When The Story of an African Farm came out in 1883, there were hopes that ‘the great South African novelist’ had emerged. Regarded as one of the first feminist novels, this is the story of three children growing up on a farm in the Karoo, South Africa.
Olive Schreiner’s novel was a brave statement. It explores the position of women in late 19th century South Africa, it paints a picture of the cultural and intellectual deprivation of life on a remote farm in the Karoo, and it even includes a cross-dressing character which was something quite shocking for the time. The book had sold over 100,000 copies by the end of the 19th century and was admired by Oscar Wilde, Gladstone and George Bernard Shaw. It has often been compared to Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.
Regarded as one of the first feminist novels, this is the story of three children growing up on a farm in the Karoo.
Join me to discover the South Africa of the late 19th century through this book – CLICK HERE.
No South African could today write a book which so ignored the position of black South Africans. Let’s discuss it. Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Comments are moderated, and will not appear until approved.
[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]