Reviews

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

mishasw's review against another edition

2.5

Meh. The first half, with all of Cals ancestors is poorly written and totally unnecessary for the story. Overall just not that interesting or convincing. 

fdikili's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

suzzeb22's review

5.0

This book was not at all what I imagined it to be about. In fact, I had forgotten what the plot or premise was when I purchased it so it was a surprise to me once I began reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Particularly the characters of Desdemona and Lefty and their struggle to leave Asia Minor. Also, Cal/Calliope's character was fascinating. I think Jeffrey Eugenides did a great job describing Detroit in the 60's and I was disappointed that Cal's story didn't continue on so I could find out how everything worked out for him. He is certainly an easy writer to read and I had trouble putting this book down. Now I will certainly check out his other novels.

signorponza's review against another edition

4.0

Ci sono due storie che si intrecciano in questo libro. La prima è quella della voce narrante e protagonista del romanzo, “nata due volte”: come Calliope Stephanides e poi come Cal. Siamo infatti dinnanzi a una persona intersessuale, per la precisione ermafrodita, ossia venuta al mondo con gli organi sessuali sia maschili sia femminili. Per raccontare la sua storia, dunque, è inevitabile farsi accompagnare in un secondo racconto, cioè quello della famiglia Stephanides. Una saga familiare che nasce in Turchia quando crolla l’impero Ottomano per poi proseguire negli Stati Uniti, celando segreti e relazioni che, di fatto, sono responsabili della peculiare condizione di Calliope / Cal. Middlesex è dunque un romanzo molto articolato e avvincente, in grado di ripercorrere alcuni momenti storici (sullo sfondo) mentre ci si appassiona ai drammi della famiglia e, non meno importante, alla vita che oggi vive Cal. Scritto molto bene (vinse il Pulitzer nel 2003, non a caso).

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sgp_dalliance's review

Too slow and predictable 

sconroy9697's review

2.0

Interesting but long

elentikvah's review against another edition

This one was just not for me.  I did not like the omniscient perspective.  I did not like the incestuous relationship of his Greek grandparents.  I did not find the prose "spectacular."  The story was inadequate to engage me.  So, despite <20% completion, I am putting this one down.

Rating: 1/5 stars "did not like it"
Middlesex
21 hrs and 21 mins
Audiobook

victoriashirey's review against another edition

adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

zzahariadis's review

5.0

wow. this book is amazing.

cal_o's review

adventurous challenging emotional slow-paced

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

4.25