Reviews

This may now be my favorite Willa Cather novel. I enjoyed the 2 Catholic novels, Death Comes for the Archbishop and Shadow in the Rock, but in this later novel, Cather writes beautifully about Lucy, a pianist who moves to Chicago to study. She becomes an accompanist to a world famous singer, an older gentleman and she falls very hard for him. The description of the Platte where Lucy was born is wonderful, you really smell and see the land through Cather's writing. Lucy is young and headstrong, leading her to make questionable decisions and to treat her older sister poorly at times. Written in 1935, this novel maintains relevance to the 2020s as young women can still eschew guidance and make poor decisions.

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

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4.0

Haven't reviewed the books I've read in a few days so I'll try to catch up on some. Was in the mood for more of Willa Cather. The plot nor characters aren't very special but with Willa's writing it was easy to get invested in and an enjoyable read for the most part. Excited to find more of her works to read

lgpiper's review against another edition

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4.0

Another lovely novel by Willa Cather. This is about a young woman, Lucy Gayheart, who was rather a vibrant presence in the small Nebraska town where she grew up. Then she moved to Chicago to further her piano studies. She becomes the rehearsal accompanist for a famous singer, Clement Sebastian, and eventually becomes totally infatuated with him. Perhaps, also, he with her.

Like all Cather books, there are lots of observations regarding the lives of ordinary people. Not lots of action, but beautiful, straight-forward writing and clear observation on the human condition.

suebarsby's review against another edition

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5.0

This contains some of the loveliest writing I've come across for a while. Cather writes with simplicity yet with such beauty & I spent time just reading some sentences over & over again, just to wallow in them.

rebeccapeterson's review against another edition

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5.0

"Hauntingly beautiful" is the only way to describe this book. I was awestruck at the way it was written. The characters were so real, but at the same time, they were so other-worldly. The story made me weep at the raw trueness of it. Willa Cather's writing style gave me chills, and I highly, highly recommend this book everyone.

afox98's review against another edition

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4.0

Lucy Gayheart is from the small town of Haverford and approaches life with wonder and determination. A gifted pianist, she goes to Chicago to train on and teach piano. Through her teacher she meets Clement Sebastian, an older singer who she begins to accompany after his normal accompanist is injured. She ends up falling in love with him, but unfortunately they don’t live happily ever after. Such a beautiful character, Lucy’s frivolity and happiness gives way to sadness and melancholy as tragedies strike. Willa Cather has written a simple yet relatable story that echoes the joys and aching of love.

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