I was in the mood for a calm, lovely book, and this fit the bill. It was similar to Chopin's The Awakening in some ways, but much more subtle.

not my favorite Willa Cather

I am learning that I really love Willa Cather's writing and her treatment of women. Read this in one setting and was extremely frustrated with Niel's repeated efforts to try to "save" Marion or fit her into some mold he'd created for her. Cather is amazingly subversive.

I like any book with too many nature metaphors

A slice of the end of the Pioneer Era-Americana.
A lady is viewed through the lenses of those around her, especially a young man who loves her. We rarely hear from the main character herself which is a shame, but not unexpected in Cather's work (My Antonina was much the same). Beautiful story nonetheless.
I read it all in one day.

So far it's a typically amazing Willa Cather book. Her ability to draw one in with her beautiful description is outstanding.