Lucy Gayheart (Vintage Classics)

Rating:
Summary: A minor classic deserving of attention
Review: A hundred years after the novel is set, the contrast between Chicago and Nebraska still rings true. Having lived in both places, I admire Cather's abiltiy to show the readers the strengths and weak points of each setting. Lucy is so in tune with her surroundings that the settings act almost as characters.
My book discussion group is reading "Lucy Gayheart" because we've all read the "major" Cather works. We chose this one because none of us knew anything about it. It will never be considered one of her great works, but it certainly can stand against the works of many other writers. Cather delicately touches on the subjects of change as a part of leaving home and growing up, the yearning for what is ethereal and lovely, and the difficulty & loneliness of creating a life as an artist.

Rating:
Summary: Nostalgic romance to be treasured
Review: An avid collector of Willa Cather's works, I found a first edition copy of 'Lucy' at a local library booksale for $3.00. What a find! Not only was the book itself valuable, but the story was captivating. I could not put the book down! I had no idea what the book was about when I bought it but knew it had to have Ms. Cather's Nebraska connection and portray a life at the turn of the century. Right on both accounts. The small-town character of Lucy was so typical and nostalgic in her quest for first, real, and unconventional love, much to the dismay of her rogue-ish childhood admirer. The feelings and actions of Lucy toward both situations is so characteristic of youth and young love. This novel would appeal mostly to women, from the teens on up, who are looking for something to read on a cold, rainy day while sipping hot cocoa. It is a wonderful escape to a past time in America and life.

Rating:
Summary: a haunting story of hope and remorse
Review: I don't know what to make of this story, though I loved it. I love Willa Cather's imagery, characterizations, and descriptions. I couldn't put it down, and I've been haunted by it since I read it. Lucy has so much hope and optimism in the first section of the book. She is in the depths of despair in the second section of the book, but then her hope rises again at the plans she forms to rise above her situation. But at that pinnacle of hope, she is again struck by tragedy. Why??? Why did Cather create such a scenario??? In section 3, Harry has to live with the remorse of his role in the tragedy. He's an example of how a moment of pettiness can lead to a lifetime of remorse. I guess what is so haunting to me is the juxtaposition of hope and tragedy/remorse that carries throughout the book.