Home Life on an Ostrich Farm

by Annie Martin

"Home Life on an Ostrich Farm" by Mrs. Annie Martin is a personal narrative and memoir written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles the author's experiences as a settler in South Africa, specifically detailing her life on an ostrich farm and her various encounters with the local environment, culture, and wildlife. Through her engaging storytelling, the book provides an insight into the simple yet adventurous life of farming in a colonial setting, with an emphasis on the peculiarities of ostrich farming and the beauty of the South African countryside. At the start of the book, the author reflects on her journey from England to South Africa with her husband, who is determined to resume ostrich farming. She describes her first impressions of the stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and the stark differences from her home, including encounters with the local Malay population and an introduction to the region's unique animals. The narrative establishes a nostalgic longing for colonial life and an eagerness for the adventures of settlement, setting the scene for an exploration of their new home in Walmer and the early days of their ostrich farming endeavor.