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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What was that?
This felt very uneven to me - some gorgeous bits interspersed with parts that just droned on and on. I was interested in the depictions of the immigrant settler communities, though we only get little glimpses of them. I really liked the character of Alexandra, until the last section, which basically ruined it for me.
One glaring bit, on page 37 in my copy: “For the first time, perhaps, since that land emerged from the waters of geologic ages, a human face was set toward it with love and yearning.” Meaning Alexandra. Meaning it was empty of humans before the Bergsons and other settlers came along. Talk about erasure of millenia of Native Americans living on that land!! (It’s a lot like the LIW line about the land being empty of people, with only wolves and Indians there.)
In conclusion, argh.
This felt very uneven to me - some gorgeous bits interspersed with parts that just droned on and on. I was interested in the depictions of the immigrant settler communities, though we only get little glimpses of them. I really liked the character of Alexandra, until the last section, which basically ruined it for me.
One glaring bit, on page 37 in my copy: “For the first time, perhaps, since that land emerged from the waters of geologic ages, a human face was set toward it with love and yearning.” Meaning Alexandra. Meaning it was empty of humans before the Bergsons and other settlers came along. Talk about erasure of millenia of Native Americans living on that land!! (It’s a lot like the LIW line about the land being empty of people, with only wolves and Indians there.)
In conclusion, argh.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Poignant is the first word that comes to mind when I recall reading O Pioneers!. I was so drawn in from the first chapter, partially because I just needed to read something beautiful that wasn't academic at the time. Talk about deep characters. I don't understand farming much, but I understand people a little bit. And Willa Cather definitely understands people. It was one of those books that you read in a week just because it calls to you whenever you are doing anything else. Plus, it's short, so you know that you can finish quickly. I've gotten a taste of Willa Cather, and now I can't get enough!
adventurous
reflective
sad
just makes me wanna become a farmer
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
emotional
reflective
fast-paced