My Antonia, by Willa Cather, tells the life story of a
Bohemian girl named Antonia as told through the eyes of her closest friend Jim
Burden. It’s a lovely novel, and worth reading for the strength of the language
alone. However, I found the plot itself to lack the level of engagement that
makes for a really compelling story. Cather’s descriptions of life on the
plains of Nebraska are evocative, and convey the power, beauty, and nobility of
the humble life of America’s plainsmen. Once you get past the beauty of the
language, however, the story is very simple. I’m sure a good professor could
open my eyes to the wonder of this book, and all the deeper meanings the lie
within, but just reading it on my own I didn’t get a whole lot out of it besides
an appreciation for the simple beauty of everyday life.
Score: 7/10
Read this book: If you like beautiful images of rural life
conveyed through eloquent and poetic language.
Don’t read this book: If you prefer a story driven by plot
rather than character.
I read this in Dr. Shivley's class.... and I didn't get my eyes opened to the wonder of this book. Regardless, it's one of my favorites, mostly because of the character development.
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