From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-An insightful biography of one of America's foremost women authors. The well-researched text is full of glimpses of Cather's youth in Nebraska as well as her career as a journalist in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City during the early 1900s. Often plagued by illness and a constant search for meaning in her own life, Cather is depicted as a restless, dissatisfied person; yearning for and seeking the unattainable is a common theme in her novels. Her sexual orientation is eluded to, but no proof exists that she was homosexual. Through critical analysis of her important works, Keene stresses her subject's belief that plot was unimportant and that characters were central to all stories. While there are many other biographies on Cather, Keene's analysis results in an interesting and worthwhile look into the writer's life and personality.Judy R. Johnston, Auburn High School, WACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The New York Times Book Review
"[Keene's] book will appeal to those who want to understand Cather's place within the pantheon of writers."

From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. Keene's biography traces Cather's roots from her childhood in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in the 1870s through her family's move to Nebraska, her college years, and her careers asÿ20journalist, editor, and high-school teacher. Cather wasÿ20nearly 40 before she began to publish the fiction for whichÿ20she is so noted, and her life as a writer is well chronicled. Her travels, from her adult base in New York to Europe, Pittsburgh, Red Cloud in Nebraska, New Mexico, and Grandÿ20Manan Island in Quebec, reveal the geographical sources of herÿ20inspirations for her novels. Individuals who played significantÿ20roles in Cather's life are related to characters in her fiction, including her father (Death Comes for the Archbishop) and Annie Sadilek (My Antonia). Cather's intellectual development and education are also described. Keene does not avoid the issue of Cather's reputed lesbianism. Her close relationships with Isabelle McClung and Edith Lewis, with whom she lived for 40 years, were integral parts of Cather's life. However, Keene allows readers to decide, citing evidence both supporting and refuting this view of Cather's sexual orientation. Chapter notes, a chronology, and a list for further reading that includes works by and about Cather are appended. Merri Monks

Book Description
Text for Review Box: The life and writings of Willa Cather, one of America's leading writers of the early 20th century, are examined in this book aimed at young adult readers. Includes notes, bibliography, and chronology.

About the Author
Ann T. Keene's other books for young adults include Earthkeepers (Oxford, 1994) and Peacemakers (Oxford, 1998). She is also the editor of the Oxford American Children's Encyclopedia (1999).

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The life and works of Willa Cather, one of America's leading writers of the early 20th century, are examined in this book aimed at young adult readers. Includes notes, biography, and chronology.

"[Keene's] book will appeal to those who want to understand Cather's place within the pantheon of writers." (The New York Times Book Review)

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal