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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Nobody explores human nature and the question of human capability for change (or lack thereof) like Eliot, and I appreciate her sudden interest and deep-diving into Judaism and Zionism; it's fun to see what inspired her for so many (SO MANY!) pages. I think the length of time this took me to read is influencing my feelings about it; I enjoyed it and I think it's full of fascinating journeys and relationships (mostly Gwendolen and Gwendolen-adjacent), but oof, I am so excited to read something else for a while.
This book was interestingly tedious. I wanted to see what happened to the characters, but Eliot spent so much time telling (at length) and then showing (briefly) that I couldn't help but think that the story could be told as effectively in about 1/4 the number of pages.
Gwendolyn is not a very sympathetic heroine. Her marriage to Grandcourt seems a harsh punishment for her abrupt and snobbish rejection of Rex. On the other hand, her obsession with Deronda seems an extreme repayment for his mild distaste at her gaming.
The character I felt the strongest reaction to was actually Grandcourt. He was so repugnant and foreign to me. It was easier to relate to Gwendolyn's blithe belief that the world spun to her wishes, with her at its center (even when it ceased to answer her wishes) than to Grandcourt's sadistic pleasure in controlling the misery of the people around him: Sir Hugo, Mrs. Glasher (there's a cautionary tale!), Gwendolyn and Mr. Lush. The only character he seemed unable to control and bring to misery was Deronda, which is perhaps why Grandcourt disliked him so much.
Not bad, but not worth a reread (maybe a reskimming).
Gwendolyn is not a very sympathetic heroine. Her marriage to Grandcourt seems a harsh punishment for her abrupt and snobbish rejection of Rex. On the other hand, her obsession with Deronda seems an extreme repayment for his mild distaste at her gaming.
The character I felt the strongest reaction to was actually Grandcourt. He was so repugnant and foreign to me. It was easier to relate to Gwendolyn's blithe belief that the world spun to her wishes, with her at its center (even when it ceased to answer her wishes) than to Grandcourt's sadistic pleasure in controlling the misery of the people around him: Sir Hugo, Mrs. Glasher (there's a cautionary tale!), Gwendolyn and Mr. Lush. The only character he seemed unable to control and bring to misery was Deronda, which is perhaps why Grandcourt disliked him so much.
Not bad, but not worth a reread (maybe a reskimming).
It is quite something to read a pro-Zionist novel from the Victorian era written by an English woman. While I found Eliot's writing at times hard to get through, the story is of some interest, especially if one knows about the Victorian worldview, class, gender roles, and general (mostly anti semitic) views of the time.
Daniel Deronda bifurcates into two main plots - one centers on the haughty and selfish Gwendolen’s girlhood and transition into marital life; one centers on the title character Deronda’s gradual embrace of Judaism and pursuit of Zionism. Being George Eliot’s last book, it’s true that the characters have shown more complexities - no one was born purely good, and the book apparently had quite an influence on Jewish Zionism upon publication. But due to my lack of knowledge as well as interest in Judaism, I find the Jewish section flat and honestly quite a bore. And its connection to Gwendolen through Deronda to purely drive the plot feels artificial. Overall I didn’t feel particularly impressed compared to my awe-struck impression with Middlemarch.
Also this line is perfect proof that George Eliot was a feminist of her time - “You are not a woman. You may try—but you can never imagine what it is to have a man’s force of genius in you, and yet to suffer the slavery of being a girl.”
Also this line is perfect proof that George Eliot was a feminist of her time - “You are not a woman. You may try—but you can never imagine what it is to have a man’s force of genius in you, and yet to suffer the slavery of being a girl.”
Just finished this book earlier this evening, so it is fresh in my mind. I hesitate to know how to describe this one. Eliot write with so much detail and precision of her characters and her setting, that to even attempt to summarize seems like folly to me. But this book is set in late 19th century England, I believe? The main characters are nobility, primarily...or at least raised in a genteel manner. I did wonder for a while why the book was entitled "Daniel Deronda" when Gwendolyn seemed to be the main character for so long!! But this book really is an interweaving of the lives of Daniel Deronda and the aforementioned Gwendolyn. They interact very early in the novel and you wonder what it is about them. Why do they seem to spark? Well, trust me, you'll have plenty of time to figure that out. But of course these are not the only characters in this book! You have Gwendolyn's family (more early on), you have the Mallingers, you have Grandcourt (one of the most terrible characters I have ever had the privilege to read about. Truly loathsome. Hope it's ok for me to say that? Well, I shudder just to think of him), and then of course you have Hans and his family and you have the Gascoignes and last but certainly not least you have Ezra and Mirah. This book has a wide cast of characters, all with their own longings and loves. It's centered on Gwendolyn and Deronda, to be sure. Gwendolyn seems a bit more relatable at first, but oh does she have room to grow. Utterly selfish and self-centered, her journey towards self-awareness and a desire to be good is...fascinating. Sometimes I feel she's jerked around a bit too much, but I suppose part of this is Eliot's desire to show the plight of women back in the day? Still, Gwendolyn's story is not a happy one. On the other hand, Deronda's story is...something. I have to say, going into this book totally unspoiled, I was not expecting this book to have such a significant Jewish presence. This book gave me significant insight into the attitudes towards Jews...and the place they held in 19th century England. Deronda's heart turning ever more fondly towards the Jews was very unexpected, but it somehow worked? And this book ended with Deronda becoming a proponent of modern-day (of that time) Zionism!? Well, rather shocking! But again, it worked. I loved seeing his integrity and honor and care for both Ezra and Mirah. Ezra's character was an interesting one. At times overdone I thought. And I was surprised how quickly Deronda's heart turned to him. Yet Eliot writes with such care and elegance that I couldn't help but be swept along in their friendship. At the end of the day, this book is about men and women who made mistakes and had desires both high and low. This book is about people who didn't always care for others as they might better have done. Yet Eliot ends this book with Deronda and Gwendolyn coming to an understanding that fits both of them. They have both grown (Gwendolyn far more, I would say!) and now see more of what life really is. And as for Mirah and Daniel, they love their brother Ezra to the end. His thoughts and dreams are in another country, but they hold him nonetheless. I have most certainly not done this book justice. It is a grand specimen of 19th century England. If you would enjoy sinking into that time and seeing through the eyes of those who are different (but not that different) from us today...this book would work for you. Eliot's prose is sometimes a bit overdone, but no one can deny her talent at weaving a tale. Utterly unique and truly a story to marvel at.
I picked up this book after believing in college that I could not and would not be able to stand George Eliot's writing. I was damn wrong. I made a point of reading it because it was the pick for the book club at my synagogue. Before I finished it, the ladies of my shul decided it was too long and no one wanted to read it - but I was in too deep. Eliot's writing is kind, enticing, and detailed. She sprinkles well-meaning jokes throughout. Best of all is her character development - and the characters themselves. I'm so glad I took the time to read this classic, it's dear to my heart now.
My first Eliot enchanted me with luscious prose and fascinating musings on religion, philosophy, and cultural norms during the 1870s. Regardless of the size of the novel, the plot seemed well developed to hold my interest but allow me the space to reflect upon the characters and the changes they were facing.
While Gwendolen sought the limelight for most of the early stages of the novel, I felt the most interest and sympathy for Daniel, as his own circumstances allowed him to be the heart of kindness and passion in the book.
Eliot's treatment of religion, in particular Judaism, in this novel was brilliant- allowing the reader to reflect on faith and how each individual approaches faith unique to their own beliefs.
While Gwendolen sought the limelight for most of the early stages of the novel, I felt the most interest and sympathy for Daniel, as his own circumstances allowed him to be the heart of kindness and passion in the book.
Eliot's treatment of religion, in particular Judaism, in this novel was brilliant- allowing the reader to reflect on faith and how each individual approaches faith unique to their own beliefs.
Another 'made myself read' book and glad I did (as I can watch the mini-series without feeling that I've cheated) but it didn't really touch my romantic streak : (
More of a 3.5 than a 4, as although Eliot sets up a very interesting female character in Gwendolyn, the story seems to wander off and collect around Deronda's backstory and introspection. I guess I expected a bit more drama from the interactions between Gwendolyn and Grandcourt - their simmering tensions from conflicting ideas and personalities were my favourite part of the book - but ultimately the title /is/ 'Daniel Deronda'...
Brings up some very interesting points concerning Victorian society as well as the prevalence of antisemitism and racism, but sadly doesn't go too far in its critique. Whereas 'Middlemarch' has a loose focus on a multitude of characters with different outlooks, this is focused around a smaller cast; this definitely helped me stay interested in the plot, as there were more opportunities to connect with the central characters. However, I felt that 'Daniel Deronda' was missing something. A half-and-half focus on Gwendolyn and Daniel overall would've been far more interesting than Daniel occasionally popping in to help Gwendolyn with her marital problems - it would've also provided a nice contrast between their backgrounds and thus allowed for more social critique.
Brings up some very interesting points concerning Victorian society as well as the prevalence of antisemitism and racism, but sadly doesn't go too far in its critique. Whereas 'Middlemarch' has a loose focus on a multitude of characters with different outlooks, this is focused around a smaller cast; this definitely helped me stay interested in the plot, as there were more opportunities to connect with the central characters. However, I felt that 'Daniel Deronda' was missing something. A half-and-half focus on Gwendolyn and Daniel overall would've been far more interesting than Daniel occasionally popping in to help Gwendolyn with her marital problems - it would've also provided a nice contrast between their backgrounds and thus allowed for more social critique.