The Farm

Surrogate. What does it mean to be a mother? Joanne Ramos explores that question as well as the consequences of income inequality in her novel titled, The Farm. The Farm is what the residents call the rural and isolated estate named Golden Oaks where they are isolated while awaiting the birth of babies. Rich people outsource all sorts of unwelcome tasks, and in the case of Golden Oaks, they outsource the birth of their children. Women are selected to be hosts and are well compensated to live in isolation and tight surveillance while they carry the progeny of the mega rich. Many of these surrogates have made this choice as a way to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Ramos can be provocative in this novel and yet makes the arrangements seem perfectly normal and mutually beneficial. As we get to know the characters, we understand the consequences of the choices that are made. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Farm from amazon.com.