"'I didn't arrange or rearrange. I simply wrote down what of herself and myself and other people Antonia's name recalls to me. I suppose it hasn't any form. It hasn't any title either.'" - pg. 6
So begins the story of Bohemian imigrant Antonia Shimerda, told by her neighbor and childhood friend Jim Burden. It is through telling his own story that Jim reveals details and observations about Antonia - from their first encounter upon arrival on the Nebraska prairie,through their teens, until their reunion as adults. Surrounded by eccentric characters, including the unforgiving land, Antonia is admirable for her work ethic and maintaining a spirit of playfulness despite the desolation.
First published in 1918, My Antonia is considered part of the modernist literature movement. I have quite a few modernists on my reading list this year including Steinbeck, Faulkner, Sherwood Anderson, and Hemingway. Who knew? (Besides Jill I mean)
Rather than try to have some kind of formal bookclub discussion, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts on My Antonia or Willa Cather and her writing or other work as it relates. Also feel free to cite any passage you find particularly meaningful.
There is much to discuss here - whether it be the narrator (who is it?), the setting as character, or Cather herself.I did not expect a kind of love story. And I didn't expect it to be so readable. I am still haunted by the story of the wolves chasing the wedding party. And I love Jim's nostalgic tone, perhaps because I live with a nostalgic type too.
Enjoy your weekend.
The End.
