You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Pleasant read, though I could not really "sink" into the novel, as jarring notes kept jumping at me - the main protagonist, Alexandra, raised on a farm in the middle of nowhere, not much of a reader, living among simple, uncultured people, is exceedingly perceptive and thoughtful in her perception of human feelings. But she is not alone, as I think maybe with the single exception of Oscar, there is no character that at least once is preoccupied with the feelings of others. Of course I am not arguing that they would not feel the most complex of inner turmoils: it is their reasoning about it that strikes the wrong chord.
Also, these characters are all good to the core, even the one (won't spoil it for you) that commits the unspeakable: each and every one of them is deep down thoroughly good and wholesome - somewhat annoying, whereas the writing is very enjoyable. The opening sentence is memorable:
One passage that struck me (out of many!) was this most delicate kiss in the suddenly darkened hall, the contrast between the tender tension in the tent and the more childish excitement outside:
but then again the over-analysing kicks in
and that is representative of what spoiled it for me.
Also, these characters are all good to the core, even the one (won't spoil it for you) that commits the unspeakable: each and every one of them is deep down thoroughly good and wholesome - somewhat annoying, whereas the writing is very enjoyable. The opening sentence is memorable:
One January day, thirty years ago, the little town of Hanover, anchored on a windy Nebraska tableland, was trying not to be blown away.
One passage that struck me (out of many!) was this most delicate kiss in the suddenly darkened hall, the contrast between the tender tension in the tent and the more childish excitement outside:
Spoiler
At that instant Amedee laid hands on the switchboard. There was a shiver and a giggle, and every one looked toward the red blur that Marie's candle made in the dark. Immediately that, too, was gone. Little shrieks and currents of soft laughter ran up and down the dark hall. Marie started up,—directly into Emil's arms. In the same instant she felt his lips. The veil that had hung uncertainly between them for so long was dissolved. Before she knew what she was doing, she had committed herself to that kiss that was at once a boy's and a man's, as timid as it was tender; so like Emil and so unlike any one else in the world.
but then again the over-analysing kicks in
Spoiler
Not until it was over did she realize what it meant. And Emil, who had so often imagined the shock of this first kiss, was surprised at its gentleness and naturalness. It was like a sigh which they had breathed together; almost sorrowful, as if each were afraid of wakening something in the other.
and that is representative of what spoiled it for me.
Cather is famous for her descriptions of natural beauty and her writing is beautiful in the same way as paintings of natural sceneries are - making you feel an inexplicable mix of feelings including the aesthetic enjoyment you get out of them, the subtle longing and a somewhat sad consciousness of frivolousness of one's existence. The story and themes are really only of secondary importance.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It would have been 4 stars if it wasn't for the last few chapters which ruined the whole story for me. Meh.
Well written, well informed, with characters that keep you reading, I understand why this is a classic. However, be prepared for a sobering read. There's nothing light-hearted about the trials this family goes through.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Willa!!!!!!!!
For lesbian fans of Steinbeck! O Pioneers! follows Alexandra, the oldest girl of a Swedish family in during the pioneer days. Alexandra is a daughter but her brothers lack the pioneer spirit. We follow her throughout her life as her family grows with the land.
You can feel how much Willa gets it....human suffering, the beauty of the land, remaining optimistic in spite of it all because of her love and deep appreciation for humanity. She was also a closeted lesbian and you can sense the beauty she found within women.
For lesbian fans of Steinbeck! O Pioneers! follows Alexandra, the oldest girl of a Swedish family in during the pioneer days. Alexandra is a daughter but her brothers lack the pioneer spirit. We follow her throughout her life as her family grows with the land.
You can feel how much Willa gets it....human suffering, the beauty of the land, remaining optimistic in spite of it all because of her love and deep appreciation for humanity. She was also a closeted lesbian and you can sense the beauty she found within women.
So beautiful in some moments that I felt like my heart was singing. I wasn't sure how I would feel about a frontier-land, pastoral type novel, but I was floored. I'm so happy to have found Willa Cather and I can't wait to read more of her works.