Reviews with content warning for Pregnancy - Middlesex

I wasn't expecting a generational saga, but that's what it is, at least in large part. A fascinating look back in time and at a different culture. Slow, largely introspective. Brings up valid questions about gender in society, but less time is spent on that than I expected. Not my favorite, interesting tho.

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mousmoulo's review

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reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated

i had to read this for uni, and nearly a month later it's FINALLY over. this isn't to say that i didn't enjoy it, i just really don't know how to feel about it.

it was too long and too slow for my liking. i've somehow never read another book following different generations one after the other and i found it far more interesting than i expected. some parts were very enjoyable, others bored me to death. overall a very mixed bag of a book.

what is important to point out is that i read/watched some reviews of the book from actual intersex people, because i was curious if it was accurate in any way, shape or form. turns out, it's not really, from what i've gathered, which brings up some issues (e.g. cal's being intersex as "punishment" for

his grandparents incest

, the emphasis on genitalia etc.).

an enlightening review on the book by an intersex person (hi, hello, hans on youtube): https://youtu.be/vmyKRGpZclc

no rating until i have some time to think about this, lol

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thewordsdevourer's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

middlesex is an enjoyable read, a bildungsroman and family epic w/ the hallmarks of a great story, though i find the length too long and the plot not focused enough on its main character.

i didnt expect the book to be such a sweeping family saga, but the journey from a tiny greek village to industrial detroit - peppered w/ historical flair, adventurous excitement and bittersweet farewell - is an entertaining one both bc of the characters, the cultural roots they bring, and the larger political and social forces. the book's dry and oft self-depracating voice also elevates it, providing enough indight and intimacy while also seeming detached and distanced enough, never giving in to any overdramatic flair however tempting it must have been.

the story of cal's forebearers are so interesting (though at times too detailed and sometimes seems a tad unnecessary, hence my criticism of its length), however, that they render the novel's second half - more focused on cal w/ the typical childhood droll and introspective teenage mulling (necessary and expected, but still) - to pale in comparison. it's a lil ironic that the book's focus on cal doesnt include more of his other interesting aspects that must have come afterwards; i wouldve loved to read more - not necessarily in detail - of what transpires between the interim 26-ish yrs of cal's 15 yr-old rebirth and present day.

even so, this is an enjoyable read abt family and identity, and certainly a well-written one - so well-written and absorbing in its voice, in fact, that i could hardly believe a middle aged man wrote it. quite simply, it's a great story and i understand all the accolades it got.

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darkmattersoybean's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

4.0

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contre_qui's review against another edition

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challenging reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

It's an interesting book overall, but pretty slow - especially at the beginning. I understand why, but if you can't get through that you probably wouldn't enjoy this book.

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