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informative reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I really loved the first half of this book, following Thea during her formative childhood years in Moonstone Colorado. The beautiful and descriptive way Cather writes about the landscape makes me feel as if I’m there. I didn’t care for the second half as much but still felt invested in Thea’s experiences. Particularly her time in Arizona. Interesting book overall, following the rise of a talented singer and artist who comes from small town beginnings to end up a New York City (and world wide) success story. Side note- I find it so interesting that Willa Cather, a woman born in 1873, writes her female characters so independent and brave. I often forget what era I’m reading about when reading Cather novels, they always feel like they could be more current.
emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-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
emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

I feel this book is done a disservice by being put into a series with "O Pioneers!" Well, starting out similar, "The Song of the Lark" veers drastically about halfway through. The book focuses on the growth of the protagonist as a professional singer, with ostensible ties to the land of her past. However, I don't feel those ties are emphasized enough to be considered a main theme of the story.

I felt the book started much more strongly than it finished, and if it had wrapped up after the Arizona sequence, I feel it would have been on par with "O Pioneers!"
adventurous emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

The writing was really enjoyable and all the characters were drawn out and believable, but there were so many that weren't likeable.- including the main character. I enjoyed her as a child but her overall attitude about life and people over time was disheartening.

Beautiful

The first 2/3 thirds was wonderful typical Cather story and descriptive prose. The last third, save the final chapter, would have been interesting had I a working knowledge of opera...I don't. This is supposed to be her most autobiographical work. The early setting certainly uses the blueprint of Cather's childhood home and hometown of Red Cloud, NE. My visit there last month greatly enhanced the reading of this book.
emotional inspiring 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: Yes
adventurous slow-paced

The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather – It’s a coming of age story, and artist’s journey, and an American dream in the big city adventure all in one. Happy Reading!