The novel first published in 1918 tells the stories of an orphaned boy from Virginia, Jim Burden, who goes to live with his grandparents, and the elder daughter in a family of Bohemian immigrants, Ántonia Shimerda, who are each brought as children to be pioneers in Nebraska towards the end of the 19th century. The first year in the very new place leaves strong impressions on both children, affecting them for life.
This novel is considered Cather's first masterpiece. Cather was praised for bringing the American West to life and making it personally interesting.