Deeply Rooted Book Evaluation

Nicholas Williams

Professor Melissa Santos

English 102-016

27 November 2017

Deeply Rooted Book Evaluation

            The novel, “Deeply Rooted” written by Lisa Hamilton, is a collection of stories that touch on the lives of different ranchers and farmers throughout the United States.  It focuses on the lives of three uniquely different farmer, each representing different aspects of farming life in modern day America.  Harry Lewis, an African American from Sulpher Springs, Texas, works tirelessly to keep his organic dairy business afloat amongst all other massive organizations.  Virgil Trujilo, a rancher in Abiquiu, New Mexico who aims to promote ranching and agriculture in his community.  Lastly, there’s the Podoll family in LaMoure, North Dakota, a new-age family who breed organic plant varieties meant to withstand the world’s changing climate.  Hamilton highlights all the struggles of modern-day farming and ranching in the US, as well as the methods being put into place to help the condition of the “little guys.”

            I felt that the way that Hamilton presented each story added a lot of gravity to the novel.  Her descriptive use of language and familiarity with those she told the stories of and their work allowed you to truly empathize with their work.  Not only were these tales delivered in a way that was interesting, but Hamilton made these stories humorous and entertaining.  The line, “To the work, they bring their intellects and their consciences, their histories and their concerns for the future” highlights the concept that Hamilton portrayed that these people aren’t their jobs and they have outside lives, however, their lives are heavily ingrained with their line of work.  (Hamilton 4)  It was through descriptions such as these that this novel went a step beyond being merely informative, but made you truly feel something for the people and families described.  Given the objective of raising awareness to the issues that small agriculture workers in America face, I feel that this approach is extremely effective, as we often tend to be more inclined to help with those that we view as human, rather than large, ‘faceless industries.  

            I felt that the connections that these farmers and ranchers all portrayed, despite all being extremely different people, was very heartwarming.  They all showcased their dreams of doing the work they loved, while caring for their plants, environment, and animals.  Hamilton wrote, “What binds these people is not a particular farming method, but rather the conviction that as humans, the contributions they make are essential.” (Hamilton 4) Through both the love of their work and strong beliefs in what they do, many of these small-scale farmers and ranchers are connected.  Sharon Schulz-Elsing also recognized the fact that Hamilton emphasized these connections in her online book review.  She writes, “The heroes in her story are clearly the Harrys and the Virgils and the Davids who stand against the mob bosses with only their moral certainty and a handful of faith.” (Schulz-Elsing) I firmly agree that with Schulz-Elsing’s statement, and I truly felt that through showcasing these men in such a positive light that the audience was more likely to walk away impacted.

            In the same article, Schulz-Elsing also wrote, “Anyone who eats will find epiphany in Deeply Rooted; whether or not this story has a happy ending remains to be seen.”  This statement truly resonated with me, as I completely agree that everyone who reads this novel will most definitely be impacted.  As I finished the novel, I was left wanting more.  The lives of these farmers and ranchers become important to you as you progress throughout the novel, as well as the well-being of their industries.  While all readers may not fully subscribe to all the ideas presented in this novel, it’s undeniable that everyone college age or above should check this book out.  After all, it can create such a big impact on the way that we view our modern-day agricultural industries here in America.  Personally, I would completely recommend this novel, as I was presented with a multitude of new ideas and notions that had never crossed my mind before, especially having lived in a fairly urban place for the majority of my life.  This book gives readers a good sense of the pros and cons of the agriculture business, as well as presenting humor and interesting stories throughout.  However, the best (or worst, depending on your viewpoint) aspect of this book is that many of the issues presented are still ongoing, giving readers the opportunity to truly go out, get involved, and to make a true difference.

Citations

Hamilton, Lisa M. Deeply rooted: Unconventional farmers in the age of agribusiness. Counterpoint, 2010.

Schulz-Elsing, Sharon E. “Book Review: Lisa M Hamilton's *Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in

the Age of Agribusiness*.” Curled Up With a Good Book, Deborah Adams, 2010,

www.curledup.com/deeplyrt.htm.