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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Upon finishing Mill on the Floss, I can reflect on the monumental piece of literature it was - a beautifully pitiful and painful read at times, but one filled with charming characters, festive settings and relatable dilemmas. Indeed, the winter setting throughout specific sections of the novel, were what drew me to reading it (after hearing this is a classic to be read in this season).
However, it is the character of Maggie Tulliver who stays with me as the enduring memory of the text. The compelling Bildungsroman or her childhood into adulthood is both tragic and delightful. Often it is this dichotomy she faces that makes her such an endearing protagonist to read about. The crescendo at the end of the text leaves the reader with a cathartic ending involving the titular river, and yes also a bittersweet remembrance of the importance of family (in particular the relationship between siblings). A clear five-star read and a great final book for the year.
However, it is the character of Maggie Tulliver who stays with me as the enduring memory of the text. The compelling Bildungsroman or her childhood into adulthood is both tragic and delightful. Often it is this dichotomy she faces that makes her such an endearing protagonist to read about. The crescendo at the end of the text leaves the reader with a cathartic ending involving the titular river, and yes also a bittersweet remembrance of the importance of family (in particular the relationship between siblings). A clear five-star read and a great final book for the year.
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
FIRST LINE REVIEW: "A wide plain, where the broadening Floss hurries on between its green banks to the sea, and the loving tide, rushing to meet it, checks its passage with an impetuous embrace." So many good feels in this opening sentence that become clear after finishing this highly enjoyable classic. The power contained in the Floss, the loving tide, checked passages and impetuous embraces all find their place over the years covered by Eliot's romantic tragedy.
The Mill on the Floss -
subtitle: “Oh my God will you just get OVER it already?”
Girl’s life ruined by stubborn men and her stubborn insistence on doing what they say. That is all.
Also, are we SURE a woman wrote this? Is she supposed to be poking fun at how men and women were portrayed in the day or did she really have such a low opinion of the worth of women? I guess I can google that.
subtitle: “Oh my God will you just get OVER it already?”
Girl’s life ruined by stubborn men and her stubborn insistence on doing what they say. That is all.
Also, are we SURE a woman wrote this? Is she supposed to be poking fun at how men and women were portrayed in the day or did she really have such a low opinion of the worth of women? I guess I can google that.
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Eliot has some really lovely prose but the plot was so meh and a slog … that ending felt like a massive middle finger 😭
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:
Yes
There are many great things about this book (the prose, Maggies character etc) but it is also very frustrating. The plot kinda peters off and the ending is abrupt and stupid.
slow-paced
I just reread this book. I generally remembered what happened, but not every little detail. The main takeaways I got are to be careful because you may fall into temptation, and don't assume the worst about people.
Lucy of course is the sweetest, and Philip's letter at the end was amazing! He finally truly learned to love Maggie, and it just presented a bigger contrast when Maggie received Stephen's letter. And I'm so glad Maggie and Tom were finally reconciled at the end, although I feel terrible for their mother. I did cry a bit reading Philip's letter and ant the very end.
Lucy of course is the sweetest, and Philip's letter at the end was amazing! He finally truly learned to love Maggie, and it just presented a bigger contrast when Maggie received Stephen's letter. And I'm so glad Maggie and Tom were finally reconciled at the end, although I feel terrible for their mother. I did cry a bit reading Philip's letter and ant the very end.