mjsteimle's review against another edition
2.0
I decided that I'd like to read all of Willa Cather's novels, so I started with this novella about a successful middle-aged man going through a mid-life crisis. This story is very different from the rural works that Cather is best known for; the influence of Henry James and Edith Wharton is strong. Cather herself, looking back, said that this wasn't her best work. It's a decent story but nothing remarkable.
chewbazza's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
rainbow1218's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mirtlifthewise's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katmackie's review against another edition
4.0
A powerful portrait of a man in crisis - midlife crisis - and his attempts to feel young again while still holding on to his present life and responsibilities. As he gets further caught in his desires, he loses control of things he worked hard for, amongst other things.
I didn't relate to Alexander's choices, but he didn't really frustrate me either. I understand why people say he's selfish - but I think Cather really showed a realistic portrayal of a human in earnest conflict, as well as the consequences of rampant indecision and inner turmoil. Alexander get's eaten away by his own vacillation, and while he sucks others into his despair (some unknowingly) the reader will certainly see what's about to happen during the climax. Alexander grows to have a weak foundation, and we see what this can do to a person, as well as all involved in their plight. Alexander may well be plainly selfish if one were to explain his predicament quickly (as I basically did by using the term 'midlife crisis,' bringing to mind new cars and ill-planned extravagances), but to read Cather's portrait I saw someone miserably grasping at the few crucial choices they presented for themselves, and the very real despair of time passed all too soon.
I didn't relate to Alexander's choices, but he didn't really frustrate me either. I understand why people say he's selfish - but I think Cather really showed a realistic portrayal of a human in earnest conflict, as well as the consequences of rampant indecision and inner turmoil. Alexander get's eaten away by his own vacillation, and while he sucks others into his despair (some unknowingly) the reader will certainly see what's about to happen during the climax. Alexander grows to have a weak foundation, and we see what this can do to a person, as well as all involved in their plight. Alexander may well be plainly selfish if one were to explain his predicament quickly (as I basically did by using the term 'midlife crisis,' bringing to mind new cars and ill-planned extravagances), but to read Cather's portrait I saw someone miserably grasping at the few crucial choices they presented for themselves, and the very real despair of time passed all too soon.
henryleitch's review against another edition
3.0
I felt like reading something short, so I picked up this novella by Willa Cather, an author I was familiar with only by name. I enjoyed the dialogue and the prose, especially the pastoral descriptions of Boston, London, and the train/boat journeys in between. I was less interested in the midlife crisis love triangle which was central to the plot. I wish Bartley’s wife and former lover had been more fleshed out, but a longer novel might have been more difficult to get through. I look forward to reading more by Cather in the future.
akbates's review against another edition
3.0
Again I love the Barnes and Noble Library of Essential Reading Series, it brings me books I would have missed. Very different style from her other works, not as compelling but interesting and worth a read.
laurelinwonder's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite Cather novel, but a good one none-the-less. Her characters are always so real, torn, confused, acting without thought (you know, like real humans).
jenmillie's review against another edition
i'm glad she wrote so much, it'll keep me busy for awhile.