My ÁntoniaHailed by reviewers and readers for its originality, vitality, and truth, My ntonia secured Willa Cathers place in the first rank of American writers. Cather drew deeply on her childhood days in frontier Nebraska for her fourth novel, published in 1918. ntonia Shimerda is memorable as the warm hearted daughter of Bohemians who must adapt to a hard life on the desolate prairie. She survives and matures, a pioneer woman made radiant by spirit. This