Cane-cutting is back-breaking work, and every year some people die during the harvest.

ECONOMIST: Biofuels in Brazil

In 1998, after eight years of frustration and back-breaking work, Mr Clissold, at the age of 38, suffered a total collapse.

ECONOMIST: A disorderly heaven

Meanwhile Rhoda's mother is doing back-breaking work on her husband's cabin.

ECONOMIST: The many miseries that shape a marriage