The novel is a unique exploration of friendship and the struggle for survival on the Nebraska prairie, centering on two women who are not rivals but friends.
The reviewer notes that the novel is practically a novel without a hero, focusing instead on two women who are friends and allies. They appreciate the way Cather captures the struggles and triumphs of the characters as they make their livelihood on the prairie, highlighting the beauty and harshness of the landscape. The reviewer also notes that the novel is a powerful exploration of the human spirit, highlighting the resilience and determination of the characters. They praise the novel's evocative descriptions and its ability to transport the reader to another time and place.
Quick quotes
It is practically a novel without a hero. There are men in it, but the interest centers on two women — not rivals, but friends, and more.
The novel captures the struggles and triumphs of the characters as they make their livelihood on the prairie.
A powerful exploration of the human spirit, highlighting the resilience and determination of the characters.