Farming has been in John Connell's family for generations, but he never intended to follow in his father's footsteps—until, one winter, after more than a decade away, he finds himself back on the farm. In this memoir of rural Irish life, Connell records the rhythm of the farming day: cleaning the barns, caring for the herd, tending to sickly lambs, helping the cows give birth. Emerging from depression, Connell discovers a new relationship with his faith, the animals that he tends, the community of County Longford, and, above all, with his difficult father.

"A gorgeous evocation of farm life's recurring cycle…. What comes through on every page is Mr. Connell's heart and humility—and his profound appreciation for the animals who depend on him for their well-being, and vice versa."—Wall Street Journal