A Thousand Acres

A Thousand Acres

First edition cover
Author	Jane Smiley
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Fiction
Publisher	Alfred A. Knopf
Publication date	1991
Pages	371
ISBN	0-394-57773-6

A Thousand Acres is a novel by Jane Smiley that was published in 1991. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction in 1992. The novel is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear, set on a farm in Iowa.

Plot Summary

The story is narrated by Ginny Cook Smith, the eldest of three daughters in the Cook family. The family owns a thousand-acre farm in Iowa, which is managed by their father, Larry Cook. The novel explores themes of power, betrayal, and the complexities of family relationships.

Larry Cook decides to divide his farm among his three daughters: Ginny, Rose, and Caroline. However, Caroline, the youngest, is skeptical of the plan and is subsequently disinherited. The decision sets off a chain of events that unravels the family, revealing long-buried secrets and leading to tragedy.

As the story progresses, Ginny and Rose uncover painful memories of their father's abuse, which they had repressed for years. The novel delves into the psychological impact of these revelations and the sisters' struggle to come to terms with their past.

Themes

A Thousand Acres explores several themes, including:

• **Power and Control**: The novel examines the dynamics of power within the family, particularly the patriarchal control exerted by Larry Cook.
• **Betrayal and Loyalty**: The story highlights the complexities of loyalty and betrayal among family members.
• **Memory and Trauma**: The narrative delves into the impact of repressed memories and the trauma of abuse.
• **Feminism and Gender Roles**: The novel critiques traditional gender roles and the limited opportunities available to women in rural America.

Characters

• Ginny Cook Smith: The protagonist and narrator, who struggles with her past and her role in the family.
• Rose Cook Lewis: Ginny's sister, who is more outspoken and confrontational.
• Larry Cook: The patriarch of the Cook family, whose decision to divide the farm sets off the central conflict.
• Caroline Cook: The youngest daughter, who becomes estranged from the family.
• Ty Smith: Ginny's husband, who works on the farm.
• Pete Lewis: Rose's husband, who has a troubled relationship with his wife.

Reception

A Thousand Acres received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and its exploration of complex themes. It was praised for its rich character development and its modern adaptation of King Lear. The novel's portrayal of rural American life and its critique of patriarchal structures resonated with readers and critics alike.

Adaptations

In 1997, A Thousand Acres was adapted into a film directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, starring Jessica Lange, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The film received mixed reviews but was noted for its strong performances.

Also see

• Jane Smiley
• King Lear
• Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
• National Book Critics Circle Award