“A work of real comic genius. . . . A wonderful, funny, warm, honest book, and, to use a much overused word, a classic.” –Michael Korda, author of Country MattersWhen Betty MacDonald married a marine and moved to a small chicken farm on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, she was largely unprepared for the rigors of life in the wild. With no running water, no electricity, a house in need … With no running water, no electricity, a house in need of constant repair, and days that ran from four in the morning to nine at night, the MacDonalds had barely a moment to put their feet up and relax. And then came the children. Yet through every trial and pitfall—through chaos and catastrophe—this indomitable family somehow, mercifully, never lost its sense of humor.
A beloved literary treasure for more than half a century, Betty MacDonald’s The Egg and I is a heartwarming and uproarious account of adventure and survival on an American frontier.
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different area of country and life style
This book is a humorous account of farm life without electricity, running water, or indoor toilets. At the time of this story farm women were expected to do all of the cooking, laundry, cleaning (including scrubbing floors daily), and to care for the children, then feed the chickens, haul water, and help their husband with heavy farm work. City dwellers had access to electricity and indoor toilets, but those luxuries had not yet reached remote rural areas. It is hard to believe this sort of depravation could be funny, however the book is not only witty but at times it is laugh – out – loud funny. The characters are endearing and the glimpse into the past is thoroughly enjoyable.
Interesting, but I couldn’t wait til I was done and I could start reading something else.
I love this book. It proves a book can be entertaining without foul language, violence or steamy romance. It is a straight-forward glimpse into the life of two young people starting out in life, following their dream, and the fascinating characters they meet, much different from anyone the bride had ever seen. I believe it is one of the best, funniest books I have ever read, and I read a lot.
Her mother said that whatever work her husband wants, she should be supportive. So this girl raised with piano lessons and comfort, finds herself on an egg farm in the middle of nowhere. An American classic.
Laugh-out-loud funny! Wonderful way with words!
I was traveling the Olympic mountains when I read it. Beautiful area of our world.
Really had to stick with it. Not terribly exciting but I enjoyed the aspect of how people lived back then. Their hard work was really admirable.
This was a great memoir about owning a farmstead on the side of a mountain and trying to raise a child without the modern comforts of today such as running water, electricity and toilets.
Ugh.
I read it at warp speed and didn’t want it to end. Cleverly written. Witty observations. Sometimes humorous, other times heartbreaking. Enjoyed her quirky cast of characters as they navigated life without the conveniences we casually take for granted.
Based on the many reviews of this book being laugh out loud funny and a “classic not to miss”, I was terribly disappointed. In fact, I couldn’t even get all the way through the book. I found it difficult to empathize with the female protagonist who put up with appalling conditions, an uncaring husband and neighbors I would have chased off with a shotgun. Actually, I would have chased the husband off too. I get that it was written at a time when women were supposed to put out, put up and shut up but I did not find it an enjoyable read on any level.
I I enjoyed this book but I’m not sure why. I’m not understanding why anyone would move to a desolate place and build a home where plumbing, running water, electricity, nor gas are available and raise chickens. This is having the entrepreneurial spirit on a whole new level, but it does make for an entertaining story. Their quirky neighbors and the local wildlife add to the tale.
This was awful! The author’s blatant bigotry about Native Americans was truly appalling. So they moved to the boondocks and her husband adjusted better than she did…so what? I couldn’t even finish it!
I remember the movie which everyone thought was so funny (including me, I think). Gave up on book by second chapter. Doubt I willl go back to it. Boring.
A lightheastory of a newlywed urban housewife moving to a chicken ranch in need of repair in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
I used to live in Port Townsend & used to drive by the road that led to the ranch!
Written by the author of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books, a delightful biographical story of a city girl who moves to a chicken farm. Meet the “ real” Ma & Pa Kettle, neighbors of Betty. Wonderfully written & made into a movie staring Fred McMurray ( see Turner Classic Movies). An excellent addition to your library!
Loved this book.
Very entertaining read about a real life person .. Easy to put down and pick up again like a really well written novel. Loved it.
In spite of the many years that have elapsed between the publication of this book and my reading, I can’t see the husband of the author (the other main character) in a favorable light.