The Story of an African Farm (Penguin Classics)
Editorial Reviews
From 500 Great Books by Women; review by Erica Bauermeister
Renowned as a pioneering effort of South African literature, The Story of An African Farm was a work strongly influenced by nineteenth-century British traditions, filled with extended philosophical discussions, characters reminiscient of Charles Dickens, and an almost complete silence on the issue of race relations. But for all its Victorian attributes, the novel is a landmark in many ways. First is the setting in the rural South African landscape which Olive Schreiner evokes in all its bleakness and beauty, a fitting backdrop for the spiritual and philosophical development of Lyndall and Waldo, two soulmates who unceasingly search for truth throughout their lives. Their quest is frustrated - in Lyndall's case by gender restrictions and for Waldo by social position. The novel is also significant for Lyndall's character. Her forthright feminism, her refusal to alter her principles and her determination not to marry her lover despite her pregnancy make her a noteworthy female character in nineteenth century literature. In the end, the book has an uneven quality, but it is important both for its place in literary history and for the moments when it soars in its descriptions and philosophical revelations. -- For great reviews of books for girls, check out Let's Hear It for the Girls: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Paula M. Krebs, Wheaton College
This edition is an important achievement.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
The Story of an African Farm (Penguin Classics)
The Story of an African Farm (Penguin Classics),Olive Schreiner,Dan Jacobson,Penguin Classics,0140431845,Fiction,Fiction - Historical,Historical - General,Classic fiction,Fiction / Literary,Modern fiction
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