Official Review: The farm by Frans Bijsterveld

[Saint Bruno]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The farm" by Frans Bijsterveld.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The farm by Frans Bijsterveld is a non-fiction book about the author's family roots. Mr. Bijsterveld anchors his story on the life of his great-grandmother, Anna Hazelhurst. Anna's father, João Albasini, had endured the deadly sea voyage with his father from Portugal to Mozambique. He eventually settled in South Africa, where Anna was born in 1874. In 1895, she married James 'Jim' Hazelhurst, and they went on to have four children, which included the author's grandmother. When their son turned 13, Anna traveled to England with her children to enroll him in a boarding school, but they couldn't make it back to Africa due to World War I. While still in England, she got the sad news of her husband's death. So in 1916, Anna returned to their home in Selukwe, Southern Rhodesia, with her children to develop their farm. She completed their farmhouse and began commercial operations in it. Anna was a very respected woman who went through a lot to provide for her family, giving them memories they would treasure through generations.

This book is a product of thorough research and exciting storytelling skills. What I like the most about this book is that it contains lots of documents and pictures which corroborate the author's story. Also, I was able to put faces to the names mentioned in the book through the photos, which made the book more engaging.

Another aspect of this book I liked is that it brought back memories of how life used to be, especially in Africa. I also enjoyed the history lessons in the book and learned a lot about colonialism in Africa. The author's insights into the South African Boer War and the transportation business in Africa at that time are also commendable.

Furthermore, the author's writing style makes his narrations easy to follow. And the family tree diagram he included helped me to know who was who. However, I didn't enjoy the organization of some of the pictures in the book. In some cases, there would be more than three photos in one frame, which made the pictures a bit unclear at first glance. I didn't enjoy having to zoom in to understand them.

Overall, my reading experience was a fascinating one. The book is exceptionally edited and without any errors. Due to the issue I mentioned above, I am reluctantly taking a star off its rating. But considering the many other points going for the book, it deserves more than two stars. Therefore, I rate The farm 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy historical non-fiction stories, especially those interested in learning about the challenges faced by European pioneers in Africa.

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The farm
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[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I enjoy reading about characters and seeing them as well. Books with pictures make it that much more interesting for me. Great review.

[zainherb]

I love books about Africa during colonialism. Maybe I will give it a try.
Great review!

[RHD]

This is quite the story. It's amazing to know that some families can trace their descendants through centuries. Good job on the review, Saint Bruno!

[shravsi]

A fascinating book. You have written a well-descriptive review.

[PeterRabitt20]

I like having enough photos in books. It is important that they are clear. Also, the story has an interesting plot, going to Africa from Europe and then not being able to go back due to war. This is quite the adventure. Thanks for your review.

[Chizioboli]

Your book review gave me an aha moment...thank you for this amazing and flawless review

[Saint Bruno]

I love books about Africa during colonialism. Maybe I will give it a try.
Great review!

This is quite the story. It's amazing to know that some families can trace their descendants through centuries. Good job on the review, Saint Bruno!

I enjoy reading about characters and seeing them as well. Books with pictures make it that much more interesting for me. Great review.

A fascinating book. You have written a well-descriptive review.

I like having enough photos in books. It is important that they are clear. Also, the story has an interesting plot, going to Africa from Europe and then not being able to go back due to war. This is quite the adventure. Thanks for your review.

Your book review gave me an aha moment...thank you for this amazing and flawless review

Thanks a lot for finding time to read and comment on my review.

[Ellylion]

It's so interesting to learn more about the history of Africa! I would definitely read this book, thank you for this amazing review!

[Prisallen]

I think pictures added to autobiographies really enhance the overall story. This sounds like one that I would enjoy. Great review!

[kdstrack]

I have read many memoirs, and the photos are always a highlight as they bring the author to life. This story intrigues me since I grew up on a farm. The historical tidbits are an added bonus. Thanks for the fascinating recommendation. This looks good!!

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your informative review. The experiences of the author's great-grandmother, Anna Hazelhurst, sounds interesting. With the amount of information and photos provided, this book will serve as a historical material for those who like to know about life in Africa.

[smolbird]

I like the idea of being able to put a face on the person you are reading about. Thank you for your detailed review.

[Josephe-Anne]

This sounds like a great book about family history. I like that the author actually went back several generations to learn about his ancestors' migration.

Thank you for a well-written review.

[Kennedy NC]

It is interesting that one can trace his roots all the way down to the influence of his grandmother. Great review.