweet natured young ram, who occasionally rams people in the bum with his horns, before apologising afterwards; not to mention Miss Gee, the devilish goose who leads her wing-flapping cronies to terrorise visitors and friends alike.
If you like animals, you’ll love this book, likewise if you like people who’ve got more charm than common sense you’ll love it too. It’s funny because it doesn’t set out to make you roar with laughter, it lulls you into a ‘laughing mode’ where the laughs are quieter, longer and much more satisfying.
Most of all it’s an easy read that leaves you smiling. You’re let into charming, clever and resourceful Maisie’s world of faltering romance, sheer hard work, and her willingness to ‘have a go’ at anything, whether it’s transporting a ewe in a saloon car, or bidding against seasoned farmers at an auction. Like all true British heroes, Maisie never gives up, whatever the odds, and she always stays optimistic. Next I’m going to read Valerie’s ‘Watery Ways’ which sounds like it’s going to be just as rewarding a read.
January 5, 2016
Val Poore has done it again! I have read some of her "Ways" memoirs and her children's book with appeal for all ages, "The Skipper's Child", with much pleasure so I expected to enjoy this book. It was even better than I had anticipated though. I chortled, chuckled and frequently laughed out loud as I read, confirming to my family my own eccentricity!
The novel describes the adventures of the delightful Maisie as she sets out to help her, extremely eccentric, Ma on a small-holding in Dorset. Wanting to be self sufficient and dreaming of spinning wool from her own flock of sheep, a naive Maisie sets off to market to buy some adorable lambs. She comes home with the redoubtable Ewe named Emily whose Houdini-like escapades swiftly teach Maisie the realities of her new life. The cast of well-drawn characters, both 2 and 4-legged, include Maisie's boyfriend Simon who cuts her car in half when he cannot fix it for her and turns it into a sheep trailer, a dishy auctioneer who might give Simon reason to worry, Ma who wears her wedding dress and Grace Kelly smile with aplomb around the farmyard plus a gaggle of scary geese led by the formidable Miss gee, the unfortunately named Wellington Ram and many other remarkable eccentrics.
I defy anyone with a sense of humour to read this without a smile or giggle!
The author admits that some events usued in the book were based on her own experiences. I am now dying to know just how much is true.
I cannot wait to see what Val Poore will write next!
The novel describes the adventures of the delightful Maisie as she sets out to help her, extremely eccentric, Ma on a small-holding in Dorset. Wanting to be self sufficient and dreaming of spinning wool from her own flock of sheep, a naive Maisie sets off to market to buy some adorable lambs. She comes home with the redoubtable Ewe named Emily whose Houdini-like escapades swiftly teach Maisie the realities of her new life. The cast of well-drawn characters, both 2 and 4-legged, include Maisie's boyfriend Simon who cuts her car in half when he cannot fix it for her and turns it into a sheep trailer, a dishy auctioneer who might give Simon reason to worry, Ma who wears her wedding dress and Grace Kelly smile with aplomb around the farmyard plus a gaggle of scary geese led by the formidable Miss gee, the unfortunately named Wellington Ram and many other remarkable eccentrics.
I defy anyone with a sense of humour to read this without a smile or giggle!
The author admits that some events usued in the book were based on her own experiences. I am now dying to know just how much is true.
I cannot wait to see what Val Poore will write next!
September 16, 2016
Oh My!
I’ve read most of Valerie’s books and so far, for me, this is the best. Five stars is simply not enough – it doesn’t come close.
I laughed out loud, giggled, gasped, smiled (and tried to sympathise, but it was just too funny!). What I adored about this book is that I looked forward to it every day. I thought about the eccentric characters, the twists where you thought a visitor was doing one thing – but actually it was something very different. I did not want it to end.
To me, a mark of a good book is knowing exactly where you were when you left it last (even if it was a few days or a week or so), you can just pick up the book without flicking back and instantly return to the folds of a wonderful story.
With characters I adored instantly, a lightness, and just plain old fashion good story telling – I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s a keeper and I shall be reading it many more times.
Congratulations Valerie.
I’ve read most of Valerie’s books and so far, for me, this is the best. Five stars is simply not enough – it doesn’t come close.
I laughed out loud, giggled, gasped, smiled (and tried to sympathise, but it was just too funny!). What I adored about this book is that I looked forward to it every day. I thought about the eccentric characters, the twists where you thought a visitor was doing one thing – but actually it was something very different. I did not want it to end.
To me, a mark of a good book is knowing exactly where you were when you left it last (even if it was a few days or a week or so), you can just pick up the book without flicking back and instantly return to the folds of a wonderful story.
With characters I adored instantly, a lightness, and just plain old fashion good story telling – I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s a keeper and I shall be reading it many more times.
Congratulations Valerie.
September 6, 2021
How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics
This is one of the most unputdownable books I have read for a long time. Val’s description of Maisie’s farm and the beautiful countryside of Dorset were so vivid I could see it all quite clearly in my mind. All the characters are so well drawn it is almost as if they were real people. The various antics of the escaping sheep led by Emily had me grinning broadly. In spite of the many problems that a novice farmer like Maisie faced she overcame them with strength and determination. This is a real ‘feel good’ book and one I would highly recommend.
This is one of the most unputdownable books I have read for a long time. Val’s description of Maisie’s farm and the beautiful countryside of Dorset were so vivid I could see it all quite clearly in my mind. All the characters are so well drawn it is almost as if they were real people. The various antics of the escaping sheep led by Emily had me grinning broadly. In spite of the many problems that a novice farmer like Maisie faced she overcame them with strength and determination. This is a real ‘feel good’ book and one I would highly recommend.
March 12, 2017
GENTLE, COMFORTABLE AND A FUN READ.
This was a fun book to read. It is well constructed, well written, flows beautifully and the dialogue is real. You can sympathize with the main characters, and identifying and caring for them makes it an even better read. I liked Maise (rather an awful name for a heroine?) even though her aims and wishes were about as far from mine as you could get. Lots of amusing anecdotes, excellent use of English – but then I understand this author lectures in English and it shows. Would not hesitate to recommend.
This was a fun book to read. It is well constructed, well written, flows beautifully and the dialogue is real. You can sympathize with the main characters, and identifying and caring for them makes it an even better read. I liked Maise (rather an awful name for a heroine?) even though her aims and wishes were about as far from mine as you could get. Lots of amusing anecdotes, excellent use of English – but then I understand this author lectures in English and it shows. Would not hesitate to recommend.
November 18, 2024
This is such a fun read with a well-constructed plot and engaging characters. I was gripped by the comical events of the opening scene, involving a ‘sawn in half’ car, and from then on, I was hooked and didn’t want the story to end.
The plot unfolds as newly qualified university graduate, Maisie Peterson, returns to the family home in rural Dorset. The property consists of a large, old house with plenty of land in the form of unused fields and dilapidated outbuildings filled with old farming equipment, and more than a few mice. Maisie’s eccentric mother and equally eccentric Aunt Mags live in the house, while Maisie’s father has left to live with his new lady friend in London.
With no notion of what she would do with her future life, Maisie comes up with the idea of turning the land into a smallholding. Unfortunately, she knows nothing about the requirements of such an endeavour and relies on her university friend, Jeanie, to guide her and her boyfriend Simon to help with the work. Maisie’s hard work and determination are praiseworthy as she deals with the many obstacles along the journey. We meet a feisty Jacob ewe called Emily and a headstrong ram called Wellington – and a certain auctioneer unsettles Maisie in a way she can’t explain.
There are some hilarious scenes to follow and Emily leads Maisie on a merry dance for a while. But just as plans are coming along well, Maisie’s whole enterprise and dreams for the future are threatened by financial issues that seem insurmountable. If you want to know whether or not the smallholding continues, you will just have to read the book. I found it a wonderful story from an author adept at making her readers laugh.
Highly Recommended
The plot unfolds as newly qualified university graduate, Maisie Peterson, returns to the family home in rural Dorset. The property consists of a large, old house with plenty of land in the form of unused fields and dilapidated outbuildings filled with old farming equipment, and more than a few mice. Maisie’s eccentric mother and equally eccentric Aunt Mags live in the house, while Maisie’s father has left to live with his new lady friend in London.
With no notion of what she would do with her future life, Maisie comes up with the idea of turning the land into a smallholding. Unfortunately, she knows nothing about the requirements of such an endeavour and relies on her university friend, Jeanie, to guide her and her boyfriend Simon to help with the work. Maisie’s hard work and determination are praiseworthy as she deals with the many obstacles along the journey. We meet a feisty Jacob ewe called Emily and a headstrong ram called Wellington – and a certain auctioneer unsettles Maisie in a way she can’t explain.
There are some hilarious scenes to follow and Emily leads Maisie on a merry dance for a while. But just as plans are coming along well, Maisie’s whole enterprise and dreams for the future are threatened by financial issues that seem insurmountable. If you want to know whether or not the smallholding continues, you will just have to read the book. I found it a wonderful story from an author adept at making her readers laugh.
Highly Recommended
October 27, 2019
I’m a real animal lover, but the idea of saving a country property, a farm, or anything resembling either one, would be beyond impossible. Just thinking of that impossibility is what drew me to this this delightful novel. I was brimming with curiosity to see how Maisie Peterson, who sets out to save her mother’s property, even begins such a task.
I can tell you this: hilariously so. And there are sheep … several of them, and if you’ve never considered sheep as funny, this book might change your mind.
Valerie Poore has created a beautiful novel that reads like a memoir. Her vivid descriptions of both people and circumstances are brilliantly written, and with ease, she made me feel like I had gone to sleep (perhaps counting sheep!) and woken up in the wilds of rural Dorset.
The characters were vivid and exceptionally well drawn. I especially loved Maisie’s mother, but truly, there is a colorful cast of personalities.
The book also made me laugh out loud in several places. One of my favorite lines, which I shall quote with no context at all, except to say that Maisie was talking about her mother, was this: “How did she manage to make it sound both desirable and diseased at the same time?”
This is a charming, comical, and wonderful read. I hope everyone will enjoy it as much as I did.
I can tell you this: hilariously so. And there are sheep … several of them, and if you’ve never considered sheep as funny, this book might change your mind.
Valerie Poore has created a beautiful novel that reads like a memoir. Her vivid descriptions of both people and circumstances are brilliantly written, and with ease, she made me feel like I had gone to sleep (perhaps counting sheep!) and woken up in the wilds of rural Dorset.
The characters were vivid and exceptionally well drawn. I especially loved Maisie’s mother, but truly, there is a colorful cast of personalities.
The book also made me laugh out loud in several places. One of my favorite lines, which I shall quote with no context at all, except to say that Maisie was talking about her mother, was this: “How did she manage to make it sound both desirable and diseased at the same time?”
This is a charming, comical, and wonderful read. I hope everyone will enjoy it as much as I did.
February 11, 2021
A book by Val Poore is like a warm hug from a close friend: heartwarming and cheering. Imagine a hot chocolate and a snuggly chair on a cold day and you have it.
I have read many of Val’s memoirs so was looking forward to this fictional story. Although not a memoir, it does lean on some events in Val’s life and was as absorbing and enjoyable as her other books.
How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics is a fascinating title, I was hooked before I even got to the book, and it suits this gentle read so well.
Against her better judgement Maisie finds herself propping up the aging family estate when her eccentric mother gets into debt. Determined to make things work, vegetarian Maisie sets about learning to farm, raise sheep, and geese. And it seems a growing number of eccentric characters: from a wedding dress and wellie wearing mother to strange wwoofers with a secret, and an unwanted admirer... or maybe not so unwanted.
There are laugh out loud moments as things inevitably go awry but I found myself cheering on Maisie and her loveable crew, even Alastair the helper, as they work to turn debt into success against the odds.
It would be lovely to read more of their adventures as I’m sure they have many more tales to tell.
I have read many of Val’s memoirs so was looking forward to this fictional story. Although not a memoir, it does lean on some events in Val’s life and was as absorbing and enjoyable as her other books.
How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics is a fascinating title, I was hooked before I even got to the book, and it suits this gentle read so well.
Against her better judgement Maisie finds herself propping up the aging family estate when her eccentric mother gets into debt. Determined to make things work, vegetarian Maisie sets about learning to farm, raise sheep, and geese. And it seems a growing number of eccentric characters: from a wedding dress and wellie wearing mother to strange wwoofers with a secret, and an unwanted admirer... or maybe not so unwanted.
There are laugh out loud moments as things inevitably go awry but I found myself cheering on Maisie and her loveable crew, even Alastair the helper, as they work to turn debt into success against the odds.
It would be lovely to read more of their adventures as I’m sure they have many more tales to tell.
March 20, 2017
Farming — there is nothing to it!
Maisie Peterson has an idea, and like all ideas, it is best to simply not think about it overly much and just do it. Of course, when it comes to farming, a little knowledge can be helpful, especially when it comes to livestock. But hey, if anyone can do it, Maisie can!
I don't think I will ever forget how Maisie transports her first sheep, Emily, home from the market — I am not going to tell you how she does it because I don't want to spoil it, but there were tears rolling down my cheeks! It is hilarious. Add to that the rather territorial geese, the egg stealing dog, and the useless WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms), apprentice who is meant to be helping, but accidently set himself on fire. And let's not forget the terribly eccentric mother, who often walks around the farm yard in a wedding dress....!!!
This book is so funny, with a super fast plot and characters — both human and animal — that I came to love. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see Emily trotting down the road and heading for my geraniums!
A wonderfully refreshing read that I didn't want to put down.
I Highly Recommend.
Maisie Peterson has an idea, and like all ideas, it is best to simply not think about it overly much and just do it. Of course, when it comes to farming, a little knowledge can be helpful, especially when it comes to livestock. But hey, if anyone can do it, Maisie can!
I don't think I will ever forget how Maisie transports her first sheep, Emily, home from the market — I am not going to tell you how she does it because I don't want to spoil it, but there were tears rolling down my cheeks! It is hilarious. Add to that the rather territorial geese, the egg stealing dog, and the useless WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms), apprentice who is meant to be helping, but accidently set himself on fire. And let's not forget the terribly eccentric mother, who often walks around the farm yard in a wedding dress....!!!
This book is so funny, with a super fast plot and characters — both human and animal — that I came to love. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see Emily trotting down the road and heading for my geraniums!
A wonderfully refreshing read that I didn't want to put down.
I Highly Recommend.
August 6, 2024
HOW TO BREED SHEEP, GEESE AND ENGLISH ECCENTRICS by Valerie Poore
A Book Review By AZP
August 2024
I am a fan of nature and farming. Hence when I read the title and its blurb, I know right away that this is my kind of book to read and to enjoy leisurely.
I love Maisie as the main character: she embraces 'learning by doing' about things, she is explorative and has a strong spirit to prevail no matter what the odds and what is at stake.
Farming and living in a rural place are a huge turn-around from Maisie's previous cosmopolitan life. This time, Maisie is mainly waging a battle against nature. As Maisie's learning about farming, animal breeding and nature progressed so is her wisdom evolved higher about life, business, love and relationship.
All of the secondary characters of this book are loveable. Some of their eccentricities are overtly manifested while others are introvertly shown.
It’s very heartwarming to read when everyone comes together in the field to conquer their unfavorable chances as they tackle the farming task and community life while they get to know each other deeply in the process.
A delightful and inspiring book to read!
A Book Review By AZP
August 2024
I am a fan of nature and farming. Hence when I read the title and its blurb, I know right away that this is my kind of book to read and to enjoy leisurely.
I love Maisie as the main character: she embraces 'learning by doing' about things, she is explorative and has a strong spirit to prevail no matter what the odds and what is at stake.
Farming and living in a rural place are a huge turn-around from Maisie's previous cosmopolitan life. This time, Maisie is mainly waging a battle against nature. As Maisie's learning about farming, animal breeding and nature progressed so is her wisdom evolved higher about life, business, love and relationship.
All of the secondary characters of this book are loveable. Some of their eccentricities are overtly manifested while others are introvertly shown.
It’s very heartwarming to read when everyone comes together in the field to conquer their unfavorable chances as they tackle the farming task and community life while they get to know each other deeply in the process.
A delightful and inspiring book to read!
May 5, 2025
I was immediately captivated by Valerie Poore’s “How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics”. What could make a more promising story than Maisie, a young, woman with an impulsive resolve to turn her mother’s neglected small country estate in Dorset into a one-women farming enterprise? Maisie decides to breed sheep, chickens, keep a horse, and geese. Add to the mix an amiable mother whose eye-catching daily wear comes from charity shops; an equally eccentric old aunt; Jeanie a practical girlfriend who runs a nearly livery stable; Simon, a not-so-practical, self-absorbed live-in boyfriend; Alan Reed a single, good-looking auctioneer much taken with Masie and her ambitions; a vegetable garden … and there! You have an absolutely delightful roller-coaster of a tale that keeps you guessing, laughing and admiring Maisie’s mixture of pluck, determination and romance.
Oh! Mustn't forget Wellington, a handsome Jacob’s ram; Claudius a timid Great Dane, and numerous cats. You’ll love it as much as I did.
Oh! Mustn't forget Wellington, a handsome Jacob’s ram; Claudius a timid Great Dane, and numerous cats. You’ll love it as much as I did.
May 5, 2017
I've said it before - but I'll say it again. To write humour well you have to be damn good. Well Valerie Poore is damn good! I had a smile on my face from the opening page (a rather spectacular solution to a clutch problem) to the last page. Wonderful, likeable characters in outlandish situations with some real laugh out loud moments.
The read also gave me a warm fuzzy sense of nostalgia.
The story is set in the 1970s. When Maisie returns from university with no work lined up she takes on the challenge of making a living from her mother's run down small holding in Dorset. With a vague dream of spinning her own yarn to knit exclusive jumpers she sets off to market in her Renault to buy a goat. And so begins her adventure into the world of farming. As they say - What could possibly go wrong?
Lovely read I recommend to anyone in need of a smile.
The read also gave me a warm fuzzy sense of nostalgia.
The story is set in the 1970s. When Maisie returns from university with no work lined up she takes on the challenge of making a living from her mother's run down small holding in Dorset. With a vague dream of spinning her own yarn to knit exclusive jumpers she sets off to market in her Renault to buy a goat. And so begins her adventure into the world of farming. As they say - What could possibly go wrong?
Lovely read I recommend to anyone in need of a smile.
March 9, 2017
When Maisie leaves university she is at a loss for what to do. Her eccentric mother assumes that her daughter will stay and help on the family estate and Maisie surprises herself and everyone else by deciding to raise and breed sheep. With a somewhat romanticised idea of what farming a smallholding involves she rushes headlong into bidding on stock, renovating barns and housing horses for tenants and what follows is one string of catastrophes after another. Humorous and colourful view of country life in the 1970's, filled with quirky and eccentric characters
March 28, 2022
Having read and enjoyed some of the author's memoirs I couldn't resist seeing how she managed to produce a novel. It turns out that Val has a gift for finding the absurd in life as well as being able to create a farming life for a novice. The heroine, Maisie, has her fair share of odd people in her family and the neighbourhood but they all came across as totally real. Her descriptions of the West Country and North London were spot on too. The animal characters just added to the fun
March 13, 2018
Encore!!
The characters are wonderful and quirky. And, I love quirky. Throw in a Houdini ewe, a rambunctious ram, territorial cheese who love terrorizing anyone and anything, and there you have it. Fun, engaging, and sheer enjoyment. Valerie Moore is now officially on the hook to write more books about Maisie and company.
The characters are wonderful and quirky. And, I love quirky. Throw in a Houdini ewe, a rambunctious ram, territorial cheese who love terrorizing anyone and anything, and there you have it. Fun, engaging, and sheer enjoyment. Valerie Moore is now officially on the hook to write more books about Maisie and company.
March 20, 2018
How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics by Valerie Poore is a lovely, vivid story of a young woman’s attempts at managing her family’s beautiful, idyllic (but in need of repair, care, and cash) country estate. The characters were lovable and believable. The animal characters were wonderful, especially Emily, the sheep. I want one! It was a joy to read.
January 26, 2019
What a fun read
With this book, Valerie Moore has cemented her place as one of my most favorite authors. I have enjoyed all of her other books but "How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics" was a true joy to read. She put me right there on the farm experiencing the animal antics, the hard passionate work put into it and all the fun characters involved. Loved this book.
With this book, Valerie Moore has cemented her place as one of my most favorite authors. I have enjoyed all of her other books but "How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics" was a true joy to read. She put me right there on the farm experiencing the animal antics, the hard passionate work put into it and all the fun characters involved. Loved this book.
April 7, 2018
An almost perfect book. Interesting situation, interesting people, personal growth, and hilarious. What more can you ask for in a book?
October 15, 2022
I loved this book and its set of characters, including the non-human ones! Doesn't hurt that a bit of romance is thrown in.
September 4, 2017
If you like Jacob sheep, you'll love this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book! Lots of laughs and my favourite sheep made this a real page turner. The trials and tribulations of the main character along with her eccentric mother made for an enjoyable read. The sheep were a delight!
I really enjoyed reading this book! Lots of laughs and my favourite sheep made this a real page turner. The trials and tribulations of the main character along with her eccentric mother made for an enjoyable read. The sheep were a delight!
February 10, 2017
What a lovely story! “How to Breed Sheep” was one of those books, after reading which you don’t want to separate from the characters because you’ve gotten to know them so well that it feels like they’re your friends now. That’s a sign of a very good story-telling.
I enjoyed everything about this book: vivid, multi-dimensional characters, multiple humorous situations, highly compelling plot and witty dialogues. I couldn’t help but root for Maisie who at first had no clue whatsoever what she was getting herself into when she had decided to start her own farm on her mother’s property. But her will and determination, together with her spirit and love for the animals truly worked miracles in the most difficult situations, and trust me, Maisie hit quite a few bumps in the road to farming success.
“English Eccentrics” deserve a special mentioning here: Maisie’s mom and her “wedding dress days” made me laugh out loud many times, and Alistair and his antics were just as funny. I also absolutely loved how the author managed to show every farm animal’s peculiar personality, which made them just as important characters of this wonderful novel as their human counterparts.
A great read! Highly recommended!
I enjoyed everything about this book: vivid, multi-dimensional characters, multiple humorous situations, highly compelling plot and witty dialogues. I couldn’t help but root for Maisie who at first had no clue whatsoever what she was getting herself into when she had decided to start her own farm on her mother’s property. But her will and determination, together with her spirit and love for the animals truly worked miracles in the most difficult situations, and trust me, Maisie hit quite a few bumps in the road to farming success.
“English Eccentrics” deserve a special mentioning here: Maisie’s mom and her “wedding dress days” made me laugh out loud many times, and Alistair and his antics were just as funny. I also absolutely loved how the author managed to show every farm animal’s peculiar personality, which made them just as important characters of this wonderful novel as their human counterparts.
A great read! Highly recommended!
October 1, 2013
The book begins with Maisie's boyfriend Simon sawing her beloved Renault car in half when he was supposed to be fixing it for her. I didn't like Simon at first, he was lazy and seemed content with Maisie doing all the hard worked and him living off her for free,but as the story progressed he did grow on me and by the end of the book I liked him.
You will cry reading this book, with laughter. Maisie is trying to be self sufficient and save her mum's house and small holding from the bank but the only help she seems to have is her eccentric mother who is only a help in very short spurts and an elderly aunt who although very sweet is not capable of the kind of help Maisie needs. Help does come, in the shape of an old friend Jeanie who's parents own nearby riding stables. Jeanie manages to keep Maisie right about the do's and don'ts of life on a smallholding.
The laughs are plenty, from her mother walking about in an old wedding dress to Maisie transporting sheep in the back of her car.
Maisie's eyes stray to a handsome auctioneer but something always happens to make her look silly in front of him and she's determined to make him see that she knows what she's doing (she doesn't.)
So will Maisie leave the lazy Simon? Will she make the small holding profitable? and will she ever keep the sheep from wandering into other people's garden?
I loved the cover of this book it must have been drawn by someone with a great sense of humour. I am told by the author that although the story is fiction most of the incidents regarding the animals are true and happened to her which just makes the book a whole lot better.
I think it's harder to write a book that makes people laugh, it's easier to make them cry. Valerie Poore will make you laugh. Another part of the book I really enjoyed was Maisie's acceptance of her mother's eccentricity and the mother and daughter love.
You will cry reading this book, with laughter. Maisie is trying to be self sufficient and save her mum's house and small holding from the bank but the only help she seems to have is her eccentric mother who is only a help in very short spurts and an elderly aunt who although very sweet is not capable of the kind of help Maisie needs. Help does come, in the shape of an old friend Jeanie who's parents own nearby riding stables. Jeanie manages to keep Maisie right about the do's and don'ts of life on a smallholding.
The laughs are plenty, from her mother walking about in an old wedding dress to Maisie transporting sheep in the back of her car.
Maisie's eyes stray to a handsome auctioneer but something always happens to make her look silly in front of him and she's determined to make him see that she knows what she's doing (she doesn't.)
So will Maisie leave the lazy Simon? Will she make the small holding profitable? and will she ever keep the sheep from wandering into other people's garden?
I loved the cover of this book it must have been drawn by someone with a great sense of humour. I am told by the author that although the story is fiction most of the incidents regarding the animals are true and happened to her which just makes the book a whole lot better.
I think it's harder to write a book that makes people laugh, it's easier to make them cry. Valerie Poore will make you laugh. Another part of the book I really enjoyed was Maisie's acceptance of her mother's eccentricity and the mother and daughter love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews