My Antonia

By: Willa Cather

Narrated by: George Guidall

The Shimerda family come to Nebraska from Bohemia - but they find the promised land of opportunity a harsh and unforgiving reality. Young Jim Burden - the narrator of the tale - who lives with his grandparents on a homestead nearby, finds ways to be neighborly and to help the Shimerdas and in the process comes to befriend the daughter of the family, Ántonia. For Jim, Ántonia is an embodiment of the female pioneer - self-sufficient, vigorous, and strong enough to withstand the daily challenges of maintaining a family in a primitive countryside. Ántonia's character makes such an impression on Jim, that in later years, he feels compelled to immortalize her in words.

Public Domain (P)1994 Recorded Books, Inc.

Poignant story

Willa Cather, is of course, a lovely spinner of stories with beautiful and thoughtful descriptions.

I returned to this book without remembering anything about it. I was left unsatisfied, but that is because stories that weave over many years often leave me feeling that way. I don’t think anyone should give this a miss. It is worth the read, for sure.

A wonderful book with one of my favorite readers

What did you love best about My Antonia?

The subtle relationship between Jim and Antonia.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Antonia?

The Nebraska winter with primitive shelters in pioneer times

What about George Guidall???s performance did you like?

He continues to be one of my favorites. His distinct voice for each character and dialect never leaves you in doubt who is speaking. He reads as if this is his story.

Just right when you need a good listen.

Timeless classic. Soothing story of simpler times. Good for the soul. First book I read in doctors’ spouses group I joined newly married in 1990. Loved it then, but had forgotten the story. I just remembered that it felt good - all around. Have read all of WC’s book and many short stories. This was the first listen. Just right.

One of the best books!

I’ve always loved this book. The way Willa Cather describes the people and their ways, the farmland and the prairie, is just exquisite. You literally feel like you are there. George Guidall is an amazing narrator. His rich, slow voice takes me back to childhood when my brothers and sisters would all listen to audio books together.

Slay

Very lovely, I highly recommend listening while walking/driving through farm fields. This book was a lifetime of love and hard work and enjoying little things of life while moving forward without letting go of the past.