Driven Back to Eden
What is Driven Back to Eden about?
Driven Back to Eden (1885) is Edward Payson Roe’s semi-autobiographical novel about a New York City family who, facing financial difficulties, moves to a small farm in the Hudson Valley. The father, Robert Dobbins, must learn practical farming skills while his family adapts to rural life. Based on Roe’s own experience leaving the ministry for farming, the book combines practical horticultural advice with a narrative of family resilience and the restorative power of rural life. It is both a novel and a guide to country living.
Main themes in Driven Back to Eden
Back to the land
Back to the land emerges as a defining element in Driven Back to Eden, shaping character development.
Rural life
The presence of rural life in Driven Back to Eden connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Family resilience
The presence of family resilience in Driven Back to Eden connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Practical farming
The theme of practical farming weaves through Driven Back to Eden, adding depth to its narrative.
Why Driven Back to Eden is still relevant today
Driven Back to Eden reflects the back-to-the-land movement of the 1880s and Roe’s own farming experience. Its blend of fiction and practical advice makes it a unique document of Gilded Age rural life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Driven Back to Eden about?
A city family moves to a Hudson Valley farm, learning practical farming while discovering the restorative power of rural life.
Is it autobiographical?
Semi-autobiographical—Roe himself left the ministry for farming and drew on his own experience.
Does it include farming advice?
Yes, unusually for a novel, it includes practical horticultural guidance alongside the narrative.
Can I read it free?
Yes, the complete novel is available free on TextStack.