I may have read this a long, long time ago but I don't remember. It's an American classic, about the hardscrabble life of European immigrants in the early part of the 20th century. Defeated by the poverty and intolerance in their home countries, they looked West toward the United States for a better life. And many of them found it, not easily, and after much hard work. Antonia's family illustrates this. Cather also makes clear the beauty of The Plains, of Nebraska before the settling of many immigrants. It's a quick, fun read, interesting in its vivid and realistic picture of the immigrant experience. And it made me want to travel to the Plains this spring, as the wildflowers begin to bloom. The book is narrated by Antonia's childhood friend, Jim Burden. He comes West to live with his grandparents after the death of his parents. Antonia Shimerda and her family happen to be on the same train to rural Nebraska where they hope to start a new life after leaving behind a life in Bohemia. Jim recalls his early years with Antonia, her families struggle to survive the winters and make a go of it. His life, mostly in town, contrasts with Antonia's and even when he goes off to college, they remain friends.
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