If I were to name all of my favorite feminist novels, The Story of An African Farm will certainly be top of that list. It is a touching story covering the worrisome topics that bother us in our everyday lives and possibly in the early hours of the morning.

But first, here is a bit of background information about the novel. The Story of An African Farm is a popular novel that touches upon topical issues like feminism. Dating back to the late nineteenth century, it is one of those classics that is recognized as a timeless piece, the type which remains relevant to current times. And so you find that many consider this book as one of the earliest fictional takes on feminist themes. The author, Olive Schreiner, was a renowned spokesperson for such topics and thus, readers will find that subplots of this book were driven by her own beliefs and views. Other than feminism, prevailing themes include imperialism and religion where South African-born Schreiner painted the negative aspects of these two fields by drawing from her own experiences.

As for the story itself, the novel traces the life of three friends, Waldo, Lyndall and Em. All three spend their early years on a farm in South Africa. The three children have distinct personalities and their traits are key to the unfolding of the main plot. Waldo is an introverted intellectual of sorts who wishes to learn more about the world. In fact, he seeks answers to life which of course cannot be found on their small world on the farm. Lyndall's pursuits did not revolve around the meaning of life; rather, she focused on women's rights and fought on this issue consistently. Em was the quiet submissive one who did not have either one's rebellious tendencies. And so, to uncover the greater mysteries of our life – and to discover the true meaning of freedom for all – Waldo and Lyndall leave the farm and head off to explore the world. Both of them are constantly held back  - be it by social norms or situational problems - in their quest for answers. Soon enough, the paths of all three cross again and the readers catch a glimpse of the world, as they have uncovered it in their older wiser years. I will not give away too much of the story but do keep in mind that the cynical views of Lyndall and Waldo build up a rather bleak picture of the world. 

If feminist novels which question religious norms as well as colonial mentality interests you, then this book is definitely worth a read. Schreiner exemplifies the three themes in each protagonists - Lyndall is the feminist who questions all the double standards of society, Waldo ponders about religion and its influence on everyone's life and Em is a dutiful housewife who helps tame the farmland. Each one seeks happiness whilst adhering to these beliefs and passions. However, they all discover that if they were lived a non-conformist life where they stood up for their beliefs, it would take them on a path that diverged sharply from a lifetime of joy and happiness. To this effect, Lyndall and Waldo are helpless individuals who are sometimes overwhelmed by stringent and unfair social norms. In their cases, it was not victory that mattered to the reader; it was their fervent insistence on upholding their beliefs in the face of all adversity. On the other hand, Em conforms to all that is required of her and seeks bliss in through her compliance. Thus, she represented the type of apathy and unquestioning conformity which spurred on colonialists in their unsuccessful attempts to conquer the African land.