In 2005, Di Slaney abandoned her urban existence to become the custodian of an ancient farmhouse in Nottinghamshire, populating it with – at the last count – 150 animals, most of them rescued. Reward for Winter tells that story on three levels: the earthy triumphs and tribulations of a novice smallholder; the history of Bilsthorpe from Viking settlement through Civil War to coal mining in the 1920s; and the quirky and affecting biography of one of the farm’s chickens.
The land, the generations who have tended it and Di’s animals are given voice, from the humorous ‘How to knit a sheep’ to the intimate, illuminating cycle focusing on a single chicken – learn, among other fascinating details, what dictates the colour of your breakfast egg. Reward for Winter also explores Bilsthorpe’s hidden histories: lost landmarks Ingar’s Holt and Labour-in-Vain; an Elizabethan witch trial; a concealed Cavalier king and seventeenth-century adultery. This book stands as both a fascinating work of non-fiction and an elegant and accomplished volume of poems, offering the reader an escape hatch to the country and a lungful of bracing air.
“Those who admire Di Slaney’s sophisticated and dexterous poems will be deeply grateful for this first full collection. Swinging to the rhythms of farm life, the book takes in a wide range of tones, from the humour of ‘How to knit a sheep’ to the transcendent lyricism of the collection’s title poem … [it also] includes a highly original sequence about chickens and egg-laying. Beautifully crafted and very moving.”
– Jonathan Edwards
Fast shipping and professional packing
Because of our long-standing relationship with UPS FedEx DHL and other major global carriers, we are able offer a variety shipping options. Our warehouse staff are highly trained and will pack the items according to the exact and precise specifications. Your items will undergo a thorough inspection and be properly secured before they are delivered. Everyday we deliver thousands of packages to clients from all over the world. This is a sign of our determination to become the biggest online retailer in the world. The distribution centers and warehouses distribution are located in Europe and the USA.
Note: Orders with more than one item are assigned a processing time in accordance with the item.
Before shipment, all ordered items will be thoroughly inspected. The majority of orders are delivered within 48 hours. The delivery time should be between 3 and 7 working days.
Returns
The inventory is constantly changing and we do not completely manage it because many stakeholders are involved, including our warehouse and factory. This means that the actual stock could change at any time. Be aware that your order could be unable to fill when you have placed the order.
Our policy is for 30 days. If it's been more 30 days since you bought the item We're sorry to say that we can't offer you a complete exchange or refund.
You can only return a product when it's unopened and in the same condition as when you received it. It must also be returned in the original packaging.
Related products
