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51 pages 1 hour read

Olive Schreiner

The Story of an African Farm

Olive SchreinerFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1883

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Book Brief

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Olive Schreiner

The Story of an African Farm

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1883
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Karoo, South Africa • 19th century

Publication Year

1883

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Originally published under a pseudonym in 1883, Olive Schreiner’s The Story of an African Farm tells the tale of cousins Lyndall and Em, and their friendship with Waldo, the son of a German overseer, as they navigate life on a South African farm. The narrative explores themes of finding God and unity in nature, the value of education, and women’s status in marriage. The novel employs racist stereotypes and outdated and offensive language, and discusses death, infant death, and refers to suicide.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Melancholic

Challenging

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

3,034 ratings

54%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews of The Story of an African Farm by Olive Schreiner praise its pioneering feminist themes, rich characterization, and vivid depiction of South African life. However, some find the narrative structure disjointed and certain philosophical passages heavy-handed. Despite this, Schreiner's novel remains a significant work for its bold exploration of gender and societal issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Story of an African Farm?

Readers who appreciate The Story of an African Farm by Olive Schreiner are typically intrigued by pioneering feminist literature and the complexities of colonial South Africa. Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë or Middlemarch by George Eliot, which explore themes of independence and societal norms, will find this novel appealing.

3.8

3,034 ratings

54%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Karoo, South Africa • 19th century

Publication Year

1883

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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