Pastorals of Dorset

"Pastorals of Dorset" by M. E. Francis is a collection of stories that paints a picture of life in the countryside during the early 1900s. It focuses on the everyday experiences of people living in Dorset, with an emphasis on farming, relationships within the community, and how time changes everything. We meet Farmer Joyce and Abel Robbins, an old shepherd, and their struggles with their age, their jobs, and how society is changing all around them. The book starts by showing their lives, specifically about how the shepherd is getting old and having trouble working, and the discussion shines light on his unwillingness to accept less money. The story immediately pulls you in through the economic challenges faced by the elderly residents; it highlights the loyalty and strong bonds formed through long years of service, as Robbins faces the inevitable changes in his life.