The Farm (Smith novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Tom Rob Smith |
| Products | Psychological thriller novel |
The Farm (2014) is a psychological thriller authored by Tom Rob Smith, taking place across locations in London and Sweden. This book marks Smith's fourth publication and his initial standalone novel.
Themes
The story delves into subjects such as mental illness, familial relationships, and the concept of truth. The main character, Daniel, faces upheaval when his father informs him that his mother is afflicted with intense paranoid delusions. Contrarily, the mother maintains her sanity and accuses Daniel's father of being connected to sexual offenses in the community. Daniel finds himself caught in a dilemma over whom to believe.
Inspiration
Smith based aspects of the narrative on his mother's battle with psychosis, from which she made a full recovery. He observed her remarkable clarity and insight during her paranoid episodes, emphasizing how psychosis can sometimes enhance self-perception—an insight that enriched his perspective on mental health.
Reception
The Observer characterized the novel as "a gripping, atmospheric" tale. The Independent lauded Smith's prose as "unsettling and oppressive," effectively blurring the boundaries between sanity and insanity, as well as reality and illusion. According to The Guardian, it is "a neatly plotted book full of stories within stories," praising its capacity to deliver surprises within the Scandinavian crime genre.
From a commercial standpoint, The Farm achieved notable success, securing the number 2 position on The Sunday Times hardback fiction list during its initial month.
Film adaptation
Film rights were obtained in March 2014 by BBC Films and Shine Pictures. Ollie Madden, serving as Shine's film division head, is set to produce, while Christine Langan will take on executive producer responsibilities for BBC Films.