Reviews

Pleasant read, though I could not really "sink" into the novel, as jarring notes kept jumping at me - the main protagonist, Alexandra, raised on a farm in the middle of nowhere, not much of a reader, living among simple, uncultured people, is exceedingly perceptive and thoughtful in her perception of human feelings. But she is not alone, as I think maybe with the single exception of Oscar, there is no character that at least once is preoccupied with the feelings of others. Of course I am not arguing that they would not feel the most complex of inner turmoils: it is their reasoning about it that strikes the wrong chord.

Also, these characters are all good to the core, even the one (won't spoil it for you) that commits the unspeakable: each and every one of them is deep down thoroughly good and wholesome - somewhat annoying, whereas the writing is very enjoyable. The opening sentence is memorable:

One January day, thirty years ago, the little town of Hanover, anchored on a windy Nebraska tableland, was trying not to be blown away.

One passage that struck me (out of many!) was this most delicate kiss in the suddenly darkened hall, the contrast between the tender tension in the tent and the more childish excitement outside:

Spoiler

At that instant Amedee laid hands on the switchboard. There was a shiver and a giggle, and every one looked toward the red blur that Marie's candle made in the dark. Immediately that, too, was gone. Little shrieks and currents of soft laughter ran up and down the dark hall. Marie started up,—directly into Emil's arms. In the same instant she felt his lips. The veil that had hung uncertainly between them for so long was dissolved. Before she knew what she was doing, she had committed herself to that kiss that was at once a boy's and a man's, as timid as it was tender; so like Emil and so unlike any one else in the world.

but then again the over-analysing kicks in

Spoiler

Not until it was over did she realize what it meant. And Emil, who had so often imagined the shock of this first kiss, was surprised at its gentleness and naturalness. It was like a sigh which they had breathed together; almost sorrowful, as if each were afraid of wakening something in the other.

and that is representative of what spoiled it for me.

sidharthvardhan's review against another edition

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4.0

Cather is famous for her descriptions of natural beauty and her writing is beautiful in the same way as paintings of natural sceneries are - making you feel an inexplicable mix of feelings including the aesthetic enjoyment you get out of them, the subtle longing and a somewhat sad consciousness of frivolousness of one's existence. The story and themes are really only of secondary importance.