The Secret Life of Cows

By: Rosamund Young

Narrated by: Rosamund Young

"Within a day of receiving this book, I had consumed it... Absorbing, moving, and compulsively readable."—Lydia Davis

In this affectionate, heart-warming chronicle, Rosamund Young distills a lifetime of organic farming wisdom, describing the surprising personalities of her cows and other animals

At her famous Kite's Nest Farm in Worcestershire, England, the cows (as well as sheep, hens, and pigs) all roam free. They make their own choices about rearing, grazing, and housing. Left to be themselves, the cows exhibit temperaments and interests as diverse as our own. "Fat Hat" prefers men to women; "Chippy Minton" refuses to sleep with muddy legs and always reports to the barn for grooming before bed; "Jake" has a thing for sniffing the carbon monoxide fumes of the Land Rover exhaust pipe; and "Gemima" greets all humans with an angry shake of the head and is fiercely independent.

An organic farmer for decades, Young has an unaffected and homely voice. Her prose brims with genuine devotion to the wellbeing of animals. Most of us never apprehend the various inner lives animals possess, least of all those that we might eat. But Young has spent countless hours observing how these creatures love, play games, and form life-long friendships. She imparts hard-won wisdom about the both moral and real-world benefits of organic farming. (If preserving the dignity of animals isn't a good enough reason for you, consider how badly factory farming stunts the growth of animals, producing unhealthy and tasteless food.)

This gorgeously-illustrated book, which includes an original introduction by the legendary British playwright Alan Bennett, is the summation of a life's work, and a delightful and moving tribute to the deep richness of animal sentience.

Enjoyed these observations and stories very much

I have horses, goats, chickens and have raised pigs - and of course, have dogs and cats. No experience at all with cows, or sheep (there's a bit about sheep in this book too.) Many animal-lovers enjoy observing how they interact with each other and with us humans. So, these stories and observations were naturally enjoyable to me. The depth of observations and making of connections, the noticing of patterns, is what made this book an extra special experience.

The author's own narration of her stories and essays is perfect.

I have, and will, recommend this audio book to people who have an interest in animals, but especially to those interested in animal intelligence.

Amazingly observations!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Having personal experience with livestock added to the listening pleasure. Animals raised in environments suited suited to their natures are truly happy and healthy creatures.
Thank you for sharing this book.

The Real World

As a degreed former farm and ranch manager from Texas, my contemporaries were more concerned with cowboying and shambling along than in understanding both their role and that of the land and creatures we were raising. This book puts a sharp definition without feeling in your face, describing in a plain and entertaining way how animals really are, including the human variety.

Animal People Know

Delightful stories about the quirky personalities antics and adventures of these cows. I work with horses who are quite similar. Gonna have to have a salad for dinner.

Heartwarming and fun

I absolutely loved this book. Listening to it in the morning on my way to work it made my day. I wish it was longer, I would have listened to these stories for months!