My Antonia

"I first met Antonia on what seemed to be an interminable journey across the great midland plain of North America."

These are the first words, spoken by Jim, who leads us into Willa Cather's masterpiece about a spirited girl who, though down trodden by neglect and hard work, never "lost the fire of life". Every American must know Antonia, for once they do, they can never forget her.