Pigs in Clover cover art

Pigs in Clover

Or How I Accidentally Fell in Love with the Good Life

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Pigs in Clover

By: Simon Dawson
Narrated by: Ben Allen
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About this listen

This is the true story of a Londoner who gives up his job as an estate agent in the city, moves to the wilds of Exmoor, starts a smallholding and becomes self-sufficient, with a few bumps along the way.

Simon's journey from urbanite to self-sufficient smallholder is brimming with incidents - some funny and some tragic - leading him to question Mother Nature, himself, the food he eats and his role in it all. Which makes the transition from city life to self-sufficient smallholder slow, emotional and, for him, often confusing, but it is also beautiful, warming and laugh-out-loud funny.

So if you would like to spend time with an accidental smallholder who completely changed one drunken night in Devon, then join Simon, his wife and their extended family as they learn the truth of what it takes to live a self-sufficient life before eventually becoming as happy as the proverbial pigs in clover.

©2015 Simon Dawson (P)2015 Soundings
Environmentalists & Naturalists Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Professionals & Academics Relationships Science Funny Homesteading Heartfelt Witty Feel-Good Gardening
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Most relevant

What did you like most about Pigs in Clover?

I enjoyed being part of their world without having to take the plunge myself. The warts and all approach of the author gives all of us practically challenged potential off gridders some hope!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pigs in Clover?

I loved the bit with the lamb in the hallway. I had to stop the car for safety reasons as I was laughing so much.

What does Ben Allen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I enjoyed his bright style of delivery and his timing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Any of the moments where the animals were struggling especially the moment with his horse Bobby

Any additional comments?

Just downloaded the next instalment so looking forward to getting back on the land.

The Good Life?

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Where does Pigs in Clover rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's definitely up near the top; a warm story, a great narrator

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pigs in Clover?

I think the sad ones stick with me as there's much hilarity that carries the whole way through but the lows are brought home and contrast against the constant happiness brought on by the author's relationship with the pigs.

What does Ben Allen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I think that the narrator has a great talent for bringing the warmth and humour to life and really made the book for me.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The first time the pigs are taken off for slaughter; I definitely understood why but felt the tension in the decision

A Wonderful Performance of a Great Book

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Best narrator yet. No annoying cadence to deal with! Great story, not sure what the extensive innuendo added. Enjoyable all the same, very realistic.

Slow starter but worth it

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Compelling read, particularly for those of us who work in London and live in the country.

Exceelet and honest story

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Wonderfully written with superb narration. Made the M25 drive fully enjoyable as I felt like I was in the country. Got to get the second book...

Brilliant!

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