Which Willa Cather novel is regarded as the best in terms of literary merit?

Definitely 'Naked Lunch'. Its experimental style, where Burroughs breaks all the traditional rules of writing, is just amazing. The way it mixes different scenarios, dialogues, and hallucinations is like nothing else. It has had a huge impact on the literary world, inspiring many other writers to be more adventurous with their writing.

'Good Old Neon' stands out in terms of literary merit. Wallace's use of stream - of - consciousness and his ability to create a character who is both relatable and deeply flawed makes it a masterful piece. The story's exploration of self - identity and the lies we tell ourselves is presented in a way that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating.

In terms of literary merit, 'The Corrections' is often at the top. It has a rich tapestry of language, complex narrative structure, and a profound understanding of human nature. The way Franzen weaves together the different storylines of the Lambert family members is masterful.

In terms of literary merit, '2666' stands out. Its structure is innovative, with different parts that seem to stand alone but are ultimately interconnected. It tackles large - scale themes such as the nature of evil and the role of the artist in society. The writing is both dense and lyrical, drawing the reader into a world that is at once familiar and deeply strange. It's a novel that demands multiple readings to fully appreciate all its nuances.

Many consider 'My Ántonia' to be one of the best. It beautifully portrays the immigrant experience on the American prairie. The characters are vivid and the descriptions of the land are evocative.

Some might consider 'Death Comes for the Archbishop' as her best. It tells a story of two French priests in New Mexico. It has a rich exploration of faith, culture, and the Southwest landscape, with Cather's unique writing style making it a memorable read.

However, 'Amerika' should not be overlooked. It offers a different perspective on Kafka's themes. His look at the American experience, with all its opportunities and challenges, was quite ahead of its time. It's an important work for understanding Kafka's view on the modern world and how individuals navigate it.

Some of the best Willa Cather novels include 'My Ántonia'. It beautifully portrays the immigrant experience on the Great Plains. The characters are vividly drawn, and the descriptions of the prairie are both lyrical and evocative.

You could start with 'O Pioneers!'. This novel is relatively short but still showcases Cather's ability to create complex characters and a vivid setting. It's a good entry point to understand her works.

Some of Willa Cather's best novels include 'My Ántonia'. It beautifully portrays the immigrant experience on the American prairie. The relationship between the narrator and Ántonia is complex and deeply moving.