"Shows off the late novelist's ability to soothe, shock and find the humor in dark moments. these small, absinthey sips of Barker are a break from one's usual mental cage." -- The New York Times "Enchanting. a witty, lyrical and moving foray into Barker's Scottish childhood, marriage, widowhood, farm life and more. It's a love affair with words--and life--that makes the writer seem like a treasured friend." -- People "Spellbinding. showcasing Barker's lyrical prose and frank introspection. Poignant and poetic, this enchants.

" -- Publishers Weekly "Joyous, startling, funny, lush, dark and complex." -- The Times (UK) "Warm, witty, and insightful, this book reveals the rich inner world of an unassuming woman with a gift for transforming the mundane realities of her existence into narratives filled with magic and wonder. A quiet delight." -- Kirkus "Elspeth Barker could write about anything and have you longing for more. Notes from the Henhouse is a book for which one feels incredulous gratitude. How come, you think, she is not better known? The book deserves to be permanently on the bedside table - to cheer, reassure and inspire." --Kate Kellaway, The Observer "Barker's prose is poetic but not inflated, visceral but smooth. Notes from the Henhouse is a vibrant, jubilant testament to both her life and work.

" --Lucy Scholes, Daily Telegraph.