Set against the backdrop of rural New South Wales, The Farm is a psychological thriller brimming with ghosts and family secrets. After having surgery to remove ovarian cysts and fibroids, Leila sets off on a year-long sabbatical at her partner James’ family farm. One of the most affecting parts of The Farm is Mansour-Nahra’s portrayal of Leila’s relationship with her mother growing up. Verbally, emotionally, and physically abusive, Leila’s mother is a domineering presence throughout the book, two decades after her death when Leila was 17. The Farm by Jessica Mansour-NahraThe Farm: what’s real and what’s imagined?