My Antonia
A most poignant fictional story told as a memoir by Jim Burden of his childhood friend Antonia. At the turn of the century in the late 1800's, Jim is orphaned and moves from Virginia to live with his grandparents on the Nebraska prairie and a life of farming.
The Burdens are a perfect example of neighbors and define the true meaning of community. The closest neighbors are an immigrant Bohemian family the Shemirda's and their eldest daughter is Antonia. Jim and Antonia become fast friends and throughout the book he recalls how each of the experiences they shared together have greatly influenced his life.
Willa Cather paints a breathtaking landscape in this nostalgic and romantic story. I found it beautifully haunting.
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