Sunday, June 15, 2008

My Antonia


Tonight I finished reading the beautiful and touching novel, by
Willa Cather, My Antonia, 1918. This book is truly a tribute to the
heroic lives of pioneer women and paints a haunting portrait of the
spirited daughter of Czech immigrants, who settle in Nebraska. One
of WT's ancestral lines made their way to Nebraska during this same
time period, eventually settling in Missouri, so this book was
particularly intriguing. Cather’s vividly descriptive, flowing style made
this book a joy to read. Considered one of the great figures of early
twentieth century American literature, Pulitzer prize winning author,
Cather (1873-1947) was inspired by her early pioneer life on Great
Plains, especially her native Nebraska. This novel gets two thumbs
way up in my little manor notebook of "A Few of My Favorite Things".
A big thank you to Phil and Blog Princess G for recommending this
book. Loved it.

25 comments:

  1. Capote writes about meeting Cather during a snowy day in NY in 1942. They were to become friends. He describes her eyes as 'blue, the pale brilliant cloudless blue of prairie skys.'
    Seems appropriate.

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  2. For another view of pioneer Nebraska, Old Jules by Mari Sandoz is highly recommended

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  3. I haven't read Cather in years. Maybe it's time to immerse myself again.

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  4. Good morning Willow...I have come to appreciate your reading recommendations...so many beautiful books to read and only so many hours in the day :)

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  5. Drifter, I love Capote's writing, so of course if was fun to hear his discription of Cather. Yes, so appropriate. I didn't realize they were friends...interesting.

    Bill, I have heard of this Sandoz book. Thanks for your recommendation. I've added it to my library list!

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  6. Great review. I'm going to try and find a copy. Pappy

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  7. You had a beautiful day to sit out on your patio and finish your book yesterday. We ate all of our meals out back and I thought you all probably did the same! :) Sounds like an excellent book!

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  8. I always loved MY ANTONIA, too. Thanks for the memory of it! Beautiful photo to accompany it as well. She won a Pulitzer if I'm not mistaken, for ONE OF OURS. She was an unusual, but interesting person...

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  9. I didnt read this in school tho many did ... I am adding it to my pile knowing I will enjoy it more because its not 'required'

    ;-Daryl

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  10. Thanks for the reccomendation. I will look for it.


    Now tell me, how did you come to love the big TV?

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  11. Hello Willow,

    This is being printed out and filed under the "BOOKS" tab in my bloggy binder. You know numerous other posts of yours are filed there too. There's Henry of the Orient under "Movies" and some of your recipes under "Recipes".

    Thank you!

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  12. You've sold me! I'll be checking this book out soon. Part of my heritage is Czech... people who eventually settled in East Texas... so I am particularly interested in reading this. Thanks for the great review.

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  13. I am happy to say I read this book a few years ago, but sad to say I can't remember more than a tiny bit. I'll have to read it again.

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  14. I've been wanting to read this so now I simply have to.

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  15. This is one of my all time favorites too, a classic every young woman should read - beautiful sense of place is conjured up at the turn of each page.

    Have you read 'Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey' by Lillian Schlissel? Another amazing book.....a record of the hardships and grit of women who took the overland trail.

    Tears fell freely as I read about the strength of women who help shape this nation, and then, a few years later as I stood on Scotts Bluff, Nebraska I sobbed remembering the brave people on the Oregon Trail.

    Willow, your clematis is gorgeous - so glad it bloomed this year.

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  16. Willow, I love Willa Cather. I'm glad to hear you like her too. This is my first time visiting and I love the story about how you came up with your blogs title and I love the idea of all those willow trees. I used to play in one when I was young and if I was bad, my dad would swat me with one of their long whip like branches. You sees to have the gift of words.

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  17. Mary, I will add the Schlissel book to my library list, too, since I'm into the pioneer spirit right now! Thanks for suggesting it. :)

    Melissa, welcome to Willow Manor! Thanks for your kind words. :)

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  18. Okay, so know I's curious - I'm off to find out more details.

    The clematis looks great, too ....

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  19. This is one of my favorites as well. Also, try Cather's Oh, Pioneers. Just beautiful. This is my first visit to your blog and it's a wonderful place!

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  20. I had avoided this Cather book because of the title, but then I ended up enjoying it: Death Comes for the Archbishop. (I also own My Antonia and O Pioneers!, but Archbishop kinda hit me.)

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  21. I am anxious to get this book and check it out. I love your blog and always enjoy visiting.

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  22. my antonia is my favorite willa cather book. i wanted to be living that life right along side her when i read it. i've always had a pioneer spirit.i still own the book altho i read it decades ago. i think i may just pull it out and read it again. thanks, willow!!

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  23. Thank you for the recommendation. I have never read any Willa Cather...can't imagine how I managed to miss many of the classics all these years! I shall keep this one in mind.

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  24. I'm so glad you loved it too!

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)