Adopting an Abandoned Farm

By: Kate Sanborn

Narrated by: Beata Pozniak

Nominated for a Voice Arts Award–Outstanding Audiobook Narration–Classics–Best Voiceover

Adopting an Abandoned Farm—a woman’s journey as a writer-farmer in a man’s world is a compelling narrative of a trailblazing woman who defies societal norms by pursuing both farming and writing in a male-dominated landscape. Leaving behind city life, Sanborn immerses herself in the challenges of rural existence while continuing to document her experiences through her writing. As the sole female farmer, she faces skepticism and astonishment from male counterparts at auctions and farm sales, where her presence disrupts expectations. Undeterred, Sanborn boldly asserts herself, bidding among men and proving her mettle in the competitive world of agriculture. Through her resilience and determination, she becomes a beacon of inspiration, challenging readers to defy stereotypes and pursue their dreams against all odds. Sanborn’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of breaking down barriers in the pursuit of one’s passions.

Public Domain (P)2024 Beata Pozniak, Discordia Global Media

Remarkable

Listening to Adopting an Abandoned Farm is like discovering a forgotten diary from a remarkable woman. Kate Sanborn's 1891 memoir, brought to life through Beata Pozniak's warm, slightly defiant narration, is absolutely made for this character. The story recounts Sanborn’s decision to abandon city life and take up farming and writing, a move that placed an educated, upper-middle-class woman directly into the rough-and-tumble, male-dominated world of New England agriculture.

What makes the audiobook compelling is how effectively the narration conveys the sheer audacity of Sanborn’s journey. When the text describes her walking into farm sales and auctions, facing the "skepticism and astonishment" of her male counterparts, Pozniak’s tone shifts—it becomes firm, witty, and perfectly calibrated to capture Sanborn's bold assertion of herself as a competent bidder and proprietor. You can hear the historical resistance and her undeterred resilience, making the experience deeply personal and inspiring.

This is more than a simple story of farm life; it’s a vital historical document told intimately. The listener gets a rare, unfiltered perspective on what it meant for a woman to demand independence and challenge gender roles over a century ago. The audiobook succeeds by using the power of voice to bridge the historical gap, making Sanborn’s struggle for economic freedom and validation as a writer-farmer feel urgent and relevant even today. It's a wonderful listen for anyone interested in women’s history, early American memoir, or the simple power of pursuing your passions against the grain.