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Cover of If You're Going to Live in the Country

If You're Going to Live in the Country

Written by Renee Richmond Huntley Ormsbee,Thomas H. (Thomas Hamilton) Ormsbee

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Architecture, DomesticDwellingsBuildings

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About this book

"If You're Going to Live in the Country" by Thomas H. Ormsbee and Richmond Huntley is a practical guide written in the late 1930s. This book offers insights and advice aimed at urban dwellers contemplating a move to rural life, outlining the benefits and challenges associated with such a transition. The authors reflect on the allure of country living while providing realistic considerations for families looking to make the shift. The opening of the book sets a nostalgic tone as the authors share personal anecdotes about their experiences growing up in cities and dreaming of life in the country. They discuss the motivations for seeking a rural lifestyle, highlighting the appeal of space, tranquility, and a connection to nature. The narrative emphasizes how the pressures of city life can prompt individuals to seek out peaceful surroundings, and it introduces the various challenges city dwellers may face in adapting to country living, including practical issues related to property maintenance and community integration. Overall, the authors aim to prepare potential country residents for the realities they will encounter in their quest for a quieter, more fulfilling life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in If You're Going to Live in the Country, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • informative
  • nostalgic
  • practical

Published in the late 1930s, "If You're Going to Live in the Country" serves as a pragmatic guide for urban residents contemplating a move to rural life. Authors Thomas H. Ormsbee and Richmond Huntley blend personal anecdotes with practical advice, painting a realistic picture of the benefits and formidable challenges of country living. The book navigates the initial allure of tranquility and space, contrasting it with the tangible hurdles like property maintenance and community integration. Ultimately, it aims to equip prospective country dwellers with the necessary foresight to transform their ideal vision into a sustainable reality, fostering a more fulfilling, albeit demanding, lifestyle.

“The dream of country living, while potent, must be tempered with a clear-eyed understanding of its realities.”

Key themes

Escape from Urbanity / The Allure of Rural Life
This theme explores the deep-seated human desire to escape the pressures, noise, and confinement of city life in favor of the perceived peace, space, and freedom of the countryside. It delves into the motivations behind this yearning, highlighting factors like stress, lack of connection to nature, and the desire for self-sufficiency prevalent in the late 1930s.
Practicality vs. Idealism
A central theme is the constant negotiation between the romanticized ideal of country living and its harsh, practical realities. The book serves as a corrective to naive expectations, systematically outlining the concrete challenges and responsibilities that accompany the perceived idyllic lifestyle.
Self-Sufficiency and Resilience
The book implicitly and explicitly champions the values of self-reliance and resilience, crucial for thriving in a rural environment. It encourages readers to develop practical skills and a mindset capable of handling unexpected challenges, from property repairs to resource management, without immediate access to urban conveniences.

Worth discussing

How do the authors' personal anecdotes influence the reader's perception of country living and their advice?

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