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cover
3.5 

Title: Cloud Farm
Authors: Chetwynd, Jane
Genre: Non Fiction: New Zealand
Pages: 182
Year: 2004
Language: English
Description: Successful academic, Jane Chetwynd, purchased, seemingly on impulse, a large piece of land on Banks Peninsula in Canterbury. With little purpose in mind but a real need to escape from what had become for her an unfulfilling life, she set about with incredible tenacity, regenerating and developing the rugged land and making the house habitable. NZ Interest.

Comments from Groups:

Everyone in the group enjoyed this book. They found it an easy and engaging read, and admired the simply recounted story of Prof Chetwynd's brave adventure! It was a pleasure reading such an account of events occurring in our own country. Whitby 002

The group loved this book. A tale of courage and discovery. Good discussion followed. Nelson 040

A most enjoyable book. An easy and inspiring read. Wellington 130

A very easy read, but dry, factual account. We were left wanting more detail - rather disappointing. Coromandel 001

Cloud Farm elicited lots of discussion about manifesting ones dreams through focus, perseverance, foresight and syncronisity. It was a book most of us adored, so much so, that within the month, shared it with partners and friends. Dunedin 067

Categories: Non-fiction NZ, Biography, Blind Low Vision library

Reviews

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By: BLENH 028 2025-06-18 09:32:11
3.5 
We all enjoyed this book and thought the writing style made it very easy to read. Many of us were disappointed that we couldn't find much detail on the internet of the current status of Cloud Farm. It seemed like it was such a part of Jane's life, we couldn't fathom what would make her sell it.

By: DUNED 044 2025-04-30 09:56:09
4 
A light easy read.

By: AUCK 477 2025-04-23 14:43:54
3 
Very mixed opinions - some loved it, some didn't rate it at all!

By: ROTO 014 2024-08-26 11:37:51
3.5 
An interesting, flowing and undemanding read about the author's decision to make a radical lifestyle change. We all enjoyed reading about her journey.

By: ALEXA 001 2023-10-30 09:52:13
5 
Book sparked a lively discussion. A tribute to a woman who displayed courage and who followed her instincts. The result was the creation of a tranquil place of beauty and renewal.

By: CHCH 479 2023-05-22 12:08:22
3.5 
Easy read - we admired the author's intentions. It generated a great deal of discussion.

By: TIMAR 022 2023-05-08 11:54:53
4 
We all enjoyed this book.

By: AUCK 183 2022-10-17 15:01:08
4 
A popular easy read book. We were all interested to know what happened in her life after the book as well, so researched it. It also promoted discussion on the education sector and the slightly insular life they led.

By: CHCH 542 2022-09-15 11:57:19
3.5 
Overall members enjoyed the book. They thought the author had achieved a lot in three years, but her monetary assets had enabled her to achieve more than others may be able to afford on their own. Everyone would be keen to see 'Cloud Farm'.

By: TAUP 012 2021-07-19 11:12:21
3 
Very mixed reviews for this book. Some in our group loved it, others didn't. A very quick easy read.

By: MAST 010 2020-02-04 14:43:16
5 
It's a beautiful story about a courageous woman.

By: AOKAU 001 2020-02-04 14:41:28
4.5 
Enjoyed by all!

By: CHCH 317 2020-02-04 14:40:49
5 
The group thoroughly enjoyed the book. We discussed how enterprising and courageous the author was, and the fact that it was set in our own backyard has encouraged some members to want to visit the property and check out the walks that were established. Strongly recommended and particularly pertinent for our Christchurch groups.

By: FEILD 003 2020-02-04 14:38:20
4.5 
Most of our group read this book and enjoyed its easy reading style and the inspiration provided by her life changing decision. She persevered through challenges that most would avoid. Commendable biography.

By: DUNED 029 2020-02-04 14:36:18
4.5 
A thoroughly enjoyable novel! It gave rise to lively discussion and sharing of our experiences of academia and following our dreams.

By: WESTO 001 2020-02-04 14:34:41
5 
Everyone enjoyed this book. It was a nice read and a nice story. We enjoyed the story of Jane - finding and living her dream. Things did seem to fall into place but she also seized opportunities as they were presented. It's interesting how people react to you when you decide to step out of the box.

By: MARLB 001 2020-02-04 14:30:56
4.5 
Apart from one reader, we loved this tale of grit and determination and making a big change in life. Most of us want to go and see the garden!

By: STEW 001 2020-02-04 14:27:57
3.5 
The book was enjoyed by all of the group - we found it a satisfying read, especially as many living here have experienced the same things.

 
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