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challenging
funny
reflective
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Medical trauma
Minor: Transphobia
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Incest, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Medical content
emotional
reflective
slow-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
I had read this book once before nearly ten years ago and absolutely loved it. For some reason I wasn't sure if it would hold up as well for me today, but I have to say I enjoyed it almost equally as much.
I think this is an ambitious novel. The blending of the generational family saga and (fictional) memoir within one book reminds me somewhat of John Steinbeck's East of Eden, as does its similarly slow-paced and rambling style (which I love); however, there are just a few areas where the novel fell short for me.
There are several historical events interjected within the story, and the characters' involvement with them did not always feel natural or cohesive with the rest of the plot. A couple of these moments were a bit jarring for me as a reader. Jeffrey Eugenides's prose is also a bit too flowery for my usual taste. For the most part, I loved his writing (Obviously, otherwise I would not have enjoyed the novel at all.) but there were several instances where I had some difficulty interpreting his metaphorical use of language, especially during descriptions, and found it necessary to look up a photo of what was being described. (One may simply attribute this to my own poor reading comprehension.) And unfortunately, the many heartfelt descriptions of the city of Detroit were mostly lost on me because I have never been there.
This last bit is purely my own personal preference: I don't very much enjoy media about awkward teenagers, and this was largely what the second half of the book was made of. I was a teenager when I read this book for the first time and must have found it all relatable, but reading it again forced me to remember all of the tumultuous emotions, insecurities, infatuations, and humiliations I had to endure at that age. It was at times a bit uncomfortable for me, to be perfectly honest.
This is not entirely a bad thing from my point of view, though. I appreciate the blunt honesty of Eugenides's writing and his willingness to describe even the uncomfortable moments of life using his graceful, sensual prose. And while I personally wasn't able to visualize his beloved Detroit, my imagination flourished in his descriptions of the places I am more familiar with.
I think that Middlesex is an immigrant story at its heart, and this is my favorite thing about the novel. Maybe I'm biased, being the child of an immigrant myself, but I do believe this. Eleutherios and Desdemona's story, which was completely unrelatable and without context for me during my first read, was so compelling to me this time around. I just loved this section of the book. And the way that those two, with their children and grandchildren, try to maintain their Greek roots through the generations speaks to me as well. It's harder for me to articulate my feelings here because there is emotion involved, so suffice it to say that I see a resemblance in my own life and upbringing.
I would love to recommend this book to my friends. It has many interesting themes relating to gender identity and transformation, and it contains numerous allusions to Greek mythology. It is a deeply intimate and thoughtful story, and I think that the author, not being an intersex man himself, shows great sensitivity and empathy in his depiction of the character, Cal. I did not feel that there was anything manipulative or exploitative about this book. To me, it was a story full of love.
I think this is an ambitious novel. The blending of the generational family saga and (fictional) memoir within one book reminds me somewhat of John Steinbeck's East of Eden, as does its similarly slow-paced and rambling style (which I love); however, there are just a few areas where the novel fell short for me.
There are several historical events interjected within the story, and the characters' involvement with them did not always feel natural or cohesive with the rest of the plot. A couple of these moments were a bit jarring for me as a reader. Jeffrey Eugenides's prose is also a bit too flowery for my usual taste. For the most part, I loved his writing (Obviously, otherwise I would not have enjoyed the novel at all.) but there were several instances where I had some difficulty interpreting his metaphorical use of language, especially during descriptions, and found it necessary to look up a photo of what was being described. (One may simply attribute this to my own poor reading comprehension.) And unfortunately, the many heartfelt descriptions of the city of Detroit were mostly lost on me because I have never been there.
This last bit is purely my own personal preference: I don't very much enjoy media about awkward teenagers, and this was largely what the second half of the book was made of. I was a teenager when I read this book for the first time and must have found it all relatable, but reading it again forced me to remember all of the tumultuous emotions, insecurities, infatuations, and humiliations I had to endure at that age. It was at times a bit uncomfortable for me, to be perfectly honest.
This is not entirely a bad thing from my point of view, though. I appreciate the blunt honesty of Eugenides's writing and his willingness to describe even the uncomfortable moments of life using his graceful, sensual prose. And while I personally wasn't able to visualize his beloved Detroit, my imagination flourished in his descriptions of the places I am more familiar with.
I think that Middlesex is an immigrant story at its heart, and this is my favorite thing about the novel. Maybe I'm biased, being the child of an immigrant myself, but I do believe this. Eleutherios and Desdemona's story, which was completely unrelatable and without context for me during my first read, was so compelling to me this time around. I just loved this section of the book. And the way that those two, with their children and grandchildren, try to maintain their Greek roots through the generations speaks to me as well. It's harder for me to articulate my feelings here because there is emotion involved, so suffice it to say that I see a resemblance in my own life and upbringing.
I would love to recommend this book to my friends. It has many interesting themes relating to gender identity and transformation, and it contains numerous allusions to Greek mythology. It is a deeply intimate and thoughtful story, and I think that the author, not being an intersex man himself, shows great sensitivity and empathy in his depiction of the character, Cal. I did not feel that there was anything manipulative or exploitative about this book. To me, it was a story full of love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content
Minor: Drug use, Racism, Violence, Car accident, Death of parent, Alcohol, War
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There was a lot wrong with this book. (Though to be fair, I went in thinking that this was non-fiction, an autobiography by an intersex person, and realized with horror only later that it was fiction.) The storytelling style spanned three generations and was therefore unique, and the author clearly has a strong grasp of descriptive prose and timelines. And maybe, maybe, this was a progressive and gender-inclusive book for its time. But my commendations end there. From beginning to end, this book was full of racial stereotypes (particularly anti-Black) and racist accents if listening to the audiobook, one-sided takes on historical events, and incest. Fucking incest. Perhaps the author was not condoning procreation with one's full-blooded biological sibling, but was going into such detail necessary? Regardless of intent, this signaled that aside from being taboo on its own, being intersex is also the result of taboos, a mutation in chromosomes occurring out of inbreeding.
I'm giving it 2 stars because I liked some of the writing. The writer displays good technique here. I'm taking away 3 because of the contents and everything else about it.
I'm giving it 2 stars because I liked some of the writing. The writer displays good technique here. I'm taking away 3 because of the contents and everything else about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Deadnaming, Sexual content, Dementia, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Cultural appropriation
Minor: Fatphobia
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Incest, Sexual content, Medical trauma, Dysphoria
Moderate: Death, Grief, Death of parent, War
Minor: Body shaming, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Kidnapping
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, Homophobia, Incest, Transphobia, Violence, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Dysphoria
Minor: Racism, Sexual content, Dementia
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
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Racism, Medical content, Car accident, War
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I absolutely loved this book. It's so beautifully written, and I really enjoyed reading it. I got so attached to Calliope, and I loved the glimpses into his life in the present day.
My favourite part had to be Callie's time in Middlesex and her infatuation with The Object. I loved the nostalgic quality of the summer they spent together, and I thought the queer romance was so beautifully written and genuinely moving. I also loved that, even as a man, Cal doesn't really consider himself a man. But more both man and woman. At first, I was really put off when Cal chose to transition to life as a boy, mostly because I felt it was a bit reductive and boiling gender down to chromosomes and sexual orientation. But later, Cal does expand on his feelings about his gender and also points out how he differs from cis trans people. As a non-binary/gender fluid person myself, I really loved Cal's take on his own gender. I also loved the glimpses into Cal's present, and like many other reviewers here, I would have really liked spending more time with present day Cal, getting to know him a bit better and seeing where his relationship with Julie goes.
My only qualm is that I found Cal running away to be extremely jarring. It kind of came out of left field for me. I understand why it happens and how it acts as a catalyst to Cal's growth and self-acceptance (specifically due to Zora), but I enjoyed the book significantly less from that point on. In fact, it took me like two weeks to finish the last 80 pages or so.
Despite my qualms with it (and the fact that it is problematic that afaik Eugenides is not intersex and yet is describing a very niche, very socially taboo experience - as well as emphasising the idea that Cal's intersex condition is a direct result of incest), I enjoyed reading this book so much and the writing is so beautiful that it's still a 5 star read for me. I'm constantly floored by how Eugenides can write about the female experience in such a gentle and empathetic way. He did a wonderful job with The Virgin Suicides, and he did it again here. I can't wait to read The Marriage Plot - I sincerely hope it doesn't let me down.
My only qualm is that I found Cal running away to be extremely jarring. It kind of came out of left field for me. I understand why it happens and how it acts as a catalyst to Cal's growth and self-acceptance (specifically due to Zora), but I enjoyed the book significantly less from that point on. In fact, it took me like two weeks to finish the last 80 pages or so.
Despite my qualms with it (and the fact that it is problematic that afaik Eugenides is not intersex and yet is describing a very niche, very socially taboo experience - as well as emphasising the idea that Cal's intersex condition is a direct result of incest), I enjoyed reading this book so much and the writing is so beautiful that it's still a 5 star read for me. I'm constantly floored by how Eugenides can write about the female experience in such a gentle and empathetic way. He did a wonderful job with The Virgin Suicides, and he did it again here. I can't wait to read The Marriage Plot - I sincerely hope it doesn't let me down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, Medical trauma
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
okay wow
i cant believe how many topics this book dealt with really well in a relatively short page count
i felt so many things reading this i definitely want to continue with Eugenides' works, his writing style is impeccable
i cant believe how many topics this book dealt with really well in a relatively short page count
i felt so many things reading this i definitely want to continue with Eugenides' works, his writing style is impeccable
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Medical content, Dysphoria
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence
challenging
reflective
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Incest, Rape, Sexual content, Dysphoria
Moderate: Genocide, Violence, Dementia, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism, Transphobia, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Car accident, War