55 pages 1 hour read

Willa Cather

The Song of the Lark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1915

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Song of the Lark follows Thea Kronborg's journey from a talented child in Moonstone, Colorado, to a celebrated opera singer, navigating the challenges and sacrifices of artistic ambition against the backdrop of the American West and Europe. The narrative explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the intertwining of art forms. Racism toward Indigenous communities is addressed.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Willa Cather's The Song of the Lark is a richly observed novel about an artist's journey of self-discovery and triumph. Critics praise its vivid depictions and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing slow and the protagonist's development uneven. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of ambition and personal growth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Song of the Lark?

A reader who enjoys The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather typically appreciates lyrical prose, the journey of artistic self-discovery, and richly developed characters. Comparable to readers of The Awakening by Kate Chopin and My Ántonia by Cather herself, they savor narratives that delve into personal transformation and the American Midwest.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Book Details

Topics

Music

Genre

Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Identity: Gender

Natural World: Environment