URBAN

I have always contended that the gothic is the most appropriate form for the farm novel, given the harsh economic and social realities experienced by many farmers. William Tester seems to have agreed. Two brothers from a Florida dairy farm are in the same apartment in New York City, each asserting that a cow from their childhood, Darling, loved them best. If you're squeamish, perhaps stick with James Herriot. If you want to see a stronger writer taking a story to the limits, try out Darling.