Driven Back to Eden

Tired of the suffocating grip of New York City, where his wife grows weary, his daughter Mousie wilts, and his other children flirt with the street's less savory influences, bookkeeper Robert Durham makes a radical decision. Despite having no experience with a plow or a planting schedule, he uproots his entire family to chase a healthier, more wholesome life in the country. This 19th-century 'back-to-the-land' classic chronicles the Durham family's adventurous (and often comically inept) journey from urban tenements to the trials and triumphs of small-scale farming. More than just a heartwarming family tale, *Driven Back to Eden* doubles as a surprisingly practical guide for aspiring homesteaders. Roe, aiming for realism, interweaves the narrative with detailed, encouraging instructions on everything from tilling the soil and planting the first crops to navigating difficult neighbors and the unpredictable whims of nature. It’s a charming, earnest exploration of self-sufficiency and the enduring allure of a life lived closer to the earth, offering both escapist fantasy and actionable advice for those dreaming of their own rural idyll.