My Antonia

by Willa Cather

My Antonia is the story of Antonia, an immigrant girl, through the eyes of her neighbor, Jim. Like many of Cather's works, it is set in Nebraska. Cather loves Nebraska and lets that show through her writing. Jim and Antonia never had a romantic relationship, but something is unique about their relationship. My Antonia deals with the struggles of immigrants, farmers, and of women all at once.

Cather does a wondeful job describing how difficult life was for these groups of people. Not only by telling their stories, but taking time to explain the general situation.

The book takes on a carefree, but serious attitude as much of the story is told through the eyes of a child. My Antonia follows Antonia and Jim from ten years old to about sixty. Most of the book takes place before Jim goes off to college.

I read O Pioneers! by Willa Cather about a year ago and I really enjoyed it. O Pioneers and My Antonia are like Little House on the Prarie, with more depth. For those who loved Little House on the Prarie, but have moved on to "Big people" books, Cather is a wonderful place to start.

Although I enjoyed O Pioneers! more than My Antonia, it was still an enjoyable read.

Grade: B

Bethany (http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-antonia.html) REALLY enjoyed My Antonia. Check out her review!