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5.3k reviews for:

Middlesex

Jeffrey Eugenides

4.14 AVERAGE


4.5 stars
Dislikes: a bit of a mismatch with the first and second parts but I liked them both so it didn’t necessarily take away from it
I love a lot of things about this book, maybe I’ll add to that thought another time…
Likes: themes (immigration, historical fiction, intersex/lgbtqia+ history), the I is often forgotten within the acronym and I enjoyed reading a story about it
Within the context of when this book was written and taken into account that the author is not a member of the community in any way, I loved it and it’s well done
Author also wrote virgin suicides
challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced
emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

An amazing read covering the intersection of sexual and gender identity. Literally so interesting and the use of the environment in the story telling was phenomenal. 
emotional reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Very Strong 4.5. Loved the writing style, the wittiness, the clever humor. I'm reading "The Marriage Plot" next as I really loved the writing ;)

From Mary. On immigration, assimilation, and becoming.

You know how when it comes to some books, you have person after person tell you, "You've got to read this book"? That's how it was for me with Middlesex. For years my friends have recommended it to me and it's been on my list of books to get around to, one day. That day came when we picked it to read at the book club.

The story it tells is of the hermaphrodite Cal, born that way thanks to a hideously inbred family: Cal's grandparents were brother and sister, and Cal's parents were first cousins (I think). At its heart, the story is one of consequence, of causes set in motion years before Cal was born, but Cal is the one who has to live with them.

My chief problem with the book is that I found the subject matter detestable. After each reading session, I was left with a sick taste in my mouth. Overall the book is well-written, and on any other topic I think I'd enjoy Jeffrey Eugenides.

While so many people have recommended this book to me, I won't be joining their ranks and tell you to read this book. I don't think it's worth the effort.
emotional informative reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Gripping book written in a unique way, a combination of first/third person narrator style that immerses you into the story. 
sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Very long in my opinion and the end wasn't as interesting as the rest.