My Antonia

By: Willa Cather

Narrated by: Jeff Cummings, Ken Burns (introduction)

Widely recognized as Willa Cather's finest book and one of the outstanding novels of American literature, My Antonia details of the life of early American pioneers in Nebraska.

Through Jim Burden's endearing, smitten voice, we revisit the remarkable vicissitudes of immigrant life in the Nebraska heartland, with all its insistent bonds. Guiding the way are some of literature's most beguiling characters: the Russian brothers plagued by memories of a fateful sleigh ride, Antonia's desperately homesick father and self-indulgent mother, and the coy Lena Lingard. Holding the pastoral society's heart, of course, is the bewitching, free-spirited Antonia.

Infused with a gracious passion for the land, My Antonia is a deeply moving portrait of an entire community and its way of life.

Bonus: In partnership with Audible and Playtone, the television and film producer behind the award-winning series Band of Brothers, John Adams, and The Pacific, this audiobook includes an original introduction, written and read by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns. For more from Audible and Playtone, click here.

©2012 Willa Cather

Critic reviews

"No romantic novel ever written in America, by man or woman, is one half so beautiful as My Antonia." (H. L. Mencken)

Uplifting In So Many Ways

This story would be an absolute pleasure to read in the pages of a book and having the narration that it did only enhanced my infatuation with it. It's the language of Cather's, that masters the landscape and captures the essence of those people closest to Jim, that lets the narrator effortlessly tell this story and the listener feel like he's the one looking back.

Classic

What made the experience of listening to My Antonia the most enjoyable?

Wanting to see what happened next... I loved how the story unfolded and the narrator did a most wonderful job.

What other book might you compare My Antonia to and why?

There is none. It is pure and honest Americana at its best... a time capsule where you walk out onto that prairie and feel the dust blowing across your face. It is everything... coming of age, love, jealousy, anger, and fighting for what you believe in most.

Which scene was your favorite?

The dance hall.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I actually listened to it as I travelled across the state.

Discriptive prose

This is a book full of discription, and very much a history lesson of small town life on the Nebraska prairie, but by current standards, there is almost no plot. Good narration.

So Beautifully Written

I never got around to this book until now. I was really stunned by the beauty of both the writing and the material written about.

Respectfully, the wrong reader for this story.

What did you love best about My Antonia ?

I remember reading it in college and liking it very much.

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

The hot train trip that was getting grimier and greasier with every stop.

What didn’t you like about Jeff Cummings and Ken Burns (introduction) ’s performance?

I didn't think the reader had a lot of feeling for this story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The best thing about this book is the writing, so....

One of my very favorite books!

Willa Cather's writing is so beautiful, tactile, and sensory, I feel as though I've been to her Nebraska. I love the many side characters and their interesting backstories. The book ended was too quickly for me. I liked the older Guidall reading it better than this Jeff Cummings. It irritated me that he mispronounced Ántonia. The accent goes on the first syllable, hence the accent mark there, which is what makes her name sound foreign to a American. His reading was otherwise good but I still would recommend listening to each sample and choosing the best reader for you. This book is too great to not be given such care and consideration. Read this book!!

Oh.... My Antonia!

My Antonia was truly a coming of age story. Early American immigrant struggles in the mid west. Unlikely friendships which last a life time. Perfect!

Wonderful telling

Jeff Cummings reads the book expertly, with a soothing voice and an excellent grasp on the accents of various characters. This classic, lovely book comes to life in a way I’d not experienced by reading.

Not much happens, but beautifully written.

A very touching account of life and love in the harsh farm country of Nebraska in the 1890’s. Not much happens, but Cather is such a fine writer you can’t help but fall in love. I’ve come late to Willa Cather, but I will read anything of hers I can get my hands on.

One of my favorite books.

I have read and listen to this book over and over through out the years. This is a must read or listen to book.