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snpf's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this as an audiobook and repeatedly rewound it to rehear passages that were just so beautifully written I wanted to truly absorb them. Cather's descriptions of the land, struggles, and people genuinely make you feel like you are there. While I had other characters that were more a favorite including Lina, I appreciated the fullness of the narrator/male character Jim as so often I am finding from authors today that male characters are somewhat hollow and he was so fleshed out especially his young and teenage self that I think all authors should read this book as a master class. :-)
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
leahgustafson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? No
5.0
I had not previously read any Willa Cather, and I didn’t know what to expect going in. Honestly, I could not believe how much I enjoyed this one! It reminded me so much of Little House but for adults, and it made me nostalgic for my childhood, reading the Little House series with my grandma.
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I loved the descriptions of and love for the land itself. The writing is beautiful, but I think part of this also has to do with living in the Midwest my whole life.
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The structure of this book is very unique in that it is focused around Jim’s thoughts, memories, and feelings. However, this did not feel boring or “too quiet” for me. I love Jim’s view of the “country girls” despite what others around him say and think. I really appreciate the depiction and exploration of what it means to live a “full life.” I LOVE that the reader really gets to see the girls come full circle—from childhood to middle age.
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I found this one cozy yet meaningful, and I will definitely be reading more Cather! If you’re looking for a classic to cross off your list this summer, this one is very readable/accessible.
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Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism
julialou's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
edamamebean's review
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
bluelightbeam's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Suicide and Murder
comuniquetres's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
bunny_campos's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
sophieberger16's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
This wasn't my usual type of read and it did feel really slow at times, but overall I did enjoy it and appreciated it splitting the plot into different "books."
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
baybod's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Minor: Murder
tradepaperback's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Murder