My Antonia

Truly an American classic. There is somehow an enjoyable melancholy that Cather seem to be able to draw out of ones chest. A nostalgia for a time and place one has never occupied. It reminds one of the humble satisfaction that though life my not end up the way one envisions, it can still be something beautiful and worth reminiscing.

In an effort to read more classics this year, especially by female authors, I decided to tackle Willa Cather because I have never read any of her works before. Now, I went in armed with the knowledge that Cather was not going to address the fact that the lands she writes so lovingly about were stolen from American Indians. I read no other background on Cather beforehand. I like to experience the art first before what I learn about the author taints the work.
I am on a personal quest to define simple living for myself.

Now, I found a lot to like here. I loved how Jim's grandparents helped the Shimerdas without expecting to be repaid in any way (even with gratitude). I loved the descriptions of how the hired girls from town were thought of versus the “ladies” of the town and all of them rose up and became amazingly successful! I loved the part when the dancing tent came to town. And the details about the land...there is one bit about how one's shadow stretches out in the grass next to the road while one is walking....gorgeous. It makes me want to grow things.
I especially loved that Antonia found herself in a situation that could have ruined her for life, and she was able to not only overcome it but to really create a wonderful life for herself.
There is some major girl-power in this book.
Did I want to vomit during the part where Jim attends a concert by Samson the pianist? Yes.
Do I wish that there was a spin-off written about Tiny Soderball's adventures in the Klondike? Oh, yes, please. Lena was also amazing.
I ended up really enjoying this. One just needs to keep a 2020 lens on while reading.