I haven't read Trader and Onion Girl actually works better if you've read more of the Newford stories and Forests of the Heart. I'd recommend The Little Country as it stands alone better, same with Someplace to be Flying or Medicine Road or another newer one that has Maria or Grace in the title.

It doesn't sound like you're dissing him at all, I don't like all of his stuff. I recently read one of his earlier books and was slightly disappointed. If you're willing, I'd explore more of his books because he has written a lot and most of it is wonderful and he does a number of different things.