"A Thousand Acres" is a novel by Jane Smiley, published in 1991. It is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's play "King Lear," set on a family farm in Iowa. The story revolves around the Cook family, particularly the three daughters, as they navigate complex relationships, secrets, and the impact of their father's decisions. The narrative explores themes of power, betrayal, and the struggle for identity. As the father, Larry Cook, decides to divide the farm among his daughters, tensions rise, leading to dramatic revelations and conflicts that challenge their family bonds and individual lives.