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leahgustafson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I had not previously read any Willa Cather, and I didn’t know what to expect going in. Honestly, I could not believe how much I enjoyed this one! It reminded me so much of Little House but for adults, and it made me nostalgic for my childhood, reading the Little House series with my grandma.
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I loved the descriptions of and love for the land itself. The writing is beautiful, but I think part of this also has to do with living in the Midwest my whole life.
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The structure of this book is very unique in that it is focused around Jim’s thoughts, memories, and feelings. However, this did not feel boring or “too quiet” for me. I love Jim’s view of the “country girls” despite what others around him say and think. I really appreciate the depiction and exploration of what it means to live a “full life.” I LOVE that the reader really gets to see the girls come full circle—from childhood to middle age.
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I found this one cozy yet meaningful, and I will definitely be reading more Cather! If you’re looking for a classic to cross off your list this summer, this one is very readable/accessible.
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Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism
edamamebean's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book so much I don’t think I can even say. I bought it because it sounded good but then kept putting it off because I was worried it would be boring, but it kept calling to me from my bookshelf and finally on a cozy rainy night, I gave in and picked it up and couldn’t put it down. It’s a beautiful coming of age story, and although not very much happens it’s not boring for a second. The chapters are really short, so the pages go by quickly. I loved the characters and the town of Black Hawk, and it reminded me a little of Anne of Green Gables but with some slightly more serious themes. It was just so good and devastating at times. I will absolutely be reading more by Willa Cather. I found out that she was buried not too far from where I live and I think I might have to go visit her grave to say thank you for this beautiful little book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
serena_hien's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
ameliaflint's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A sweet little book. I enjoyed it and its characters very much. It does attempt to delve into deeper meanings and topics, which I appreciate, but it doesn't quite succeed. I did, however, appreciate the portrait of the time and place and I found it a beautiful and accurate analysis of homesteading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexual assault, Grief, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, and Colonisation
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