This was not a particularly enjoyable book unless one has a penchant for strangeness. The dynamics between generations depicted how education and modern society lead people to be respectful of older family members and yet avoid family traditions. In my opinion, this story is unnecessarily weird in relating the throes and perplexities of a young girl growing up and understanding the world around her.

What did make the novel interesting was the author's ability to make the reader realize the complex thinking and emotions taking place in this young body. The increasing level of understanding of herself and others (friends and family) as she grew older was well done. One could feel the physical and societal remoteness of this farm and its inhabitants with the writing, but left me wondering what had occurred that seemed to estrange the family from the community.

All in all, I would consider The Empire of Dirt to be quite interesting, but not a relaxing easily understood read.