Broken to the Plow : A Novel

Broken to the Plow: A Novel by Charles Caldwell Dobie is a powerful story set in the rural American Midwest exploring themes of resilience hardship and the connection between people and the land. The novel follows the life of a hardworking farmer who faces numerous challenges in both his personal life and his work on the farm. The title itself refers to the idea of being broken by difficult circumstances yet finding strength in the process of persevering and returning to the land.The protagonist is a man shaped by the struggles of farming life—dealing with the unpredictability of nature economic hardship and the constant physical demands of rural labor. As the narrative unfolds readers witness his emotional and physical toll as he battles against forces beyond his control while also experiencing moments of quiet triumph and personal growth. The novel explores not only the personal strength required to endure such challenges but also the deep emotional connection the farmer has with the land he tills.