3.65k reviews for:

Middlemarch

George Eliot

4.06 AVERAGE


DNF 10%

My tolerance for insufferable characters is very low.
challenging emotional funny reflective 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
emotional informative inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional lighthearted 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
challenging 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

Really fucked up that now every book will compare to this and fall short

Middlemarch is clever and scathing. Each significant character is displayed with flaws and weaknesses highlighted against aspirations or showcased as their only points of interest. Virtues are asserted, and even demonstrated, but without vigorous interest. 
Any reader who does not identify within herself at least 3 of the failings spread throughout the inhabitants and visitors of Middlemarch is not given to critical self-examination. It is the stark rendering of a subset of human flaws and the judgment that insists on the impacts resulting from them that contributes to the durability of this book. The language and context are deeply embedded in the mid-19th century English countryside, which diminishes the universality of the novel and renders it rough going. And the length at which the author chose to extend the oft-repeated descriptions is no asset.

ok…. 

When I say I want to read, this is what I mean. Could’ve gone on for another 400 pages, and I would have no complaints. This book made me a better reader, and that is the greatest compliment I could give.
dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes