51 pages • 1 hour read
Willa CatherDeath Comes for the Archbishop
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1927A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather follows the lives of Jean-Marie Latour and Joseph Vaillant as they serve as Roman Catholic clergymen in New Mexico, facing various challenges and meeting historical figures while building their ministry. Sensitive topics include depictions of violence, forced removal of Native tribes, and religious tensions.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop is praised for its lyrical prose and vivid depiction of the American Southwest, drawing readers into the spiritual and cultural journey of its protagonists. Critics laud its atmospheric setting and contemplative tone. Some find its episodic structure slow and meandering, though many appreciate its meditative pace and depth.
Who Should Read Death Comes for the Archbishop?
Readers who enjoy exploring the American West's historical and cultural landscape will find Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather compelling. Fans of Cather's evocative prose and themes in My Ántonia or those who appreciate the introspection in Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry will be particularly drawn to this novel’s rich, immersive storytelling.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsLexile Level
1150LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Western
American Literature
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Religion / Spirituality
History: World