When growing tomato plants, it’s important to stake them six feet apart. Handling okra pods requires careful clipping to avoid skin rashes. Squash plants are sturdy and have a low-lying growth pattern. These details might not be common knowledge, but Arlo Crawford’s first memoir, A Farm Dies Once A Year, sheds light on various aspects of farming.
The narrative unfolds with Crawford, a thirtysomething hipster residing in Cambridge, transitioning from an artist to a farmer. His decision to spend half a year on his parents’ Pennsylvania farm leads to a reflection on his childhood, filled with memories of time spent on tractors and at local markets. Throughout the memoir, Crawford examines his parents’ farming lifestyle as both a participant and observer, allowing his perspective on their profession to evolve.
While Crawford appreciates the simple pleasures of farm life, such as his mother calling the dogs to accompany her while harvesting broccoli, or his father testing and enjoying freshly picked corn, there is a deeper desire to reconcile his identity within the backdrop of his upbringing.
An instance that encapsulates this journey is when Crawford undertakes building a house on his parents’ land. Initially daunted by the technicalities involved, he finds joy in the process as he observes how the structure comes together harmoniously. This transformative experience parallels his emotional and narrative development, symbolizing the coherence and artistry he seeks to achieve.
Despite his enthusiasm, Crawford doesn’t gloss over the less picturesque aspects of farm life. He weaves narratives of realities like a clogged irrigation system, chickens consuming broken eggs, and the demanding labor of harvesting squash in scorching conditions. By incorporating these details, Crawford educates readers on the intricacies of agricultural work, from the financial implications of crop failures to the delicate nature of handling fresh produce.
The memoir’s emotional core lies in the narrator’s bond with his family’s farm. Though diversions like delving into a neighboring farm’s historical crime add depth, they occasionally sidetrack from the central theme. Crawford’s strength lies in his candid storytelling, where he skillfully exposes the layers beneath the surface, like reevaluating childhood memories and acknowledging mixed feelings towards farm life.
In a poignant moment, Crawford reflects on a photo in his father’s office, depicting him as a carefree child on a tractor. While this image embodies a nostalgic ideal, Crawford reveals his nuanced emotions, highlighting the complexity inherent in his relationship with the farm. Through his storytelling approach of setting the scene, exploring nuances, and challenging assumptions, Crawford crafts a compelling narrative that captures the essence of his journey towards understanding and appreciation.
