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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
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.
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.
There was a lot to love about this book. I loved the flow of the language, I loved that the book often times felt to me like Cal/Callie was a real person telling her story. The mythic references within the novel worked for me and bonus! I got to relive some of my youth as well (main character was the same age as me.) I enjoy an author who has a unique and interesting voice/style like this as well.
The things I did not like was that it took me a long time to get into the story and caring about Desdemona and Lefty and then after I did, the character of Desdemona was basically dropped from story. (the author even makes reference to this at the end when she is brought back into the picture). The periods of the book (grandparents, parents, children) just seemed choppy and not joined smoothly.
This is another of those books that 3 stars seems to little but 4 stars too much.
The things I did not like was that it took me a long time to get into the story and caring about Desdemona and Lefty and then after I did, the character of Desdemona was basically dropped from story. (the author even makes reference to this at the end when she is brought back into the picture). The periods of the book (grandparents, parents, children) just seemed choppy and not joined smoothly.
This is another of those books that 3 stars seems to little but 4 stars too much.
LOVED this one though it did take a while to get into the family history. Appreciated the social history of Detroit, and did sympathize with the character's trials.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow what an incredible book. I really wish I knew people who have read it so we could talk about it. It made me think a lot and was so beautifully written.
