MY ANTONIA

This novel about the friendship between two Nebraska children, Jim Burden and Antonia Shimerda is considered Cather''s masterpiece. The fortunes of the two families are opposed: the Burdens thrive while the Shimerdas decline, a downfall that culminates in the suicide of Antonia''s father, which forces the girl to work in the fields and then as a servant. Throughout all her trials, Antonia''s strength, humor, and goodness sustain her and her family--and Jim, for whom she is a lifelong inspiration and mentor. Willa Cather called this novel "the best thing I''ve done."