Lucy Gayheart

Description

It is 1901, and Lucy Gayheart with her 'singular brightness of young beauty', is studying music in the magical smoky city of Chicago. She is courted by handsome Harry Gordon, the most eligible bachelor in Haverford, the Midwestern town she comes from. But Lucy falls in love with middle-aged Sebastien, a famous singer, whose talents and tenderness change her life forever. First published in 1935, this novel of 'achieved simplicity' displays the depth of Willa Cather's sympathy, both for the world of high art and for the reticent decencies of small town life.

Willa Cather (1873-1947) was born in Virginia where for generations her ancestors farmed land. She became a teacher and journalist and is one of the greatest American writers of the twentieth century.

The unity of Miss Cather's design, the clarity and distinction of this book, should put it beside her first great success, My Antonia * Times Literary Supplement * This new novel of Miss Cather's bids fair to rank with her best selling titles ... It is a vividly etched characterization, the story of a girl born to live up to the promise of her name * Kirkus Reviews * Willa Cather makes a world which is burningly alive, sometimes lovely, often tragic -- Helen Dunmore She is undoubtedly one of the greatest American writers * Observer *