Reviews with content warning for Murder - My Antonia

Reviews tagging 'Murder'

My Antonia by Willa Cather

6 reviews

edamamebean's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book so much I don’t think I can even say. I bought it because it sounded good but then kept putting it off because I was worried it would be boring, but it kept calling to me from my bookshelf and finally on a cozy rainy night, I gave in and picked it up and couldn’t put it down. It’s a beautiful coming of age story, and although not very much happens it’s not boring for a second. The chapters are really short, so the pages go by quickly. I loved the characters and the town of Black Hawk, and it reminded me a little of Anne of Green Gables but with some slightly more serious themes. It was just so good and devastating at times. I will absolutely be reading more by Willa Cather. I found out that she was buried not too far from where I live and I think I might have to go visit her grave to say thank you for this beautiful little book.

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bluelightbeam's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

This book was a quick read, and I enjoyed most of it. The worst part was probably the chapter about Samson d’Arnault. I was disturbed by the language used to describe him.

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baybod's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I LOVE Willa Cather. She writes in a way that makes me miss a Nebraska I never lived in. Her description of the land fosters a love and appreciation for it that few authors can create so well. Her characterization is masterful. She brings her characters to life so vividly and succinctly that I feel I know them and care about them after an introductory paragraph. I loved how this novel presented several strong female characters, each following a different life path, but each achieving success in the way that they define it. I love how the women in the story lift each other up and celebrate their successes even when what one of them succeeds in doing, another would never want to do. Cather’s representation of female agency and diversity in life paths for the women in her stories is distinctly feminist.

I love that Lena, Tiny and Ántonia are all viewed as incredibly successful though they live such different lives—a successful, but not rich, dressmaker, an adventurous and rich woman, and a mother of eleven who has led her farm to success. The way the three of them celebrate each other just adds to my love for it. I appreciate the books deep respect for the cultures of the several immigrant communities who developed Nebraska into what it is now and appreciate the strong stance, through Jim’s character, that Cather takes against those who look down on the diversity of culture in the countryside. I love that Jim values Ántonia’s culture so much, visiting her home land and referring to her language as a rich, old language. Additionally, I think the book represents well the hardship Ántonia went through, especially with her father’s death, and shows how she is able to find joy while also still carrying him with her. Finally, the value the book puts on the past and shared childhoods, emphasizes by the epigraph, optima dies.. prima fugit, makes it a splendidly nostalgic experience. The book is at once melancholy and hopeful.

Overall, I really appreciate this novels representation of and respect for the diversity which existed in the great plains in its early days and the nostalgic feel of the story. Jim’s overwhelming respect and love for Ántonia really drives the book home. As always, Willa Cather delivers with another quaint, country masterpiece.

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tradepaperback's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

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nikkiacat's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Excellent! Enjoyed it much more than Oh, Pioneer! Not that that one was bad, but this one was just...better. it was very interesting, viewing Antonia solely through Jim's eyes. You love her as he loves her. So glad she wound up with the life she did. Seems really nice (as either Lena or Tiny said, I forget which, not for me but seems like fun.) There was some random, totally out of place racism. I mean I know the book was written in the early 20th century but geez. It just came out of nowhere and made me cringe. Aside from that, this was an excellent read, with some lovely lyrical writing in spots.

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cpmorr01's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Slice of life. An adult "Little House on the Prairie" story about immigrants, farming, and family. I didn't think I was going to like it, but it was a pretty good read!

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