51 pages • 1 hour read
Olive SchreinerThe Story of an African Farm
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1883A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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 The novel employs racist stereotypes and outdated and offensive language, and discusses death, infant death, and refers to suicide.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
16-18yearsBook Details
Relationships: Marriage
Society: Education
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
African American Literature
Historical Fiction
Classic Fiction
Gender / Feminism
History: World
Victorian Literature / Period