A thousand acres

a novel

by Jane Smiley

371 pages

English language

Published Dec. 14, 2003 by Anchor Books.

ISBN:: 978-1-4000-3383-6

This powerful twentieth-century reimagining of Shakespeare’s King Lear centers on a wealthy Iowa farmer who decides to divide his farm between his three daughters. When the youngest objects, she is cut out of his will. This sets off a chain of events that brings dark truths to light and explodes long-suppressed emotions. Ambitiously conceived and stunningly written, A Thousand Acres takes on themes of truth, justice, love, and pride—and reveals the beautiful yet treacherous topography of humanity.

12 editions

Sharyl reviewed A thousand acres by Jane Smiley

Review of 'A thousand acres' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

This is a wonderful novel, full of vivid characters and unexpected twists. I had sympathy for almost all the characters and cared what happened to them--I could not put it down. Warning: It does not end well; it's a tragedy.