This is the first book I’ve read for the Classics Challenge. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with it.
On moving to the midwest, Jim meets a poor Romanian family who are intent on pursuing the American dream by buying a small farm. The most prominent member of this family is Antonia, a daughter about Jim’s age, who impresses on him with her life and spirit the true nature of humanity and goodness (or so the book promises).
I didn’t particularly like this book. I did like its descriptions of the countryside and of a society that has passed us now, but I didn’t find any of the characters sympathetic and I didn’t understand the fuss about Antonia. She seemed like a good, ordinary girl to me. The book was short, but it felt like it went on for a very long time. I even read the introduction, hoping to derive some meaning from the book, and while it did make things a bit more interesting, it didn’t put together the pieces enough for me. I don’t think I’ll be returning to this classic, unfortunately. Luckily, I expect at least two of my remaining challenge books to be worthwhile reads, so My Antonia hasn’t put me off the challenge. Check out this book on Amazon.
I just finished this one as well and wasn’t necessarily thrilled about it (it’s my first for the classics challenge as well). I had heard such great things about it but it fell a little flat. Hope your next ones are better!